Lovel Pratt is filing as a District 1 candidate in the San Juan County Council countywide election.

“I am running with the urging and enthusiastic support of islanders throughout the county, and I am honored by their confidence and trust,” said Pratt. “I look forward to the opportunity to serve on the council for all islanders.”

The candidate has lived on the island for 21 years, working and volunteering in everything from farming, to education, to affordable housing. She served on the Planning Commission (including two years as chairwoman) for ten years and one term on the county council, including serving as council chairwoman in 2011. Pratt has also served on the Legislative Steering Committee of the Washington State Association of Counties, and representing WSAC on three statewide committees.

Pratt said she is able to build upon the affiliations and relationships she has established these past four years and is committed to representing San Juan County and facilitating regular council communications with the decision-makers, the Legislature and our Congressional delegation.

Having raised children on the island, Pratt said a strong local economy is key to the community’s sustainability and continued quality of life. If elected, she plants to support and advocate for the infrastructure needed for year-round, family-wage jobs, such as the wireless ordinance. She said she will support “innovative, locally-based solutions that retain local jobs, such as the Lopez Solid Waste District’s and Orcas Recycling Services’ solid waste and recycling services.”

Pratt was involved in providing the leadership for the county council to ensure that an Environmental Impact Statement scoping meeting for the proposed Cherry Point coal terminal was held in San Juan County. She also drafted the comment letters submitted by the council.  Pratt said she is monitoring the process of the proposed coal terminal, and is committed to protecting island waters from the increased risks of major oil spills.

It will be up to the council elected in April to finalize the voter-approved changes to the charter, she added. Pratt supported and advocated for the charter propositions. She said, if elected, she will ensure an effective implementation of the amendments to the Home Rule Charter.