To the editor:

It’s your turn to say what you think! Nov. 7 is Election Day to choose our new city council.

Our island community is at a crossroad. Major decisions to change the way we develop, what we preserve, transportation and housing options, government services, and how much we pay for it all are going to be decided by the next city council.

The city council role is the city budget. What gets budgeted becomes city policy.

Policy determines how it will get done. It’s that simple. These choices help reflect, shape and determine community.

How they make their decisions matters as much as what they decide.

What will they determine to be the role of the public in their deliberations? What information will they request to help them decide?

Will they prioritize financial and cultural sustainability?

The only way to change how the city makes decisions, is to change how the city council makes decisions; the only way to change that, is to change who is on city council.

This election we have three excellent candidates who offer change: Rasham Nassar, Matthew Tirman and Joe Deets bring fresh perspectives to address broader island interests.

It’s not enough to be experienced. People in public life we most admire turn experience into graciousness.

These candidates all bring an openness, candor and inner strength essential for cooperation and active listening.

My own experience of 25 years of community service, and eight years on city council help identify which candidates best emphasize these.

DEBBIE VANCIL

Bainbridge Island