In the race for District 3 county commissioner, Ed Wolfe distinctly proclaims he is not a planner, yet we are faced with updating our Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan by June 2016.

That Comprehensive Plan — Kitsap 2035 — is a map for the county’s next 20 years. Doesn’t that deserve serious planning?

Linda Streissguth is a certified planner; her background is in planning and her professional experience is in problem solving. Her goals are to build a thriving economy, preserve our quality of life, and support safe and healthy neighborhoods by providing the services to meet increasing needs.  Effective planning skills are essential to the success of these goals.

Mr. Wolfe’s stated goal is to bring “balance” back to Kitsap County; that is simply political rhetoric. He suggests the interests and voices of taxpayers are being ignored. Doesn’t he understand that voters are taxpayers who are trying to select the best candidate for the future of our county? That is not decided by a person’s political affiliation.

Linda has by far the strongest qualifications to move us forward: a planner by education, a collaborative leader, a respected and intelligent participant, and a diligent worker.

Since being appointed, Linda has worked tirelessly to learn the job of being an effective county commissioner, leaving little time for a political campaign. She is counting on each of us to cast a discerning vote, one that recognizes the importance of a qualified “planner” to move Kitsap County forward.

Jo A. Reasons
Port Orchard