Mulhern isn’t a one-issue candidate | LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Published 9:47 am Saturday, October 24, 2015

To the editor:

When I first heard that my friend Pegeen Mulhern was running for city council I was concerned. Why would anyone want to throw themselves into the minefield that is Bainbridge Island politics?

Then, the more I thought about it, the more this made perfect sense to me and the more grateful I was that Pegeen had stepped forward. She is running out of a clear sense of giving back to the community that has given her, her family, and all of the rest of us a lot to be thankful for.

As a caring member of our community for the last 20-plus years, Pegeen has given her time generously to the schools, our city, advocacy groups, her church, scouting and youth sports. She has put in more than her share of time with evening meetings and weekend events. Like me, she has worked in the Alaskan fisheries. Unlike me, she built her own schooner and charter business.

I am here to tell you that whether you are a teacher, a gardener, a ship-fitter, a stay-at-home parent, an adventurer, or simply a concerned member of our community, you have more in common with Pegeen than you know.

Pegeen has the skills and the talent for finding consensus that we need on our city council. In her work as a maritime business attorney, Pegeen manages to help people find the common ground that lets business deals go forward. She also has a deep commitment to the environment — she started her legal career working for an environmental nonprofit, and has been active on our island pushing to ensure that development gets the careful review required by law.

It takes a strong will and an open mind to do the work of the people, and Pegeen is in sure command of both of those qualities. She is not a one-issue candidate, and she will represent us on the city council well. I suggest we give her the chance to give back to us by voting yes for Pegeen Mulhern for city council.

BRETT JOHNSON

Crystal Springs