To the editor:

Ron Peltier is running for city council. I am privileged to know Ron Peltier well, and I want to tell our fellow islanders about him.

I am a business owner in Winslow. And, in Winslow, we value the tourist trade greatly.

However, a strong tourist trade is simply not enough. Our future is tied to the strength of Bainbridge Island. The vibrant economy, which is a key principle of our comprehensive plan, depends upon a strong island community dedicated to our long-term sustainability and support of our special island character. If we continue to destroy our special character, many other good things will also disappear.

Ron understands the limits of our natural resources, and he has dedicated his efforts to preserving our aquifers, our magnificent trees, the life-giving water of our sound and our unique sense of community. Ron also understands the limits of our pocketbooks, and will dedicate his efforts to keep Bainbridge affordable.

Ron and his wife Polly are longtime island stewards who have been instrumental in maintaining the best of Bainbridge. Ron Peltier has been a strong voice for responsible development on Bainbridge Island. Let’s put that strong voice on the city council. A vote for Ron ensures that a longterm sustainable vision will inform the decisions we make today for our fate tomorrow.

UDO WALD

Manitou Beach