Vote for Turner
For many years, the county commissioners have come primarily from small town and agricultural backgrounds. While rural issues are certainly an important focus of county government, it is also essential for county government to understand the issues of our cities, and to work cooperatively with city governments in solving regional problems. We need more balanced representation on the County Commission.

 Bill Turner is a person who understands both sides. He lived outside the city on south Fidalgo Island for many years, where he was very active in environmental groups and growth management issues. More recently, he moved into Anacortes where he now serves on the Anacortes City Council.

He has represented the city well on committees for water rights, solid waste, and other issues where Skagit County and its cities must coordinate their efforts for the benefit of everyone. He also serves on the Port-City Liaison committee — another example of cooperation between jurisdictions. 

 Bill has experience working with both city and county regulations as a builder of quality homes and environmentally oriented developments. He has installed roads and utility systems, and managed a successful business. He understands how the actions of the County Commission affect the daily lives of each of us — our jobs, our environment, our quality of life.

If you agree that it is important to have a balanced County Commission — one that represents city as well as rural interests — join me in voting for Bill Turner.
 Cynthia Richardson
Anacortes City Councilmember

Peace efforts should start inthe community
Isn’t it time for the people on the corners to stop acting like children who, when they can’t have it their way, throw a tantrum and hurt people?

You both want peace and disagree on how to get it. We all hope to have our servicemen and women home, but disagree how. We have the right to that opinion.

We aren’t going to have peace as a community until you have it in your heart. It begins with each of us. You’re going to have to live together in this lovely place and you’ll meet on the streets and in gatherings. Are you going to continue this hateful behavior?

For those of you for whom Sunday is a Sabbath, are you supposed to do good or hurt? It’s good to exercise your right to stand up for what you believe and to have the right to do that without hurting anyone. So do your things and let us wave at whichever corner we support and enjoy the freedom to do that.

It’s about time to give us peace.
Ruth Lorente
Anacortes

Vote for Ranker
The names of four good Democrats for state Senate will appear on our primary ballot. But like the Democratic Party, who nominated and then endorsed Kevin Ranker, I support his candidacy. His experience speaks for itself.

With a degree in community development and coastal ecology, Kevin has worked in community development and conservation at the local, regional and international level. Kevin has acted as a lead on state and federal legislative matters for the region. He has direct experience working on behalf of our citizens in Olympia representing issues regarding senior citizen and veteran’s needs, agricultural promotion/preservation, small businesses protection and promotion, education and the environment.

He was elected as a San Juan County commissioner in 2004. He also serves as chair of the Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council, the Washington Counties Transportation Committee and the Washington Coastal Counties Caucus representing all 14 coastal counties.

In 2005 Gov. Gregoire appointed him to the Washington State Oil Spill Advisory Council. Other appointments are to the Washington State Shorelines Hearing Board and Puget Sound Partnership Ecosystem Coordination Board.

Kevin Ranker is the person we need to represent us in the state Senate. He’s young, widely experienced, intelligent and has devoted his life to public service. What more could we want?
Gail Nicolls
Anacortes

Landscaping makes bank a good neighbor
Banner Bank is to be congratulated for being such a good corporate citizen. The bank plans to build on the southwest corner of 18th Street and Commercial Avenue, and in the meantime, it has not only installed an attractive fence, but has put in a lawn.

It is a pleasure to see these temporary improvements, rather than a bare, week-infested lot. Thanks Banner Bank.
Virginia E. (Bunny) Heiner, Susan Rooks
Anacortes

Vote for Ranker
In the 40th Legislative District Senate race, Kevin Ranker stands out.

Kevin has the leadership experience we need in Olympia to tackle the difficult issues ahead. Kevin Ranker has demonstrated his commitment to fight for our quality-of-life values including: economic development and family wage jobs, clean air and water, and good schools. My vote goes to Kevin Ranker.
Keith Rubin
Anacortes

Vote for Henderson
Many people do not realize the effect of the Supreme Court ruling that the top 2 primary is legal. As a result of that ruling, the Democratic party decided to have the precinct committee members of the 40th District choose one of the candidates to represent the Democrat party on the ballot.

Although that small group selected Kevin Ranker, Ken Henderson a lifelong Democrat is also on the ballot. I believe Ken to be the better candidate for many reasons.

He has wide elected and appointed public office experience, from the Whatcom County Council to the Bellingham Planning Commission and the Deception Pass State Park Advisory Board. Ken is a strong supporter of environmental issues.

He has many key union endorsements, but my favorite thing about Ken’s background is the extensive humanitarian work he has done as an optometrist. He not only has helped disadvantage patients locally but has spent a great deal of time in Central American countries with teams of medical professionals tending to the needs of impoverished people in those countries.

I look for a broad background and a heart for helping others in a political candidate. Ken Henderson, in my opinion, fills the bill for senator from the 40th District.
Leslie Krous
Anacortes