To the editor:

I strongly support Leslie Schneider for city council.

I have watched her over many years develop into one of the core proactive members of our close-knit community. I’ve seen her bring independent workers together in her Office Xpats business, lighten her carbon footprint as a resident in Winslow Co-housing, act as a generous host for my international exchange students from China, and now add her thoughtful voice to our city council. What she exhibits in all these roles is a special ability to listen conscientiously to opposing views and act as a consensus builder.

In light of threats from climate change, we share a keen interest in developing a more green, livable and walkable community. She knows that cars can be a great convenience — until they’re not, such as when stuck in gridlock on Highway 305. She has worked hard to facilitate a sustainable transportation strategic plan that will offer island residents viable alternatives to our present reliance on cars. For example, she’s very supportive of a circulating bus through downtown Winslow while solving “first and last mile” as well as parking challenges.

Importantly, she walks the walk — from her co-housing home to OfficeXpats in the Pavilion and to city hall — and is even experimenting with an e-scooter to personally experience the challenges of our current infrastructure.

In short, Leslie is inquisitive and open to evidence-based solutions. She is an experienced and energetic catalyst for change. And with her new e-scooter, she doesn’t need to be brought up to speed.

ROBERT WESCHLER

Bainbridge Island