To the editor:

Local elections are just around the corner. The decisions we make, in choosing our leaders, directly impact our daily lives.

Thankfully, we have a proven leader in Helen Price Johnson, our county commissioner representing District 1. Helen is seeking re-election and I believe not only that she has earned a second term, but that it is vitally important that we retain her.

Helen understands this county like few others. She was raised here and attended local schools. She graduated college and returned to live here. She married and raised her children here. She served two terms as a school board member for the South Whidbey School District, where she emerged as a leader. She manages her family business and volunteers for her community in many capacities.

Helen has served one term as Island County Commissioner, and is widely recognized as a capable leader in that capacity.

It is not often that we have the chance to vote for a person with such intelligence, sound judgment, solid family and community values, unquestionable integrity, uncommon communication skills, and ability to lead others to balanced and fair decisions. Helen has proven herself time and again in her service to community. When you meet Helen, and I suggest you do so, you will know immediately that you are in the presence of a remarkable human being.

If you can’t meet her personally before the election, you can visit her website,

helenpricejohnson.org. These are tough times. Leaders must be capable and strong, with enough integrity and vision to make the tough decisions for all of us. This is no time to “shake things up” in District 1. It would be a serious mistake to replace what is so obviously not broken. Please join me in voting to retain Helen Price Johnson.

Dan N. Bond

Coupeville