I strongly endorse the appointment of Clarence Moriwaki to fill the remainder of Steve Bauer’s term as interim Kitsap County commissioner.

He’s proven himself to be an excellent communicator with considerable broadcast journalism experience as a news anchor, reporter and editor with KAYO News/Talk radio and KVI-AM radio. He’s also a veteran of significant government service, having worked as press secretary for the Office of Lieutenant Governor, a City Council member for the City of Tukwila, an assistant to Congressman Jay Inslee, and a member of President Clinton’s administration.

He’s also been active in local community affairs, participating in the successful development of Sound Transit and the establishment of the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial.

I’ve had the pleasure of hearing Clarence speak before community groups on several occasions, and always his optimism for the future of our community and his pride in being part of Kitsap County stand out in his comments and activities. As all of us who know him can attest, when Clarence undertakes to address an issue, he does so with enthusiasm and determination. He’s just the sort of citizen we need to look after our interests on the Kitsap County Commission: willing to welcome diverse opinions and perspectives on issues, articulate in expressing his positions, and uncompromising when either ethics and common sense are at stake.

Clarence Moriwaki is a leader and a hard worker whose work ethic and moral character are unimpeachable. And it’s an incontrovertible fact: character counts.

Rob Jacques
Bainbridge Island