To the editor:

When I resigned from my position as port commissioner for the Port of South Whidbey, I did so in August in order for the position to be filled by election rather than appointment. After all, it is an “elected” position. I was pleased to see four candidates file for the position with such short notice.

I also felt a responsibility to encourage a person to run who shared my commitment to the people living in District 3 (Clinton), as part of the entire port district. That person is Mona Newbauer. Mona lives in Clinton, she has a business in Langley and her husband commutes on the ferry. Looking back over the years that I have known her, I have seen her active in the chambers, the art community and shopping at many of the businesses here on South Whidbey. She walks the walk of supporting the local economy.

When I would see her conversing with people, she took time to listen as well as talk, a quality often lacking in politics. This ability to listen will serve her well in directing the policies of the port.

The port’s staff is fully capable of providing the technical information about the various port projects, what is needed is the ability to apply it. The responsibility of the commissioners is to integrate that information with the needs and desires of the community. I believe Mona will listen, learn and then act.

I enthusiastically endorse Mona Newbauer as port commissioner for Position 3 and encourage everyone to vote for her.

Lynae Slinden

Former Port of South Whidbey Commissioner, District 3