To the editor:

We encourage you to vote for Kirsten Hytopolous for city council.

Why? Because track record tells the best story of who someone is. Kirsten has lived on Bainbridge for almost two decades. During that time she has demonstrated her commitment to preserving the unique island character and sense of place of Bainbridge.

Kirsten understands the need to plan for growth but not promote the growth that results in clear-cuts, housing developments and clogged roads. She believes in climate science and recognizes the importance of protecting our finite natural resources whether healthy trees, our aquifer water source or streams for salmon to spawn.

Kirsten gets things done. In 2009, she worked on the campaign to change to the current council-manager form of government and served on council from 2010-2013. During that time she participated in hiring the first two city managers and significant reform of city finances. The goal then and now was to create effective, responsive government.

During this time of rapid change on Bainbridge, we need the balanced approach of a seasoned leader, not a rookie without the deep understanding of the issues that islanders care about. Vote Kirsten.

ELLEN LOCKERT AND NINA JACKSON

Bainbridge Island