Editor,

The most important and locally influential government position is that of our county commissioners. As longtime responsible Whidbey Island residents, and after careful consideration of all candidates’ values and experience, we have chosen to fully endorse Damian Greene as Island County Commissioner, District 1. He is the only candidate on the ballot who has received endorsement by the Island County Republican Party.

Damian was elected to the South Whidbey School District Board for three terms and has proven to be an experienced and effective leader. There is no question that he would manage the county with a responsible business approach. As a lifetime Whidbey Island resident, he would push for the best possible quality of life in our community, as well as good stewardship of all that we already have.

Before graduating from Central Washington University, he was a graduate of Langley High School. As a former business owner of 25 years, he has worked with many islanders in both residential and commercial insurance. He is the only candidate for this position to have effectively managed a $20-million budget with over 200 employees — South Whidbey School District. Occasionally being a lone conservative voice, he has been highly effective in making positive changes within our community. While many in the community believed Langley Middle School should have been sold, Damian’s pragmatic ideas prevailed, and our historic facility is now generating over $300,000 annually and benefiting many as the South Whidbey Community Center today.

Damian Greene has a solid understanding of all the major issues and concerns affecting our community, and the type of leadership experience we need to see in our Island County Commissioners. We need to elect a strong local leader like Damian Greene, who has proven he will take positive beneficial stance on local issues that concern the wellbeing of our community. For an excellent and sustainable future, vote for Damian Greene.

Justin and Alanna Nichols, Langley; Jim Henderson, Freeland; Morgan Cooper, Langley; Mary Jane Olsen, Clinton; Bill and Stephanie Criswell, Freeland; Todd and Julie Parrick, Clinton; Craig Justus, Freeland; Dennis Hunsinger,Langley; Mike and Laurie Davis, Clinton; Bob Taylor, Clinton; Ray Frey, Langley; Matt Hamblin, Freeland; Zach Harter, Clinton; Adam Breedlove, Clinton; Dennis Bohling, Clinton; Cooper Nichols, Clinton; Lenore Peck, Clinton; Karl and Lynn Parrick, Clinton; Jack and Kristin Petosa, Freeland; Andy and Janine Elf, Freeland; Jeremy and Jackie Birchfield, Langley; Dorothy Thorsen, Clinton; John Eberhardt, Clinton; Judy Workman, Clinton; Jim Breiling, Freeland; Marta Berry, Freeland; John and Linda Lutch, Langley; Brad Jaeger, Freeland; Tony Edwards, Clinton; Reilly O’Sullivan, Clinton; Martin and Traci Winn, Langley; Maureen Greene, Clinton; Jonathan Rich, Greenbank; and Rory Savage, Ellensburg