I am deeply gratified by the election results in the Central Ward race and very much appreciate the support expressed by the community I love so much.

Going door-to-door, meeting islanders on the ferry, attending neighborhood gatherings and receiving emails, I heard what community members are saying: work together, be fiscally responsible, fix the infrastructure, uphold community values, keep business viable, advocate for fair ferry fares, preserve and enhance our cultural and environmental quality of life, and use our limited resources most productively by investing in the community.

I intend to continue working to serve this community as I have always done, and will continue to bear in mind the thoughtful input I received during the campaign. I would like to thank the voters for their confidence in my ability to lead. I am deeply honored and will do my best.

I would like to especially thank my co-campaign managers: Peggy Connolly, Kim Hendrickson and CarolAnn Barrows. You are a dynamite trio!

I look forward to working with the newly elected council members, the sitting council, the community, and city staff. In these challenging times it will take our collective talents to right this ship financially as well as socially.

Let us focus on changing the tone of our government, making attainable priorities, and securing and keeping excellent city staff. It is now our job to get the city’s problems solved. It is now our job to work together.

Together let us get great things done!

Debbi Lester

Winslow