Elect Lant
To the editor:
I endorsed Lara Lant for council early on because I believe she would add an invaluable voice to our council.
I’ve known Lara for over a decade, in her role as the City Hall receptionist and then the planning desk – helping residents get their questions answered. She was elected union steward by her colleagues because of her leadership skills, her ability to consider and speak to the complex issues that the city and its employees face in carrying out their work.
As I have watched her campaign, she embodies those attributes: listening to anyone who wants to engage her, raising questions, and researching the issues and exploring creative solutions, while keeping community interests and concerns, not her own, at the center.
We are in the midst of profound challenges, and I want Lara to be on council as it makes decisions about how we address them.
Please join me in voting for Lara.
Gloria Sayler
Bainbridge Island
Vote for Deets
To the editor:
As Commander of American Legion, Colin Hyde Post 172, I have known Joe Deets as a Bainbridge Island City Councilmember since 2018.
Prior to being on the City Council, he spent 15 years in the solar energy industry, where his pioneering work in community solar projects enabled thousands of people across the state to reap the benefits of clean energy.
His priorities as a second-term councilmember include implementing the city’s Climate Action Plan and creating affordable housing for our island residents.
Please vote for Joe Deets, a person who will lead us forward in our great island community.
Gary Sakuma
Poulsbo
Teen drinking
To the editor:
As a BHS parent, I’m dismayed at the lack of care given toward our teens with regard to the tradition of drinking on the ferry and going to Seattle for Homecoming. When people in charge are pressed for accountability, it is truly concerning: denial of responsibility.
I wrote to BHS with no answer. Emails explained BHS cannot afford a dance. Teachers made announcements: BHS was not liable for activities that took place on Homecoming weekend.
BIPD’s response was that BISD informs them; they are aware. But it’s not their jurisdiction. Go to WSF and the State Patrol. WSF stated: drinking alcohol not purchased on the ferry is prohibited. Drinking underage is unlawful. State Patrol responded they would forward the concern to the appropriate patrol team. Meanwhile, hundreds of unchaperoned teens pass flasks and take alcohol into the family bathroom, jeering at staff.
How are so many teens gaining access to alcohol? Whose parents are paying for the party bus? Picking up their intoxicated teen in the end?
Partying is normal, risky, developmentally appropriate behavior. At least we said, “no.” At least we said, “I care about your health and safety, here are the risks.” When we don’t set a boundary, we give up.
How did we become a community that doesn’t care about underage substance abuse? In the name of no school dance?
Why couldn’t BHS Homecoming season sports teams–football, cheer, tennis, volleyball, –mandate they attend the game and dance in lieu of Seattle?
We owe our teens more effort.
Jaclyn Chao
Bainbridge Island
Support Deets
To the editor:
I’m writing to express my support for Bainbridge City Councilmember Joe Deets. I’ve worked alongside plenty of elected officials; Joe is one of the good ones. He’s an authentic and thoughtful leader, plus he’s got a knack for getting things done. He leveraged his experience putting solar panels atop City Hall into organizing and implementing the City’s Climate Action Plan.
Refreshingly free of ego, he listens carefully to community concerns, from housing to water to commerce, and works hard to turn them into well-informed decisions. I’ve sat beside him at the committee table, I’ve welcomed him into my classroom to inspire and to be inspired by students, and I’ve seen him have coffee with countless neighbors.
More than ever, we need leaders with both empathy and experience. Let’s re-elect Joe Deets.
James Rufo-Hill
Bainbridge Island
Support Lant
To the editor:
Perpetual city councilmembers are not good for Bainbridge Island.
I’m supporting Lara Lant for City Council. Lara grew up on Bainbridge Island and cares deeply about the community. As a former member of city staff, she understands good process and is committed to it. Unlike her opponent, Joe Deets, Lara is not beholden to special interests eager to curry favor with entrenched incumbents. Lara is the people’s candidate. She deserves a chance to show what she can do. If elected, her opponent would be serving his third term. That would not be good for Bainbridge Island.
In 2021, the Salary Commission decided to give city councilmembers a big pay raise from 12K per year to 36K for regular councilmembers and 48K for the council-elected mayor. At least one councilmember—Joe Deets—saw this big pay raise as an opportunity to become a professional city councilmember. In 2024 ,Deets nominated himself to serve a second term as mayor and get a $12K pay raise. Other councilmembers who had not served in the mayor position were sidelined.
Join me in saying no to self-serving perpetual city councilmembers eager to do the bidding of special interests. Let’s say yes to a new face on City Council. Let’s say yes to Lara Lant.
Ron Peltier
Bainbridge Island
Re-elect Deets
To the editor:
I’m delighted to endorse councilmember Joe Deets for another term on the Bainbridge Island City Council.
Joe works for all members of our community. He listens carefully, respects differing perspectives, and ensures every voice is heard. I’m thankful Joe supports initiatives that make our community stronger, more connected, and more welcoming for all residents.
Joe’s priorities include advancing social equity, protecting the environment, improving transportation, and ensuring affordable housing. I consistently witness Joe approaching these issues with urgency and compassion.
I know Joe to be smart, persistent, and kind. In my view, today’s world needs more kindness, and Joe seems to have an unlimited supply. Thank you, Joe!
I encourage you to join me and vote Joe Deets for City Council.
Greg Dronkert
Bainbridge Island
