Letters to the editor
Published 1:30 am Friday, September 26, 2025
Candidates need to take a stand
To the editor:
In about a month ,I expect to receive my ballot for the November elections, and I am at a loss to determine where the candidates for (Bainbridge Island) City Council stand on major island topics.
In the past year, two major topics have emerged that involve long-term issues for the future of COBI and will impact all island residents for decades to come.
• Revisions to COBI’s Comprehensive Development Plan regarding housing density
• Development of 625 Winslow Way (former police station) for affordable housing
Surprisingly, a review of most of the new council candidates’ websites provides scant information regarding their positions on these important topics. Instead, I read vague statements about the candidate’s character, as if ChatGPT were writing brief bullet points for a school popularity contest.
Please, tell us publicly where you stand on the important island issues of the day.
David Schutz
Bainbridge Island
Lant the right choice
To the editor:
I am proudly writing to express my wholehearted support for Lara Lant in the upcoming City Council election for North Ward. I had the privilege to work professionally with Lara, so I have firsthand experience witnessing her ability and willingness to listen. She is open-minded and values collaboration: crucial skills needed to manage the issues the island faces.
Lara’s commitment to fairness and transparency makes her the ideal candidate to help navigate the challenges of growth and change on the island. Having grown up here and raised her own children in this community, Lara has a deep connection to our neighborhood and truly understands what makes it special. She cherishes this place, and her dedication to maintaining its character while embracing responsible growth is unwavering.
I can confidently say that Lara is not only a passionate advocate for this community, but she is also a friend who listens, cares, and strives for solutions that benefit everyone.
Lara Lant is the kind of leader we need for Bainbridge Island. Please join me in casting your vote for Lara Lant.
Danna Brumley
Bainbridge Island
Re-elect Deets
To the editor:
I have not written a letter to the editor before, but wanted to express my strong support for the re-election of Joe Deets to the Bainbridge Island City Council. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Joe and see him in action via the city’s Climate Change Advisory Committee. I’ve served on the committee for four plus years, and Joe has been a council liaison to the committee. So, I’ve been at the same conference room table with Joe in countless discussions about how to make progress on the city’s Climate Action Plan.
And I’ve been honestly impressed by his genuine desire to make progress, his efforts to carefully listen to all sides and voices on important issues, and how he gets out in the community to connect with residents, businesses, schools, and non-profits. The bottom line for me is that he just seems so determined to be a great public servant for the city of Bainbridge Island. I’m very hopeful and excited about the prospect of continuing to have Joe’s leadership for our committee, and for all of the important matters our island will face in the next few years. Please join me in supporting Joe!
Steve Richard
Bainbridge Island
Vote for Lant
To the editor:
I am writing in support of Lara Lant for Bainbridge Island City Council, North Ward.
Lara and I worked together at Ordway Elementary School. We needed to have clear communication, patience and a positive outlook. Lara has the knowledge and perspective our city needs.
Lara believes in sound process and predictability—in city services, in planning, and in decision making. In addition, she knows the importance of being able to pivot when new information becomes available. That balance of steadiness and flexibility is exactly what Bainbridge needs right now.
Just as important, Lara believes the community should be engaged early and often. Lara has the ability to listen and see an issue from different perspectives. As a long-time resident of Bainbridge Island, she will make it a priority to keep residents informed and involved, ensuring that decisions reflect the voices of those who live here.
I will be voting for Lara Lant!
Julia Graves
Bainbridge Island
Candidates a cut above
To the editor:
The national political class hasn’t been doing much lately to endear themselves to the people they supposedly serve, but here on Bainbridge Island, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to elect some experienced and proven public servants to our City Council. My hope is that islanders will join me in casting their votes for Clarence Moriwaki, Sarah Blossom and Lara Lant.
Clarence has a long history of public service. He has served his first term on the council with distinction. He is a consensus builder on the council, and deserves reelection.
Sarah also has a long history of service to the island. After two terms on the City Council, Sarah joined the Planning Commission, where she had been a steady voice for restraint in addressing the pressures of population growth. From our service together on an earlier City Council, I know Sarah to be honest, hard working and with the best interests of all Islanders her guiding light.
Lara is a new face in city politics, but not a new face at City Hall. As a long-time and well-liked COBI employee, Lara brings a valuable insider’s knowledge of how city government works. Her election to the council will be the first time a Scotch Broom Queen has held this office. A life-long islander, Lara looks forward to this opportunity to give back.
Election day is soon upon us. Vote for Clarence, Sarah and Lara. But most importantly, vote!
Val Tollefson
Bainbridge Island
Sun Day celebration
To the editor:
On Sept. 21, some 100 participants gathered at the Bainbridge Public Library to celebrate the power of the sun. The event was one of over 450 Sun Day celebrations nationwide sponsored by Third Act to help Americans learn how each of us can be part of the transformation of our electricity systems to clean energy.
At the Bainbridge event, Jeremy Smithson of Puget Sound Solar explained that solar power has become the cheapest form of new energy and is taking the lead for new electricity in the U.S. and across the world. Library boardmembers Carol Schuyler and Jim McKeever told of the library’s plans to put solar panels on the building’s roof. Marja Williams showed photos of Bethany Lutheran Church, Finch Green Affordable Housing, and the design for Helpline House’s new building, all of which will have solar on their roofs, thanks in part to Washington’s Community Clean Energy Grants.
Homeowners John Bonow and Phil Hutcherson explained the details of their solarized homes to participants eager to learn more, and Greg Williams, an installer with Sungery Systems, helped participants learn about their homes’ potential. John Kydd, of Third Act, encouraged anyone interested in solarizing their home to sign up as Solar Sojourners and get support for their goals. And Annie Smaus told of the Suquamish Tribe’s Climate Resiliency Plan, which includes solarizing a number of the tribe’s buildings and promoting electric vehicles. Former Governor Jay Inslee attended the event, along with Councilmembers Joe Deets and Leslie Schneider.
Fran Korten
Bainbridge Island
