I’m writing in support of Debbi Lester and her campaign for City Council.

Debbi has been a strong and compassionate supporter of the fabric of our island: the connection between community and place.

As a member of the Public Art Committee, she helped facilitate the first public art installation at Blakely Harbor Park, contributing long hours and donating personal resources to the event.

She also helped with the ensuing Collocation exhibit at Pritchard Park, sponsoring the printing of the art map and maintaining the guest book that became an invaluable document of visitors to environmental art in the newly acquired city park.

Most recently, Debbi’s commitment to placemaking was apparent in her advocacy for the street trees on Wyatt Way.

Gathering witnesses representing a range of historic, environmental and aesthetic perspectives, she championed the worth of the trees resulting in a different approach to developing a key downtown site.

Her care for people and the island has an enduring and significant impact on this Bainbridge’s livability.

Debbi actively supports the values our island community wants to stand for: cooperation, environmental sanity, beauty and civility.

And she does it in a human, humorous and steadfast way, encouraging us all to participate in her vision.

Kristin Tollefson

Bainbridge Island