Editor,

Helen Price Johnson, Island County commissioner, District 1, deserves the support of voters in her campaign to continue serving the citizens of Island County. She will continue to do so in the exemplary manner that she established in her previous service. Helen operates from a core set of beliefs and principles that are grounded in a strong work ethic, honesty, fairness, and solid sustainable solutions to complex multi-dimensional challenges. Helen listens to people and has their best interests at heart. She does her homework and studies each issue that comes before the commissioners in Island County. She is intelligent and thoughtful and requires a high level of accountability and quality service from the staff and administration. She is kind and considerate and a long-term recognized political leader.

I had the privilege to serve under her leadership as a skilled school board member when I was the superintendent of the South Whidbey School District. She was visionary and responsive to the needs of the students, parents, staff, and administration. She required accountability and was quick to affirm the quality work of personnel while setting and expecting high standards of performance from them. The school board was named a state school board of the year in 2007 while she and I served together.

When I was appointed and subsequently elected to the position of mayor of the City of Langley there was no greater political advocate for the city and the area of South Whidbey than Helen. She was a good listener and quick to identify needs and she participated actively in supporting and implementing solutions to challenges in our communities. In particular she led community efforts to respond to substance abuse and related property crimes. She knowledgeably supported various initiatives to promote community planning, economic growth and development, mental health services, road repairs, beach access, police services and protection of the environment to name a few.

She walks the talk and serves her constituents. Her knowledge base and skill set is a significant asset to the citizens in our area. I encourage your support of her re-election campaign.

Respectfully,

FRED MCCARTHY

Langley