Editor,

I met Carolyn Cliff, candidate for Island County Superior Court Judge position 2, in the late 1980s. I was starting Genesis House in Langley, a shelter for women and children fleeing abusive situations.

I was a volunteer with no experience but driven to help others.

Carolyn was a professional guided by rational thinking paired with an unwavering sense of justice and compassion. She became my mentor and friend.

My life is focused upon bringing people’s attention to injustice — which is why Carolyn’s sense of justice stands out to me.

In 2014, other concerned community members and I founded the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition.

Today, we manage a family shelter in Langley and an overnight shelter in Oak Harbor, with the support of participating churches who host us.

As a strong believer in the power of communities, I think it’s important to have someone as judge who has lived here for a long time and understands our communities.

Carolyn knows us — and we know her.

That’s a huge benefit. She has earned our trust.

Someday, someone you love may be standing before a judge, and you will want to know and trust that the judge is someone like Carolyn.

Judy Thorslund, founder

South Whidbey Homeless Coalition