To the editor:

How fortunate we are to have a council candidate with the very balance of skills and experience we need now, when significant growth pressure is again threatening our natural environment and sense of place.

Ted Jones is both a civil engineer and environmentalist. He’s also a 20-year Bainbridge Island resident with a strong connection to the Island, having raised his children here and having dedicated his time and energy over those years to the issues that matter most to our community.

We are facing serious challenges that will have long-term consequences. Development that’s out of scale for the Island, and the resulting traffic, loss of trees and loss of character, aren’t just annoyances — they’re issues that demand proactive and immediate action.

We need thoughtful and informed decision-making and a demonstrated commitment to community service and to our Island values. These are the qualities that Ted Jones will bring to our city council.

KIRSTEN HYTOPOULOS

Bainbridge Island