At the recent League of Women Voters candidates forum, those who attended heard clear differences between the two candidates for Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner. As a result, I am supporting Barbara Marrett, the incumbent commissioner seeking re-election.

Here are three reasons why she has earned my support:

First, she has a well-established record of balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.

Second, she is committed to making financial decisions based upon data and the best interests of the entire community.

Third, she has integrity and tenacity, as well as a strong sense of responsibility. Any assertions to the contrary are nonsensical.

For so many reasons, Barbara Marrett is simply the best choice for Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner.

Robin Jacobson

Friday Harbor

Barbara Marrett is a woman of the water and the air. I’ve known her for 30 years; first as a women’s ocean sailing instructor, later as a book author and contributing editor, and finally as a port commissioner and communications manager at the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau.

Don’t mistake Barbara’s easygoing manner for weakness. She can be counted on when the going gets tough – on an ocean passage or in a meeting room. She has backbone and isn’t afraid to make hard decisions or ask tough questions when it comes to protecting community interests at the Port. She knows the San Juan Island community well and can be relied on to balance opposing viewpoints. Moreover, she has a good idea of what those viewpoints will be. She is a good listener and follows though when she commits to a project. She has compassion and has been a champion for staff training and development at the port over her years as commissioner.

Neither I nor anyone else I know, knows Barbara’s opponent. I do know that she and her fellow commissioner will be appointing a new port commissioner in the next month or so to fill the vacant district one commissioner’s term. If Barbara’s opponent were elected it would mean two brand new commissioners beginning virtually at the same time. Commissioner terms are staggered for a reason: to allow new commissioners time to learn the job. Barbara is the one we can count on to provide leadership for the port at this time of transition. I whole-heartedly support her re-election.

Vivien Burnett

Friday Harbor