Editor,

I am convinced that the only way to influence what policies are enacted is to change the people enacting them. And choosing Clyde Shavers to represent us in the State House of Representatives (District 10) is an excellent opportunity for positive change.

There are plenty of reasons Clyde is such an outstanding candidate, one wholly committed to public service: he’s a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and a Navy veteran; at age 31, he represents a younger generation that deserves a stronger voice in our state government; and he genuinely walks his talk of integrity, compassion and public service as demonstrated by his work at UNICEF, Goosefoot, Skagit Friendship House and other organizations.

And, especially important for me, Clyde represents change from the incumbent. Unlike the incumbent who consistently earns a low rating from the Washington Conservation Voters, Clyde will work to protect the environment. He understands the threat of sea level rise to our island water systems, he is committed to clean energy, and he gets how damaging illegal (or badly done) logging can be. In addition to his other accomplishments, Clyde recently earned his law degree at Yale, focusing on environmental law, and is proud of his work with the Natural Resources Defense Council.

In this political environment, using the power of your vote to elect people who best represent your preferences is the best way to return to progress in this country.

Sally King

Greenbank