Janow for council
To the editor:
I have gotten to know Dawn Janow over the past 6 years during her term as a park board commissioner, and I have been very impressed by her energy and enthusiasm, and her ability to grasp the complex issues our parks department has to deal with. She has a gift for listening to other points of view even if they don’t agree with hers, and she genuinely believes in the power of collaboration with different groups on the Island if it can help make us become a more effective community.
And I thought running for the city council would be a very tall order for anyone, but I’ve learned she has also helped run one of the country’s leading mountain climbing companies. She knows how to manage both accounting and ascending to new heights, and I think she will be an excellent addition to our city council.
Please join me in voting for Dawn in the south ward primary Aug. 5.
Frank Stowell
Bainbridge Island
Vote for Blossom
To the editor:
I have known Sarah Blossom since she was a small child. I have witnessed her develop into a caring and thoughtful individual dedicated to this island family she loves. We need a councilmember who has a comprehensive view for the future, which is validated by a historic view of this island’s past. Preserving both is a skill Sarah will bring to this position.
Charmelle Pool
Bainbridge Island
KRL impressive
To the editor:
As president of the Kitsap Regional Library board and past president of the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation, I’m honored to share a behind-the-scenes perspective on KRL’s operations—one that few in the community get to witness firsthand.
I’ve been continually impressed by the KRL leadership team’s unwavering commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. In finance committee meetings, we’ve reviewed examples of financial mismanagement in other public entities—and contrasted them with the strong internal controls at KRL. These include restricting credit purchases to essential categories and manually reviewing and approving every line item in the budget.
KRL chief financial officer, Dan Baer, uses an in-house financial model to project future property tax revenue—referencing it almost daily—to ensure budgets remain realistic and cash flow stays healthy. I’ve seen KRL pass state audits with flying colors.
KRL director Jason Driver brings vision and pragmatism to KRL. While he has an inspiring vision for the “library of tomorrow,” he and the team have prioritized fiscal restraint in today’s economic climate—requesting only the levy amount needed to maintain core operations. Yet, KRL continues to innovate, finding new, impactful ways to serve the community within its means.
At the heart of KRL is its passionate staff that makes each branch a safe, welcoming space for Kitsap’s diverse community. The progress we’ve made—and hope to continue—would not be possible without your help. Support your library by voting yes on Proposition 1.
Erik Fong
Bainbridge Island
