Letters: Minney Has My Vote

By Sandy Strehlou, San Juan Island

We have four fine can­di­dates to choose from in our coun­ty coun­cil races. All are decent, car­ing, com­pe­tent can­di­dates and we will be well-rep­re­sent­ed by who­ev­er is elected.

That said, I am vot­ing for Chris­tine Minney.

All oth­er things being equal, it is impor­tant to vote women and oth­er minori­ties into polit­i­cal office. This is the only way we will ever change the over­whelm­ing straight white male dom­i­na­tion of government.

Christine Minney / Contributed Photo

We need greater diver­si­ty. Local gov­ern­ment is where ordi­nary peo­ple, those pas­sion­ate about com­mu­ni­ty and civic engage­ment, those not already bankrolled, have a chance to gain entry.

Three of the four can­di­dates have nev­er held elect­ed office. All of them will have a learn­ing curve. This is the nature of most first-time city and coun­ty coun­cil can­di­da­cies. And cer­tain­ly, the imme­di­ate issues that will face the new coun­cil will be hous­ing, bal­anc­ing the bud­get, and the coronavirus/public health.

None of the can­di­dates are experts in these areas, and yet if elect­ed, they will make impor­tant deci­sions based on the infor­ma­tion avail­able to them through staff reports and pub­lic comments.

Not every­one read­ing this will relate to my stance on diver­si­ty. That’s okay. But if you have ever bemoaned the fact that so few women and oth­er minori­ties are elect­ed to pub­lic office, and you think this should change, it’s time to walk the talk.

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