To the editor:
When diplomatic relations were reestablished with Vietnam in 1995, I traveled there with family members to reach out to the Vietnamese people, in honor of all losses on all sides, and to begin building bridges of trust and understanding. My brother, Lt. Daniel Cheney, was a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who was killed in action in the Vietnam War in 1969.
Together with friends and family, our goal was to sponsor clearing the land of the explosive remnants of war and to then plant trees with the Vietnamese people to heal the land and begin healing with the people. This effort resulted in founding a nonprofit humanitarian organization, here on Bainbridge Island, known as Peace Trees Vietnam, now in our 18th year working in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam.
I write today in the spirit of hope and compassion for the city of Bainbridge Island, my home of 20 years, which could greatly benefit from focused bridge-building efforts to restore trust and build strong effective relationships to benefit the future of the Bainbridge community.
I encourage my fellow residents of Bainbridge Island to vote for Roger Townsend in the upcoming election for city council because I believe that Roger’s leadership skills, temperament, personal integrity and openness make him an ideal choice to help restore the community’s confidence in the council.
I have known Roger for many years professionally and personally and believe that he will be an important contributor in moving our city forward.
Roger has been endorsed by the 23rd Legislative District Democrats, the Cascade Bicycle Club and the Sierra Club. He will work to maintain the character and integrity of our island and can provide sensitivity to the needs of young families as he is currently raising two school-age girls.
Personally, I am an avid runner, and know that Roger will prioritize the safety of runners, walkers and bicyclists on Bainbridge Island. He will listen to our collective voice.
Whenever I write our friends and donors for Peace Trees Vietnam, I seal the envelope with the highest and best intention. I encourage all islanders to mail their ballots with the same degree of care and vote for Roger Townsend on Nov. 5.
JERILYN BRUSSEAU
Fletcher Bay
