If we had a one-person, one-vote for all of the council candidates, I would vote for Howie Rosenfeld.

The town of Friday Harbor is fortunate to have such an ally for the town and its surround, and a voice for townspeople. Orcas Island’s Eastsound urban growth area residents have not been so fortunate, when it comes to protecting our UGA critical areas and Eastsound’s rural character.

I have participated in BOCC and council meetings on both San Juan and Orcas islands during the 31 years I’ve lived on Orcas. It’s been impressive and heartening to witness Howie’s commitment to local economy and sustainability, his staunch advocacy for local control of solid waste and recycling, and his understanding of the importance of protecting both the critical areas and rural character of our towns and villages.

It was Howie Rosenfeld who was the dissenting voice in a council motion to approve the Orcas RFP split-contract negotiations between Cimarron and Orcas Recycling Services, just two weeks before a full council meeting on Orcas Island. I would have never known about that Orcas meeting if I had not attended the Friday Harbor hearings, and witnessed Howie’s part in the discussion and vote. Howie showed Orcas islanders that day how attentive he is to our issues and needs. That’s what I look for in a councilor.

Howie Rosenfeld has the integrity and the long-term experience, as a community minded longtime citizen of San Juan Island, to be the town’s best choice for council. I will not forget Howie Rosenfeld’s vote for Orcas Island. Howie represents the working people of all of the islands, and for that I’m grateful. I wish I could vote for him.

Sadie Bailey, Orcas Island