To the editor:

We’ve known Pegeen Mulhern for over 10 years as friends, community volunteers, and fellow parents at the hockey rink and at school.

It is with confidence and enthusiasm that we support Pegeen’s candidacy for the Bainbridge Island City Council at-large position.

We want someone with smarts, compassion and integrity to represent us on the city council. Someone with the practical skills to wade through and make sense of policies and budgets. Someone with the people skills to genuinely listen to a citizen’s concerns, and to work collaboratively with council colleagues for a workable solution.

Someone like Pegeen Mulhern.

When we first got to know Pegeen, we were struck by the fact that she and her husband, Doug Greason, built a 110-foot schooner (that they later captained for five years) with their own hands. A solid plan to a complicated task, an abundance of grit and a boatload of humor got the job done. It exemplifies Pegeen’s approach to complex challenges.

Pegeen traded the waters of Lake Champlain for Puget Sound, and, lucky for us, brought a love of nature and a fierce commitment to protect her. She has combined this environmental stewardship with a sharp intellect and genuine care and concern for people to advise maritime businesses, to serve on the island’s first shoreline management advisory committee, and, with fellow islanders, to appeal the SEPA permit for the Visconsi development.

While Doug and Pegeen raised their two kids, Pegeen worked part-time as an attorney and volunteered in numerous capacities. Quietly, yet strongly. We had no idea this long-time volunteer has done so much for our community! As a mom at the rink and the sidelines, and a former Girl Scout leader and school district curriculum committee member, Pegeen not only stands up (and cheers) for her own children, but also for our kids and your kids.

For today’s islanders, and for generations to come.

Pegeen Mulhern has the head and heart to be an outstanding city council member.

She has our trust — and our vote.

We encourage you to vote for Pegeen for the at-large city council position.

BARRY HOONAN AND JING FONG

Bainbridge Island