A competitive race among three candidates seeking to replace Don Munks as District 1 Skagit County commissioner has been good for Fidalgo Island — and Skagit County.

As Leo Jacobs, Bill Turner and Ron Wesen campaign around the west end of the county and press their views at various forums, voters here are getting a good look at three solid candidates. Only two will move on to the general election in November — when voters from around the county, not just from District 1, will chose who joins the three-person Skagit County Board of Commissioners.

Wesen, a Bow dairy farmer running as a Republican, is solid on farmland preservation, a huge issue for the county. We like his thoughtful and long-term approach to issues. He describes it as a “quiet, considered and patient leadership style.”

None of the candidates can expect to blow into office with solutions to everything in hand. The winner is joining an executive team that must sort out complex issues with the best interests of the whole county in mind.

Jacobs, supervisor of Sedro-Woolley’s solid waste department for eight years, challenged Munks in 2004, losing with 39 percent of the vote to Munks’ 55 percent. A Democrat, he is full of energy and ideas and has more to offer than solid waste expertise. He’s ready to roll up his sleeves and doesn’t mince words.

His take on the Guemes Ferry: Make the last weekday run at 6:30 p.m., cut back to a three-person crew at all times and reduce expenses dramatically.

Turner, an Anacortes builder and developer and City Council member since 2006, is also running as a Democrat. He’s pushing leadership and cooperation, as are the other candidates.

The difference? We think Turner has the background and skills and experience to make the biggest impact. He’s solid on the issues and has a nice blend of city and rural perspectives.

We think he has the ability to advance the interests of Fidalgo Island and the whole county and definitely should be one of the two candidates advancing.