I’m sure I’m not the only one who is grateful that election season is behind us.

I’m looking forward to serving all islanders as a San Juan County Public Hospital District Commissioner beginning early next year. In the meantime, I want to thank everyone who came to a forum, wrote a letter, talked to a neighbor, posted comments online, and made your views heard during this election cycle. I’ve been listening hard, including to people who don’t agree with me.

As many people have pointed out, we’re an island community first and foremost, and we often know each other through multiple dimensions. Friendships here run deep and wide and across many areas of interest.

In the island spirit, I wish everyone well and look forward to working hard with many of you and for all of you in the New Year.

Monica Harrington

San Juan Island