Jane Fuller announces candidacy for San Juan County Council District 3

Jane Fuller is running for the San Juan County Council seat for District 3, which includes Lopez, Shaw, and Decatur Islands. All County Council elections are countywide, so San Juan Islanders will still cast a vote for their preferred District 3 candidate in the August primary election.

Our county and its residents are experiencing unique challenges that require thoughtful and creative solutions now and for the future. These include: the lack of affordable housing affecting residents who are working hard to establish livelihoods, businesses that want to grow and prosper, and vital public services such as health care and education that require professional staff; the crisis facing our ferry system which is so integral to our daily living; and the urgent need to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations of islanders. I am announcing my candidacy for the position of County Councilor in District 3 because I am passionate about working with and for the residents of San Juan County to address these challenges.

My passion stems in part from my first connection with the San Juan Islands back in 1978 when my family purchased property on Lopez Island and we began coming as part-timers, camping on the land each summer. Over time I have grown to love Lopez and the San Juans and in 2017 I moved my family here from Ottawa, Ontario. In the past five years I have taken the opportunity to volunteer with incredible local organizations and individuals deepening my understanding of and connection with this community.

I have been fortunate to serve locally as a volunteer Board member of the Friends of Lopez Island Pool (FLIP), co-founder of the Lopez Island Parent Teacher Student Association (LIPTSA) in 2020 and vice-president of fundraising and volunteers in its first year, and now co-leading with another Lopez parent the 4H Horse Rangers club. In 2021, as a volunteer, I served as an elected commissioner for District 3 on the Charter Review Commission. This experience was an opportunity to engage with commissioners and residents across the county to identify ways to strengthen our county’s charter for the next ten years.

It is my lifelong commitment to public service that inspires me to run for the county council. Over the past thirty years I have worked in international development as a federal civil servant, a diplomat, a United Nations representative, and a technical expert in issues of diversity, equality, and inclusion. My international experience working with diverse people and perspectives to find solutions to complex local governance challenges is part of what I bring to the role of county councilor that is unique.

Throughout my campaign I look forward to listening and engaging in dialogue on issues that the people of the San Juan Islands care most about. Should I be successful in the election I will be ready to provide thoughtful and intentional leadership to address the challenges county residents are facing in their daily lives. More information about my campaign and how we can come together for discussion will be available in the days and weeks ahead.

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