Editor,

I have been friends with Jill Johnson for over a decade. I’ve danced poorly at her wedding and she’s unpacked moving boxes for me. I am so fortunate to have a friend like her.

Since I am a lifelong Democrat and the granddaughter of Sen. Lowell Peterson, Democratic 40th District senator from 1965- 87, I was taught at an early age about the values of the party, so I participated in many rousing discussions about political policies with Jill Johnson over the years.

While we may disagree on some philosophies, I have found that we agree on everything that matters in this county commissioner election.

She is a good person who wants the best for all of us.

They say when you’re up, your friends know who you are. And, when you’re down, you know who your friends are. They are the friends who dig deep when we go through a challenging time, take us by the hand and remind us that we are not alone.

Jill Johnson has been this friend to me and to the people of Island County.

We have certainly gone through challenging times, and she has been there for us. She’s been willing to be the sometimes unpopular voice of restraint on the County Commission when necessary, and she’s stuck her neck out on issues that landed her in the hot seat on our behalf.

Jill Johnson was there for us when we needed extra deputies to ensure that no deputy would work without a backup and both islands had 24-hour coverage. She was there for us when the real estate endustry wanted five days of service each week at the county so our houses could be sold and payments transferred in a timely manner. She was there for us when our farmers were burdened with an unfair property tax structure that threatened the industry. And, she has been there, advocating for us around the issues of mental health that we all have a stake in.

Jill Johnson cares deeply for our natural environment and wants to have practical solutions to issues that may threaten our salmon harvest or shellfish beds. She is the type of friend to Island County that makes sure our parks have port-a-potties, not the flashiest of “causes” — but certainly important if you spend much time at the beach.

She has done all of this because it is in her nature to be that kind of friend. We are so fortunate to have her working on our behalf in Island County, and I encourage you to join me in voting for her. I’m still with Jill because she is still with us.

Terica Ginther

Oak Harbor