Submitted by Steve Wehrly

I am filing for election to Position 1 on the San Juan County Council because I want to bring my positive, get-things-done attitude and my 30 years of working in government to the important budget and policy decisions that the Council must make.

I have no political or ideological agenda. I am not running against anyone. I’m not mad about anything. I just think that hard work, critical thinking and willingness to collaborate with other elected officials and county employees can bring effective, efficient government to our beautiful county.

For 30 years, I was a lobbyist and attorney for a diverse group of clients – including Boys and Girls Clubs, insurance companies, and the Muckleshoot Tribe and Casino, among others.

I worked on dozens of political campaigns for both Republicans and Democrats. I learned first-hand how corrupting money is to politics, which is why I am refusing to accept political contributions and why I intend to spend less than $5000 on my campaign.

Government is supposed to get things done. As a Councilman, I will do just that. I know how to compromise, how to stand tough – even how to lose – without sacrificing my ideals or integrity.

I ask San Juan County voters to let me work for you – all of you. Not just for those who make political contributions, who are the angriest, or who sue the county and their fellow citizens at the drop of a hat.

The prime directive of the County Council is to produce a county budget without automatic increases, without tax increases, and with a financially-sound reserve for hard times. While working in Olympia on more than thirty state budgets, I learned how to find money to fund priorities. I will work diligently with your local and national legislators to make sure that San Juan County gets its share of state and federal revenues.

One specific item I will propose: designate as state highways the most travelled routes from the ferry docks on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan islands to Eastsound, Lopez Village and Roche Harbor. We are the only county without a state highway – and we are without sufficient state transportation funds to finance upkeep and important improvements like bike/running paths along these major thoroughfares.

I’m asking for your vote in the Aug. 2 primary election. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you.