Poulsbo is fortunate to have a number of qualified candidates running for the mayoral and city council seats, making these selections particularly difficult. Our endorsements are made based on a number of factors including observation of incumbent candidates in their elected positions, discussions with other city officials and community members, responses to questions in voter forums and the Herald (printed in today’s issue).

Vital issues of growth, the Olhava property and Olympic College campus, repair of infrastructure and development of technology face this government. The mayor and council members endorsed here offer different individual viewpoints and philosophies about what needs to be done in our community, but they also need to work well as a team. We encourage each successful candidate to explore ways to also work in closer harmony with school district, port and county officials.

Bruce for Mayor

Mayor Donna Jean Bruce offers stable leadership that is particularly important as the city enters uncertain financial times. We agree with her policy of relying on the expertise of her qualified city department heads. This has proven effective since she took office and has worked well for Poulsbo.

While we think Bruce should take more ownership for the leadership and decisions of the city, we feel at the same time that micro-managing and dividing departmental duties would be detrimental to city.

Sure, it may save the taxpayers a few bucks but the cost to Poulsbo’s services would be tremendous.

Rudolph, Henry, Quade and Stern for council seats

Dale Rudolph is as solid a city councilman as we have ever seen. He always seems to have the best interest of Poulsbo in mind and truly gives his decisions the consideration they deserve. Rudolph is effective and has become a positive beacon during his last eight years on council. He is well-versed in all city issues and works hard.

Jim Henry is a self-described “rookie on council” but has proven his worth as a team player. We like Henry’s realization that he is simply one-seventh of the governing body and that he is so willing to learn. Jim also speaks his mind but never lets his feelings get in the way of doing what’s best for Poulsbo.

Kathryn Quade seems to have a good grasp on the issues that face Poulsbo and would offer a fresh face and perspective we feel the council would truly benefit from. Despite her hiatus from the city, Quade is knowledgeable on what it takes to improve the community and has expressed true, individual vision for what steps Poulsbo needs to take over the next four years.

Ed Stern. Unopposed. Four words. Telecommunications guru — slam dunk.

Our endorsements for port, school board and fire commissioners will appear in the Herald’s Oct. 27 issue.