To the editor:

Our County Commissioner Rob Gelder is working hard to keep Kitsap great.

The county’s financial situation is now stabilized, with increased revenue projections and decreased operating costs. Our commissioners are creating a fiscally conservative financial plan, focusing on the right choices to retain important services to the community. County planning services have been streamlined; a recent letter to the editor lauded the county as “open for business.” Some permit approval times have been reduced from six weeks to literally, over the counter.

Commissioner Gelder has concrete ideas for addressing economic development in the county. Instead of relying on sound bites, Rob has convened a round table of small business owners to address regulatory issues that they have concerns with. Rob is working to remove regulatory obstacles to business development and is supporting efforts to encourage manufacturing and increase  tourism that supports our local businesses.

Rob has led efforts to combine environmental stewardship and economic development through the Kitsap Forest and Bay Project. The 2012 Western Governors’ conference called the $646 billion national outdoor recreation industry an “overlooked economic giant.” Commissioner Gelder’s proposal for the 7,000 acres of Pope forest lands through the Kitsap Forest and Bay Project, will contribute far more to the local economy than the property taxes currently paid by the landowner.

In this economy, we need leadership that is pragmatic and follows through on issues important to our community. I hope you’ll join me in re-electing Rob Gelder as Kitsap County Commissioner.

LINDA BERRY-MARAIST

Poulsbo