Support Janow
To the editor:
I’m supporting Dawn Janow for Bainbridge Island City Council because she doesn’t just talk about change, she makes it happen.
For the past 20 years, Dawn has worked to preserve, protect, and enhance our island through service in the arts, schools, parks, and public policy. She brings people together to get things done. Her track record as a park commissioner proves it.
A perfect example? The Bainbridge Troll. Initially dismissed by COBI and the Arts Commission, the project nearly fell apart. But Dawn believed in its potential to bring joy and connection to the community. She built new partnerships and helped bring the project to life. Today, the very same troll graces the cover of the city’s new Arts Plan. That’s Dawn – visionary, persistent, and results-oriented.
She also understands our deeper challenges like housing, transportation, and sustainability and knows they require collaboration across agencies. She supports practical, creative solutions like expanding ADUs, incentivizing long-term rentals, and making better use of existing structures while protecting our island’s natural beauty.
Dawn also serves on the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office’s No Child Left Inside Advisory Committee, advocating for access to nature and opportunity for all youth.
Her goal is clear: to make Bainbridge a place where people of all ages and wages can thrive. She has the experience and determination we need.
Please join me in voting for Dawn Janow for a bright future for Bainbridge.
April Avey Trabucco
Bainbridge Island
Vote for Nelson
To the editor:
I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Nelson over a conversation about what makes Bainbridge Island such a special place to live and work. I was immediately impressed by his vision. It acknowledges the critical issues that we face today, such as growth, affordable housing, education, climate, water and infrastructure management, congestion, government transparency, and the environment. At the same time, it respects the unique beauty and character of our island, which I expect is behind many people’s decision to live and work here. Both aspects are so important to our future.
As a fourth-generation Washingtonian, his family chose to live on the island and I appreciate that he has nothing to gain from the additional responsibility of joining our City Council, other than making Bainbridge a better place.
Based on these reflections, I believe he is a candidate deserving of consideration.
In today’s world of extremes, it’s refreshing to find an open, thoughtful, and humble candidate willing to step into the political arena and work towards implementing a conscientious plan that addresses the issues, while also strengthening what we love about our island, today and for our children tomorrow.
This is why I decided to take the time to research and consider Mike Nelson for City Council. If you would like to find out more, check out Mike Nelson on the B.I.Stander Podcast.
Hovey Cox
Bainbridge Island
Elect Blossom
To the editor:
I am writing to endorse Sarah Blossom in the South Ward in the August primary. Even though I live in Central Ward, I am endorsing her because we will all be voting on all council candidates in the fall election. And, in fact, council members represent the whole Island community as well as their wards.
I have known Sarah for at least 20 years. She has served on the Planning Commission for 5 years and served on the City Council twice before. Sarah is not one to ’’blow her own horn”. If you search on the web, you’ll find an article about her last farewell from council, which says a lot about Sarah’s passion for the Island community and her commitment to working through hard issues. I trust and respect her knowledge, her integrity, her critical thinking, and her ability to talk with and listen to people with whom she may not agree.
I recently had coffee with Sarah and over the hour, I learned a lot more about the City Council issues (the budget, and the Comp Plan, for example) and how the city works. Her broad and deep understanding of the Island is unique and incredibly valuable in these challenging times.
Gloria Sayler
Bainbridge Island
Nelson for council
To the editor:
We are voting for Mike Nelson in the August 5 Primary for the open South Ward Council seat. Mike recognizes that we must complete the Groundwater Management Plan before we decide on any growth, and his stance of no market rate upzones is best for the Island.
One of the other candidates, Sarah Blossom, has had eight years on council and five years on the Planning Commission to “get it right,” but still supports the same failed policy, market rate bonus housing plans, that got us where we are today. The other candidate, Dawn Janow, was on the parks board for six years, and that board spent $13 million on an aging athletic facility without public input, and also supports market-rate bonus strategies. We need fresh eyes on our problems, someone who will listen to the community. That someone is Mike Nelson.
Lisa Neal
Bainbridge Island
Blossom the right choice
To the editor:
I’m writing to express my support for Sarah Blossom for the City Council, South Ward position. I believe that Sarah is the right candidate for Bainbridge, especially on the topic of how we want to see our community grow. Sarah has previous experience on the council and has spent the past five years as a volunteer on the planning commission.
Sarah’s conservative growth position aligns with our community’s vision for responsible growth. Sarah has experience and deep knowledge on water issues through both her council time as well as her family’s previous ownership of a water company on the Island. Finally, Sarah personally demonstrates stewardship of our island and maintaining our rural character through her own preservation of open space.
Over the years, Sarah and I have had many conversations on a variety of topics. We have not always agreed on everything, but she has always had an open ear. When we do disagree, she always has a well-thought-out position, made in the best interest of our community.
David Dunn
Bainbridge Island
Vote for Janow
To the editor:
I’m writing to share my support for Dawn Janow for Bainbridge Island City Council. I’ve gotten to know Dawn within the last couple of years, and I can honestly say—she shows up, listens, and truly cares about our community.
Dawn brings a calm, thoughtful approach to every conversation. She’s about doing the work and making sure all voices are heard. From housing to sustainability to the little things that make Bainbridge special, she’s tuned in and ready to lead.
What stands out most to me is her mix of kindness and experience. She knows how local government works, but she never loses sight of the people she’s serving.
Bainbridge would be lucky to have her on City Council. I hope you’ll join me in voting for Dawn.
Terri Beckett
Bainbridge Island
Support Blossom
To the editor:
I am writing to urge Bainbridge voters to support Sarah Blossom’s return to the City Council.
In her past service on the council and on the Planning Commission, Sarah has proved herself to be a smart, hard-working and highly principled public servant. I served with her on the council for four years and know these qualities to be true.
The work of the City Council affects us all and affects the lives of future generations. Sarah knows that and cares deeply about getting those decisions right. We will be fortunate to have her back on the City Council.
Val Tollefson
Bainbridge Island
Janow impressive
To the editor:
Life’s full of surprises. Last Friday, I had never heard of Dawn Janow! But today I am a devoted supporter. Dawn Janow caught my eye last week because of a letter to the editor endorsing her for the City Council primary election. Dawn sounded pretty amazing! The day after reading that letter, my adult son invited me to a “meet ‘n’ greet” with none other than Janow. Of course, I agreed to go!
From the moment Dawn shook my hand and looked me straight in the eye, I experienced her presence, her integrity. Over the next two hours, she revealed a ”level head”, coupled with a warm heart, and wide-ranging community and organizational experience. She is also a parent, knows our schools well, and wants to find ways to make staying on the island attractive to young people as they become adults. She is devoted to community building, participatory government, greater efficiency and inclusion. She also imagines our future and wants to make it possible for all life to thrive here.
So if you’d appreciate authenticity, intelligence, experience, commitment and compassion on City Council, vote for Dawn Janow in the primary.
Deborah Milton
Bainbridge Island
Blossom for council
To the editor:
We’ve witnessed Sarah Blossom’s skilled work over the years in various capacities, including her service on the City Council, where she always worked for the betterment of the Bainbridge community. We think especially of her thoughtful and long-standing commitment to support affordable housing in our community.
Sarah has the proven skills and the experience we need for the challenges we face. She has our wholehearted endorsement for re-election to the City Council.
Ed and Karen Kushner
Bainbridge Island
