Letter: Bacon would think globally, act locally as commissioner

Editor,

The name Melanie Bacon will be on the Aug. 4 ballot for Island County commissioner, District 1, the seat being vacated by Helen Price Johnson. The top two will be on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Melanie is my choice for this important position, which closely affects our daily lives. She is a good listener, and her varied background experiences place her in the position of readiness. She has worked in Island County government for 10 years and is the current Human Resources director.

She is, at this time, also directing the COVID-19 internal daily operations, redeploying staff and resolving urgent operational issues. She knows the effect this pandemic has on the budget of Island County and is thinking of ways to mitigate it.

She will think globally and act locally on environmental issues such as preserving the rural character of Whidbey and finding solutions for locating low-income housing, of enhancing local food production, of helping our homeless population and, having been a prison chaplain, understands how outcomes of smart programs can avert bad ones.

She has proven her leadership skills believing in collaboration and creating a positive vision for District 1.

I encourage you to look at her website, www.melaniebacon.com, and read her platform, background and experience, and agree with me that she will represent us in Island County with honesty, integrity and for the future we want.

Pam Schell

Langley