Island News
Local headlines from around the San Juans
County budget analyst casts a spell on Q3 numbers
“September’s spell has closed this year. On October 27, a spirit draws near, and Halloween whispers on the frontier. I bring forth on this bewitched debut the third sort of review I’ve summoned for you, drawn from the ledgers old and true.” — Dr. Molly Foote.
Ready for the work | Letter
Since February, I’ve been on the campaign trail, meeting people across our island county. I’ve been blown away by the passion residents have for this place and their commitment to its future.
Vote for Jennifer Swanson | Letter
I have known Jennifer Swanson for the better part of two decades. When I think of her, I think of her generosity and helpfulness the most. I have worked with her in several capacities and also consider her a dear friend — I admire her immensely. She is a notably active listener, a direct and caring communicator, and remains kind and calm through intensity. Her care shines in every aspect of her hard work. Her patience, understanding, finely tuned moral compass and deep care for all the earth’s i
In support of Jeff Asher for sheriff | Letter
My name is Ray Clever. I was a SJCSO deputy and detective for 27 years, 20 of those with Jeff Asher. I am proud to say I helped train him. I’m even prouder of how he has grown his skills and served his community. He is the epitome of community service.
Vote no on ballot initiatives | Letter
We strongly encourage you to vote “no” on ballot initiatives IP26-645, IL26-001, and IL26-638.
Easements keep the co-op running
Submitted by the Orcas Power & Light Cooperative.
San Juan County receives $660K public safety grant
Submitted by San Juan County.
No more funding for war with Iran | Letter
The American public was told that war with Iran is necessary to eliminate the threat to U.S. security posed by a hostile and potentially nuclear-armed regime in that Middle East country. In fact, the conflict has had exactly the opposite effect. Our troops are endangered, the hardliners in Iran have been empowered, and global energy markets are disrupted. Inflation is skyrocketing, fuel prices are through the roof, and medical and nutrition programs have been slashed while billionaires are enjoy
Vote Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
92 percent of the people in Jennifer Swanson’s community voted for her for San Juan County Council in the primary elections. That’s how much she is loved, honored and appreciated by her neighbors. Jennifer also won 20-23 precincts in the primaries which illustrates how much she is respected on all of the islands.
Vote for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Katherine is the right person to represent District 3. She’s qualified and experienced at leading this community through unprecedented challenges. She knows what it takes to advocate effectively at local and state levels, and most importantly, she’s lived the issues. She’s worked multiple jobs here to make ends meet, coached and mentored our youth, and led the effort to ensure our access to healthcare. We need her energy, vision, experience, and dedication on Council.
Jennifer Swanson will represent all of San Juan County | Letter
Having served eight years on the San Juan County Council, the Ferry Advisory Committee, and spent 20+ years operating small businesses on Orcas Island, I know the challenges of representing our island communities. That experience is why I am proud to support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council, District 3.
Vote for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Among my favorite takeaways from attending Leadership San Juan Islands was my friendship with Katherine Bryant Ingman. She is immediately smart, capable, warm and friendly. Always a first choice for team projects. Rarely in life is someone’s trajectory so clear and so clearly aligned with their being.
Local 1849 endorses County Council and auditor candidates | Letter
Members of AFSCME Local 1849, the union representing San Juan County employees, have endorsed Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council and Heather Lee for County Auditor. The endorsements follow the candidates’ clear commitments to transparent leadership and to the workforce that keep county services running.
Ron Krebs is NOT the man he portrays himself to be | Letter
I have known Ron since he moved to the island and became a deputy. He made me believe he was a friend, a man of integrity and good intentions and someone who cared about the people in this community. It turns out that Ron is just another politician who smiles in your face and tells you what you want to hear and only wants to promote and serve himself.
Katherine brings leadership and a voice for our future | Letter
I wholeheartedly endorse Katherine. She brings the lived experience, leadership, and commitment needed to help guide our county through the important issues we face. She represents a generation whose voices and futures are vulnerable in our island communities, yet whose presence is essential to the long-term health and vitality of the county. Katherine is an exceptional community advocate who brings both the passion and the skills needed to turn her commitment into meaningful action for our comm
Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I have known Jennifer for over 20 years. We served on the Shaw Island School Board together for many years and I have admired her quiet and effective leadership. She is one of the best listeners I know and she has an innate ability to carefully process all sides of an issue with empathy, common sense, and humanity. She is a uniter, not a divider, and I enthusiastically support her for county council.
Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
Jennifer Swanson has my wholehearted support for the San Juan County Council, District 3. Jennifer brings an exceptional and effective combination of thoroughness, thoughtfulness, practicality and kindness. She has the rare ability to bring together people with divergent points of view. She’s a pleasure to work with and to know, and her actions inspire trust while helping bring out the best in others.
Join me in voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Katherine is a leader who listens & collaborates to find solutions that work for the wellbeing of the community. Please join me & vote Katherine Bryant Ingman for Council position #3.
Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
We support Jennifer Swanson for San Juan County Council Position 3.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Dear Islanders, our islands face complex challenges demanding practical solutions and fresh thinking, I am supporting Katherine Bryant Ingman for SJC Council. She’s a candidate whose record shows she knows how to get things done. Her experience comes from years of collaborating directly with islanders of all ages, families, elders, youth, and working people who depend on strong local services. This is the kind of intergenerational leadership SJC needs.
Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council | Letter
Katherine is a thoughtful and intentional leader who is truly dedicated to serving our island communities. Whether volunteering as a high school track coach or leading the Catherine Washburn Medical Association when the Lopez Clinic sought a new provider, she brings professionalism and a deep care for others to her work. While serving on the WSF Schedule Rewrite Commission, Katherine sought solutions-based strategies to benefit all islanders. It is with deep pleasure that I endorse Katherine for
Support for Jennifer Swanson for County Council | Letter
I want to recommend Jennifer Swanson for County Council District 3.
From Orcas Island to the Florida campaign trail
Submitted by Ayn Gailey.
County moves forward with belonging, equity and inclusion efforts
San Juan County will continue diversifying its workforce and building a more inclusive workplace, building on efforts started in 2023. Goals include all underrepresented groups, including the county’s growing Hispanic and Latino community, which was the most underrepresented demographic in county employment.