Voters have a chance to right a wrong in the primary this year by voting for Debra Van Pelt for clerk. The county commissioners chose to appoint a county clerk who has no experience as a clerk, rather than Debra Van Pelt who has a track record of five years in the clerk’s office.

The appointed clerk apparently has a master’s degree in administration, but she cannot get along with her staff. She hired a deputy clerk who knows nothing about the job in order to “protect” her from the staff, and just recently claimed that her staff was creating a “hostile work environment” for her. That’s not a good reflection at all on the appointed clerk’s administrative abilities. Now Island County has two “administrators” to manage three clerks, three clerks who do all the work! That’s a waste of money!

On the other hand, Debra Van Pelt has the leadership abilities necessary for the job. People follow her lead because they want to, not because of threats of ridicule. Debra Van Pelt is the kind of clerk who works hard, treats everyone with respect and is meticulous with her administrative jobs. She can handle the job, boost morale and pinch hit when the clerk’s office is short staffed.

With Debra Van Pelt for clerk, you will get someone who is an administrator and knows the job. We cannot afford to waste money in Island County.

Vote for Debra Van Pelt for Island County Clerk!

Sally Jacobs

Oak Harbor