"I feel deeply committed to serve as a devoted caretaker of this amazing place known as Island County, and having spent the last nine years working intimately with the Board of Island County Commissioners, I wish to continue the forward movement of both sense and compassion established by Helen Price-Johnson and other community leaders."
- Melanie Bacon
What Will She Do?
- Actively work with local government and relevant stakeholders to wisely manage Island County growth. Citizens are deeply concerned about housing and jobs, but there is also concern that overly aggressive growth will negatively impact them. Melanie realizes that a balance must be struck that allows for necessary growth without impugning the "quality of life" integrity of the islands.
- Establish a priority on environmental common sense and mitigation of climate change's future impacts on our islands. Citizens want clean, stable beaches and water, healthy woods, abundant bird and animal life, and clean, safe trails and parks in which to enjoy them. We know we live in a magical place, and we want our government to preserve and enhance our pleasure in living here.
- Create smart government on a budget. Accepting the reality of Island County resources, it becomes more vital than ever in 2020 that we maximize ways to develop technological tools and best practices in a variety of areas. Citizens expect knowledgeable and responsive staff, and county processes must be made more efficient and accessible to everyone.
- Assure that public transportation options remain available to all. The county commission must work with appropriate agencies to improve public transportation. Each year a new threat to Island Transit looms despite it being a tremendous service to all citizens who use it, and even those who don’t (who enjoy decreased road congestion as a result).
