Well, that was humbling!  I was fourth in the voting for the open director positions at OPALCO’s Annual Meeting.

That is okay, and I do thank the many friends and neighbors who voted for me.  I was asked why I ran for a position on the [OPALCO] board, and I believe that, subconsciously,  I was wanting to offer a choice to the membership.  The other three candidates were all part of the OPALCO family.

Which brings me to the point of this missive! This year, the filing period for positions on various boards and committees around the county will include nearly 50 opportunities for all of us to participate in our treasured democracy. To offer a choice when we vote, 100 neighbors are needed as candidates to fill positions on school boards, fire districts, port districts, water and sewer boards and so forth.  I believe, strongly, that it is important for us all to participate and to contribute to the democratic traditions of our community.

Included in that group of 100 willing candidates should be a mix of all groups within our diverse community, young and old, men and women, different ethnic and cultural representatives.  A true cross-section of who we are as an island community!  The decisions that are made today will affect us all, so we must all participate through representatives of our choosing.

Whether you have served previously or not, give some careful and serious thought to adding your name to the list of candidates who will be on the ballot this November.

With regard to the just completed OPALCO election, I congratulate Winnie Adams and Randy Cornelius, wish them well, and trust that their wisdom will guide us all successfully into the future.  Thank you all for the opportunity to participate.

Ed Sutton

Orcas Island