Keep a seasoned member on the council | Letter to the editor

To the editor:

We are very pleased that Wayne Roth is standing for re-election for Bainbridge Island City Council.

We have known Wayne for several years. We followed and benefited from his excellent work as station manager of KUOW. We were among the many Islanders who urged him to run for council in 2013 and who have appreciated his approach to sorting out the issues that face the city.

What Wayne has that is never in too great a supply is seemingly endless patience in sorting out complex issues. Each major city discussion brings numerous viewpoints into play, and serious disputes are common. There is no reason that can’t be a good thing, as long as we maintain a practice of careful decision making. Wayne knows how to listen, how to find as close to a consensus as can be achieved, and how to keep moving forward.

We understand that any candidates for the available seats may well seek support on their driving concerns around a single issue or a narrow set of issues. That is certainly legitimate. But what makes the strongest possible council and city government is having enough council members who are broad in their focus. In everything that the city of Bainbridge Island considers, Wayne applies the same tough minded questioning, sense of fair play, and eagerness to find common ground.

From the beginning, Wayne has been there when extra work has been called for. He has been willing to put the hours in to venture across the bridge to make sure that our city has all the necessary and beneficial ties to Kitsap County, other cities in the county, and other governmental units. This is the hard work of government, and it must not be lost. With Council Members Tollefson and Townsend not running for re-election, there is just a single council person who has served longer.

There’s nothing wrong with having some fresh new people in the store. Let’s make sure there is a solid veteran there too.

Please join us in working to re-elect Wayne Roth.

CINDY AND DAVID HARRISON

Arrow Point