To the editor:

In her 17 years on Bainbridge Island, Kirsten Hytopoulos has repeatedly demonstrated her dedication to protecting our natural environment. She walks the talk in her own life and has been a tireless and effective champion for local action to prevent irresponsible land development and to recognize and roll back man-made climate change.

As a councilmember, Kirsten introduced the plastic bag ban to reduce bag litter which is a proven threat to aquatic life. Years before the governor signed legislation to phase out coal burning power plants, she’s testified at the state level against burning coal as a source of local electricity and has sponsored resolutions for cleaner fuel sources and against the increasingly dangerous transportation of fracked oil across our state and through our communities.

At home, she was an early adopter of the Green Power program and among the first electric car drivers. She’s raised her children with a deep respect for natural resources and has encouraged their participation in climate change causes.

I look forward to voting for Kirsten Hytopoulos in November for the at-large council seat because, more than ever, we need city leaders who have clearly proven their deep commitment for safeguarding our natural environment.

TED JONES

Bainbridge Island