I would like to take this opportunity to endorse Rick Hughes for re-election to the San Juan County Council position 2, Orcas. Rick is a small business owner in the Eastsound community and understands the economic issues and challenges of Orcas Island and our County as a whole. This includes working with our local Chambers of Commerce and the Visitors Bureau in supporting their efforts with visitors and tourism which is one of our key economic drivers. Rick has also been a big supporter of the San Juan County Economic Development Council and their efforts to promote and educate our local business, and programs such as the Made in the San Juan Islands program.

As a resident of Friday Harbor I have seen Rick work on local ferry issues along with productive work with the Town of Friday Harbor Staff and Council toward efficiency and cooperative efforts. This includes positive milestones that have been achieved with San Juan County Public Works. Rick was instrumental in establishing the possibility for commercial flights between the San Juan Islands and nearby cities and communities in Canada. This will improve transportation and trade logistics for all of San Juan County and other Salish Sea communities, including the Gulf Islands and Saanich Peninsula.

Rick has worked hard on affordable housing issues with community members and groups, as have all of the members of the County Council…There are some initiatives and projects underway to help address many of these needs.

Rick has accomplished much during his current tenure and his re-election will give him the opportunity to continue with his agenda to serve the Orcas Island community and San Juan County.

Steve Hushebeck

Friday Harbor