Editor,

If you are like me these days, you often feel scattered and unable to focus. There are six folks running for county commissioner in District 1. Here’s how you can drop race this from your to-do list.

Vote for Curt Gordon, who served you in local government for over 30 years. He is running as a nonpartisan, independent because he sincerely does not believe that a county commissioner should be political or guided by a political party.

You first elected him in 1987 as a South Whidbey Parks and Recreation commissioner. He served for 19 years. I worked for the district as office manager from 1998 to 2004. Curt was very hands on with managing the budget and there was always a well-funded reserve.

The district’s levy amount was never raised while Curt served. His construction background was an asset when the district made improvements or additions to the park’s facilities and he saved money by serving as the project manager when it was appropriate.

You next elected him as your Port of South Whidbey commissioner in 2009. The primary purpose of a port district is economic development. As small business owner, Curt uses his knowledge, drive and flexibility to successfully execute the port’s purpose. The results are evident — the Langley Marina expansion, which he proposed, the Island County Fairgrounds acquisition and the $500,000 Possession Point boat launch rebuild.

Recently, he spearheaded a successful $320,000 request for a grant for the port to repair the passenger ferry dock in Clinton.

Curt grew up on Whidbey. He has seen the changes and how property values and wages have affected who can afford to live here. He wants to ensure that the county’s economy is efficient as well as doing what he can to make living here affordable.

As a business owner and employer and elected official, he has worked closely the county so he understands its systems. He can begin successfully serving in the position as commissioner on day one.

It’s going to be a difficult year. We don’t know how the coronavirus will affect our county and our economy. So vote for Curt to serve our community, like you have been doing for over 30 years.

Linda Meehan

Coupeville