Deets for council
To the editor:
Bainbridge Island is in one of its most transformative moments, with community discussion around the balance of conservation and affordability. During these times, we need leaders who are able to not only keep up with this change but ensure that progress is guided with integrity, inclusivity, and a vision that benefits all members of society for generations to come. I believe that Joe Deets’ vision for the island is a perfect example of this, and it is why I support his re-election efforts.
I believe that Councilmember Joe Deets’ vision for Bainbridge Island is a perfect example of the leadership we need. Throughout his service, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental conservation, affordable housing, and equitable growth. Whether it’s advancing climate action through clean energy initiatives such as installing solar panels on City Hall, advocating for water conservation and habitat protection, or pushing for practical transportation solutions, Joe brings both experience and a genuine dedication to the well-being of our community.
I have accompanied Joe Deets while doorbelling, where he asks islanders what they want for our community. Joe doesn’t just talk, he listens, and he takes their concerns to heart. True leadership means engaging directly with the people, and Joe does exactly that.
I urge everyone to stand with Joe Deets to ensure that our island we call home, doesn’t get left behind in the chaos of the world.
Oscar Robert Aitchison Tirman
Bainbridge Island
Wrong spot for affordable housing
To the editor:
I have deep gratitude for council’s tireless efforts to create more affordable housing for Bainbridge. We desperately need it.
The proposed 625 Winslow Way building is not the solution. Why? Its massive size is not appropriate for the small-town feel we want to maintain. Nor, frankly, are the Harbor Square condos. The population density of 625 will create traffic and parking problems in a part of town that is already overcrowded. To assume that residents will not own cars is magical thinking.
We can do better. We can build more distributed, smaller-scale housing in less crowded parts of town. Wintergreen, Erickson Avenue and The Oliver are great examples. We can make it easier and less expensive to build ADUs. My guess is that there are other solutions.
Let’s re-imagine a better way, one more consistent with our values and the reality of our current traffic/parking challenges. We can do this together. We must.
Ellen Lockert
Bainbridge Island
Vote for Blossom
To the editor:
Bainbridge Island deserves leadership that informs, unites, and builds trust. That’s why I support Sarah Blossom for City Council. Having served previously on the council and currently on the Planning Commission, she understands both the history of past decisions and the complex issues facing Bainbridge today. Her track record shows a commitment to thoughtful decision-making, listening to diverse perspectives, and finding practical solutions that reflect the values of Bainbridge residents.
I’ve had the opportunity to work with Sarah on the Planning Commission and have seen firsthand how she approaches difficult issues. She listens carefully, respects differing views, and grounds her decisions in facts and the long-term well-being of our island. She values transparency, community engagement, and has the institutional knowledge to address housing, infrastructure, and environmental stewardship. Even when opinions differ, Sarah keeps discussions constructive and focused on solutions rather than conflict. That balance of experience, knowledge, and temperament is exactly what we need on the Council.
Unfortunately, her opponent, Mike Nelson, has chosen a very different path. Rather than engaging with facts, he has built his campaign around misinformation and fear. His rhetoric mirrors the divisive tactics we see in national politics from our current president—an approach that tears communities apart instead of bringing them together. Bainbridge deserves better.
The choice is clear. With Sarah Blossom, we get a candidate who knows the issues, respects the community, and works hard to achieve balanced, realistic outcomes. Let’s keep Bainbridge moving forward with leadership rooted in experience, honesty, and trust.
Ben Deines
Bainbridge Island
Support Deets
To the editor:
We are closing in on the Nov. 4 general election, where our fellow Councilmember Joe Deets is running a competitive race for re-election in the North Ward (District 7).
As a subject matter expert in sustainable power systems and a former volunteer, I had the privilege of working closely with Joe during my two terms on the city’s Climate Change Advisory Committee (2019–2025). I saw firsthand his genuine collaboration, dedication to sustainability, and ability to turn vision into real programs—such as the city’s Community Heat Pump Program and its E-Bike Voucher Pilot. These are just two examples of how Joe has advanced the Climate Action Plan adopted in 2020.
I’ve also been impressed by Joe’s ethical leadership and personal growth in addressing racial equity challenges on Bainbridge Island. By actively listening to the city’s Race Equity Advisory Committee, Joe has notably worked to integrate equity into council decision-making—recognizing that dismantling structural racism enriches the life of our entire community.
For those who don’t yet know him, Joe makes himself available every Saturday morning, 10 a.m. to noon, at Cups on Bjune Drive. There, he listens deeply, asks honest questions, and models humility and inclusiveness in his long-standing leadership with a proven record.
With his experience, integrity, and compassion, I believe Joe Deets is uniquely positioned to continue leading Bainbridge Island forward. I strongly encourage every voter to re-elect him.
Jens Boemer
Bainbridge Island
Housing, hotel swap?
To the editor:
My concern about any housing project at the corner of Highway 305 and Winslow Way is that residents would receive constant exposure to a high level of air pollution from traffic. That location also seems very expensive for the number of housing units that could be built in an attractive manner.
The property further west on Winslow Way, where a hotel was previously proposed, seems a much healthier and attractive residential location for the proposed affordable housing project. And the corner of 305 and Winslow Way would be a much more suitable location for a hotel where guests would be housed for short periods of time.
If such a swap is feasible, I would heartily support such a change.
Barbara Zimmer
Bainbridge Island
