Many people were surprised when Charlotte Garrido outpolled her Democratic opponent in the primary election for South Kitsap commissioner this year.

Her opponent, Monty Mahan, had a well-known name and some high-profile endorsements. As one local newspaper put it, Charlotte was not “favored” to win.

Those of us who know Charlotte well were delighted, but not astonished. We know her as a hard worker who gets the job done without the big ego typical of so many politicians.

She’s the one who goes out day after day to knock on doors and get to know the citizens of Kitsap County and their concerns, one house at a time.

She’s the one who shows up just about anywhere she’s asked to speak, whether it’s the NAACP candidate forum in Bremerton or the Kingston Cove Yacht Club gathering in the north end.

She’s the one who sticks to her core values, including a belief that parks and open space are precious, that green jobs can spark a new economic boom and that concern for the environment can coexist with responsible development.

I’ve known Charlotte for more than 30 years and I’ve always admired her work ethic, her common sense, her intelligence and her honesty.

These are the qualities we need in our next SK commissioner.

ANN STROSNIDER

Southworth