Local elections are the time when a citizen’s vote has the most impact but, come on folks, the best candidate for office is not determined by the number of their political signs. Island County and the 10th Legislative District has a very powerful state senator in the person of Mary Margaret Haugen.

A little history: Mary Margaret, as she likes to be called, served in the State House of Representatives from 1982-1992, the State Senate from 1993 to present. She is the State Senate Transportation Committee chairperson and is well known to be extremely dedicated to the causes and needs of the 10th Legislative District. Mary Margaret is the most senior senator in experience, not age.

Just over the past five years Mary Margaret has been instrumental in obtaining major funding for many projects in Island County. To mention a few, the Coupeville covered play area, Oak Harbor dredging, Oak Harbor Veterans Memorial, Oak Harbor multi-purpose community and sports facility, Camano Community Health Clinic, Freeland Sewer District, and many conservation, State Park and recreation projects too numerous to mention here.

She has also obtained grants and on-going operational funds for transportation in the 10th district, such as $2.5 million for much needed park and ride lots for both Whidbey and Camano Islands.

The above is a matter of public record.

Because Mary Margaret has had the foresight to see the importance of public transportation she has been a supporter of Island Transit which is itself a tremendous boon to Island County.

Mary Margaret’s opponents might be wonderful people, but if they are successful in their bid for the Senate, they would be the state’s most junior senator. This would negatively effect Island County for many years to come.

The best candidate is the one that can do the most for their district. Re-elect Mary Margaret Haugen and let her complete her dreams for our community.

Dan Couture

Greenbank