The passion and interest North Kitsap residents have shown for their schools is reflected in this year’s races for open seats on the school board.
Well-qualified candidates, eager to serve their community, offer the voter a range of choices.
Brad Camp is the only candidate running unopposed. This Kingston resident will fill Marie Hebert’s current seat. As a young father, and community relations representative for Sprint, Camp brings a fresh eye and technology savvy to the board at an important time in its decision making.
Bethany MacDonald, Suquamish, was a thoughtful member of the board in her first term and has earned a return to office. She is well-informed about the needs of her district and works effectively with other board members.
The most difficult choice for voters is the race between board veteran Dick Endresen and Myron Lee. In the best of all worlds, they could job share the seat because they each offer important credentials. Lee’s business experience and problem-solving background would be valuable to the board. Our nod goes to Endresen, however, because of the institutional knowledge he brings to the board. On a board with no other long-timers, he adds an important historical perspective as the district enters into a busy construction cycle.
Fire commissioners races are a tough call
When the North Kitsap Fire & Rescue and Hansville District 14 fire districts merged last year, voters were alerted that merging the two boards would force tough choices as long-time commissioners would find themselves pitted against each other for election.
The first tough choice for the merged organizations is the race between Idar Slothaug, long-time NKF&R board member, and Leon Thomas, long-time Hansville board member. Each candidate is well qualified. Each is highly respected in their own community and on their previous board. Again, we are sorry they can’t job share this key post.
By an eyelash, we give our vote to Idar Slothaug. His background at every level of service, from fire volunteer to board member has given him a broad perspective. Slothaug was endorsed by numerous Hansville residents and the Firefighter’s Professional Association. Those who worry that Hansville will lose a voice on the merged board will recall that Hansville has two other board seats––assuring that the community’s needs will continue to be addressed. We are hopeful that the NKF&R board will also find a way to use Thomas’ skills and expertise in an important, meaningful capacity.
Poulsbo Fire Commissioner race pits newcomers
This race is the opposite of the NKF&R match of two veterans. Both candidates for the Poulsbo Fire Board of Commissioners have relatively little experience.
Randy Odden (who was appointed to the Poulsbo Fire Commission in October) and Ginger Jones-Magures each bring strong interest and different points of view to the race, making either a good choice.
Our choice is Randy Odden, based on his years of service with the North Kitsap School District. He has kept his committments, managed sizeable staffs and budgets and worked well with both community and district officials. We believe these skills translate well to his work with the Poulsbo Fire Commissioners.
