To the editor:

Val Tollefson has my unqualified support as a candidate for Bainbridge Island City Council.

I describe him as a “statesman” – one who is a promoter of the public good and a respected leader.

I have known Val for 30 years – since we served together on the board of Bainbridge Foundation (now One Call for All). I have also known his work with the land trust, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial, and the American College of Trial Lawyers. In each of these capacities, I have seen him to be a person of integrity, working with a vision and the ability to build consensus to achieve that vision.

My favorite example of Val’s integrity and commitment to community involves a generous and anonymous donation he made to help a school district employee.

While I was the principal at Sakai Intermediate School, our head custodian’s house burned to the ground. This employee lived in Val’s neighborhood and had once offered Val a ride to the ferry on a snowy day. Of his donation and the ride that had been offered, Val wrote, “This is just what neighbors do for each other.”

Many candidates run for public office with an ax to grind. Val runs because of his commitment to our community and to public service. We need him on Bainbridge Island City Council. Thank you, Val.

JOHANNA VANDER STOEP

Bainbridge Island