My family’s political ideology has deep roots. I was raised by a pilot,

Marine, and long-time Republican state representative. Now as a married

woman with two children and a 24 year resident of Island County, I have

learned that too often we as voters are used as mere pawns to the advantage

of one political party or the other because of an unconditional allegiance

extended to the Republican or Democrat label.

I challenge our community to look beyond these labels which can so easily manipulate us, and instead study the words, actions, deeds, and lifestyles of our candidates.

With the general election of Nov. 4 approaching, all of us on

Whidbey and Camano islands have the opportunity to decide who will best

serve us as County Commissioner District 2. When I learned of the extensive real estate holdings that include lots, private homes, apartment buildings and condominiums of incumbent Mac McDowell (detailed in the Sept. 22 Whidbey News-Times), I tried to comprehend how he could ever hope to serve impartially as our county commissioner.

We trust our commissioner to make decisions on land use policy. I believe Mac MacDowell’s large real estate possessions have at least the appearance of a conflict of interest. With the average Island County household income of $47,345 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2004) and most of us struggling to put food on the table for our families and make the current month’s mortgage/rent payment for our one and only home, I believe we need a commissioner who is more in tune with the needs of Island County’s constituents.

Furthermore, never has a woman served on the Island County Board of Commissioners in its 155 year history. Shouldn’t the composition

of the board more accurately reflect the residents served?

Challenging the incumbent is Angela Homola, an Oak Harbor businesswoman and

practicing architect with a degree from WSU. Her children are in the Oak

Harbor public schools and her husband is in the military. Her energy and

grassroots activism is an inspiration and I sincerely believe Ms. Homola

will bring sensitivity, vigor, a fresh perspective, and a lack of bias to

her job as commissioner.

She seeks to fully utilize the talents and resources of county leaders, professionals, and citizen volunteers alike. Furthermore, she will truly be a servant of the entire community while encouraging public dialogue and engagement. Let’s ignore partisan labels for a change and vote for Angela Homola for County Commissioner District 2, a woman who will be a visionary and steward for all people of Island County and will not cater to self-interests and the local financial elite!

Mary van der Boll

Oak Harbor