Editor’s note: Oct. 17 was the last edition of the Review to include letters to the editor that endorsed candidates ahead of the Nov. 4 general election. Any more letters that endorse candidates will appear online only.
Re-elect Deets
To the editor:
Bainbridge Island needs leaders with experience, integrity, and a clear commitment to our community’s future. That’s why I support Joe Deets for re-election to the City Council.
Joe has already served two terms on the council, where he’s shown steady, thoughtful leadership on the issues that matter most, especially housing affordability, climate action, and safe transportation for cyclists and pedestrians. He has a proven track record of supporting affordable housing on the Island and understands that creating more housing is essential to maintaining a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive community. Too many people who work here, including teachers, caregivers, and service workers, can no longer afford to live here. Joe recognizes this challenge and has consistently worked to make Bainbridge a place where people from all walks of life can belong.
He also remains deeply committed to implementing the City’s Climate Action Plan and expanding our network of bicycle and pedestrian paths, ensuring that Bainbridge remains livable, sustainable, and connected. Joe Deets values diversity and approaches complex issues with balance and care. With his experience and proven record, he is exactly the kind of leader we need to continue guiding our city forward. Let’s re-elect Joe Deets for a third term on the Bainbridge Island City Council.
Ben Deines
Bainbridge Island
Deets the right choice
To the editor:
Joe Deets is passionate about Bainbridge Island, the environment, transportation options, and affordable housing. Because he is an experienced councilmember, he doesn’t need two years of learning on the job before he can tackle the work that needs to be done.
A tireless advocate for our community, he regularly meets with constituents in cafes and on the ferry because he wants to know what people are thinking about and what weighs on them. Putting himself in this position means sometimes he gets screamed at or insulted, but he understands that’s part of the job. He listens carefully, weighs the different arguments, and then makes a solid, considered decision. People with whom he disagrees sometimes whine that this means he doesn’t listen, but part of being a responsible councilmember is knowing that you can’t agree with everyone. If you do, you’re not standing for anything other than your own popularity and ego.
People have tried to align him with development. But Joe doesn’t want development; he just wants to make sure that any development that happens includes affordable housing. His opponent recently told a forum at HRB that she might take money away from climate change mitigation to pay for affordable housing, but Joe knows those two priorities are equally important.
Read his position statements on his website. See who endorses him. Make an informed decision, not one resting flimsily on baseless statements from uninformed people spouting off about bringing in a slate of new, inexperienced people just because.
Sarah Lane
Bainbridge Island
