To the editor:

Island County is a multi-million-dollar operating entity, and its commissioners should have specific education, experience and proven skills.

Carefully consider the two candidates’ qualifications, and it will be obvious that Phil Bakke is the best person for the District 1 position.

Phil, the son of Norwegian immigrants, grew up right here on Whidbey Island. Graduating from Langley High School, he earned a degree at Western Washington University from the College of Environmental Sciences in Urban and Regional Planning—with emphasis on coastal processes. This is truly auspicious for those of us who live here — a local guy, who loves our islands, and wants to utilize his skills for us.

In May 2008, Phil graduated from the University of Washington’s Daniel Evans School of Government with a master’s degree in public administration while serving as Island County commissioner.

The Island County program for ground and surface water quality, developed under Phil as director of planning and adopted by our commissioners, received statewide accolades and is now a model program copied by other counties. Island County also received kudos from the Washington Growth Management Hearings Board for its recent ordinance regulating agriculture — another model for other counties.

Phil Bakke understands the environmental impacts of county activities, and his appreciation and adherence to environmental policies, science and law will help us as a county to negotiate the difficult balance between environmental protection and growth, while conserving the beauty of this place we all love.

I know Phil, and my vote enthusiastically goes to reelect Commissioner Bakke.

Nancy Thompson

Clinton