Editor,

Voters in District 2 have a choice to make for Island County commissioner this Aug. 4 that can affect how well the county functions far into the future. Much has been made about a candidate’s experience and qualifications, but little has come to light about a candidate’s personality or ability to work well with others.

It is no surprise that one of the largest unions at Island County, AFSCME Local 18454, has come out supporting Fe Mischo. The 190 members of this union, who represent the technical and professional staff, are looking for a culture shift in their working environment. They want an Island County commissioner who treats them with respect and understands what it is like to work on the “front lines” and meet deadlines.

Most importantly, they are looking for a commissioner who truly listens to their concerns, even if the response they receive is not always what they ultimately want.

Having such a commissioner means that these employees can be more productive, experience less job stress and be subject to lower job turnover. Job turnover is a big problem in some of the county departments and is costly to the county.

For example, in the Planning Department, it can take at least six months to train a new employee. Workers who are not treated well are quick to find employment off island where they can earn twice as much money with much less hassle.

Among land use and development staff, only four of 11 team members in Coupeville have been with the county for more than five years; moreover, only two out of four building inspectors/plans examiners in Coupeville have been there for five years or more.

Fe Mischo has impeccable people skills and has proven her ability to work as a volunteer and advocate in a number of diversified settings. By all accounts from the people who have worked with her, she would make an outstanding Island County commissioner, certainly worthy of the voters’ consideration.

Marshall F. Goldberg

Oak Harbor