To the editor:
My husband and I have both worked with and watched Sarah Blossom over her previous two terms on the council.
I absolutely believe (as did he) that she is the best candidate for this position. She has incredible integrity, she’s a hard worker, she looks for solutions, and cares deeply about the community. She is open to new information, not just because she’s getting more letters but because she is looking for what makes sense for this community — not just now, but in the future.
Randal and I didn’t always agree with her on every issue, but we felt we could talk with her about our differences and she would seriously consider our thoughts. She has broad experience which will serve her (and us) well in the city’s work plan. She has worked through both the Shoreline Management Plan, and the Comprehensive/Growth Management Plan in her years on council (definitely not for the faint of heart or energy). Randal served with her on the Utilities Advisory Committee, I worked with her later on the Human Services Funding Advisory Committee. She has also worked with the Tree Committee, the Island Center Sub-Area Planning Committee, and the Affordable Housing Committee.
She has shown up prepared, and listened to a wide swath of community views on these issues.
It is very complicated to translate ideas and values into reality because it is complicated to turn them into policy/code, costs money and as much as people may care about climate change or affordable housing, islanders’ views about how to build infrastructure, affordable housing while protecting the environment (and not breaking the budget) are diverse.
A city councilmember is essentially a board member for a medium-size corporation. I am grateful Sarah Blossom is willing to run for this position again. She has earned it, and the respect of many islanders who watch the council’s work, because of her integrity, persistence, intelligence and thoughtful consideration of the difficult policy choices council has to make.
My vote goes to Sarah Blossom and I encourage you to join me.
GLORIA SAYLER
Bainbridge Island
