Submitted by Jane Fuller

For the last two years, our focus as a community has been our collective response to the COVID crisis. As we begin to refocus, we need to return to the ongoing challenges still facing our county. The lack of affordable housing, an increasingly unreliable ferry system, and the urgent need to ensure a sustainable environment are all issues that require thoughtful creative solutions. It’s because of challenges like these, and my strong desire to work with and for the residents of San Juan County, I am announcing my candidacy for County Council, District 3.

My first connection with the San Juan Islands was in 1978 when my family purchased property on Lopez Island. Camping on the land each summer, I grew to love Lopez and the San Juans. So much so that in 2017, I moved here full time with my husband and daughter.

My connection to the community has deepened over the past five years through my volunteer work with local organizations. I have been fortunate to serve as a board member of the Friends of Lopez Island Pool, as co-founder of the Lopez Island Parent Teacher Student Association in 2020, and parent co-leader of the Lopez Island 4H Horse Rangers Club. In 2020 I was elected to serve on the San Juan County Charter Review Commission, an experience from which I learned a great deal about our county government.

In addition to my community work, it is my lifelong commitment to public service that inspires me to run for county council. Over the past 30 years I have worked in the field of international development as a federal civil servant, diplomat, United Nations representative, and technical expert in issues of governance, diversity, equality, and inclusion. My international and local experience working with diverse people and perspectives to find solutions to complex local governance challenges is part of what I will bring to the county council.

During my campaign, I commit to listening to and talking with as many of you as I can about what you want to see from your county government. I will be ready to provide thoughtful and creative leadership to address the challenges county residents are facing in their daily lives. More information about my campaign and how we can come together for discussion will be available in the days and weeks ahead.