To the editor:

I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse Joe Deets for the North Ward Council position.

I have known Joe for several years and he truly cares about the future of Bainbridge Island. In particular his concern about the natural environment and the impact of climate change led Joe to co-found the nonprofit organization Community Energy Solutions. He worked tirelessly with the state legislature to help pass innovative community solar legislation, Senate Bill 6658. As a result more than 60 community solar projects have been completed across the state. One of these is a 72-kilowatt photovoltaic system on the Bainbridge Island City Hall roof. I am proud to be one of the investors in that project.

He also believes that affordable housing on the island should be innovative and should include solar energy systems to reduce long-term utility costs and has worked with the U.S. Department of Energy to bring community-wide residential energy efficiency program for island.

Joe supports an open and transparent city government and served as the chairman of the Ethics Board for the city of Bainbridge Island.

Joe and his family have lived on Bainbridge Island for more than 17 years and he has seen the results of poorly managed growth on the island. He represents a new vision for the island where the city council actually listens to island residents; supports sustainable energy practices, and promotes affordable housing to ensure a diverse citizenry.

This is a crucial time for Bainbridge Island and Joe Deets is the right person to help lead the way to a more positive and sustainable future. Please join me in voting for Joe Deets.

JOE DUNSTAN

Bainbridge Island