Endorsements for Nov. 3 | IN OUR OPINION

Published 10:13 am Monday, November 2, 2015

We stand divided.

At least, that’s our takeaway from the massive amount of letters-to-the-editor that have filled our newspaper’s mailbox during the past two months. It’s obvious that many islanders have firmly made their choices on next week’s General Election ballot.

For those who haven’t, however, we offer our following endorsements.

But first, it must be noted that this November, voters have an impressive group of candidates to pick from, and their qualifications are impressive, one and all.

For the Bainbridge Island City Council District 1 seat, Ron Peltier gets our enthusiastic endorsement.

While Peltier gained fame as a rabble-rouser opposed to the Visconsi development, his commitment to environmental stewardship and safeguarding our unique Bainbridge Island character can’t be questioned.

And sometimes the rabble need to be roused; Peltier will provide a much needed voice on growth and development issues on the council.

For the Bainbridge Island Metropolitan Park & Recreation District Commissioner Position 2, voters must keep Ken DeWitt in place on the park board.

DeWitt’s long service, his institutional knowledge and unshakable commitment to excellence within the parks district makes him our clear choice.

For the Bainbridge Island School Board District 1 position, we must offer a dual endorsement.

Bainbridge voters will be well-served by either Lynn Smith, a longtime volunteer who will bring her valued history with the Odyssey Multiage Program to the board, or Duncan C. Macfarlane, a brilliant mind with a history of leadership.

For the Bainbridge Island School Board District 4 position, voters should return Tim Kinkead to the board.

Kinkead has been a positive presence on the school board, and comes to meetings as one of the most prepared elected officials we’ve ever seen — well-versed in the issues coming before the board, while not being shy about drilling down into the details when needed.