Political newcomer challenges incumbent in Lopez Island council race
The field of three candidates vying for the District 1 (San Juan) and District 2 (Orcas) County Council positions will each be winnowed down to two following the “special” primary election, Feb. 12.
Meanwhile, Islands Weekly editor Cali Bagby offers a glance at competitors in the Lopez Island council race, with a profile of each and a following Q & A.
OPAL's Byers vying for Orcas county council post
With three candidates vying for the District 2 post — Dr. Gregory Ayers and Rick Hughes have entered the race as well — voters across the county will narrow the field to two in a Feb. 12 primary election. The top two vote-getters will then square off in a countywide "general" election April 23.
Jarman tosses hat into District 1 ring
A San Juan Island resident of 38 years, Jarman is a two-term incumbent on San Juan Island Fire Department's elected commission and for more than 30 years worked in various roles and capacities with the local phone company, operated now by CenturyLink. In his first-ever bid for the county council, he defeated first-term incumbent Lovel Pratt by 90 votes to claim the South San Juan position, formerly known as the county legislative District 1.
Forlenza joins the field in District 1 race
Economic development and job growth top Forlenza's list of priorities. He intends to meet with business leaders locally and in Seattle, and with representatives of state government, as a means to help create new economic opportunities in the islands. He supports expansion of the broadband initiative, spearheaded by Orcas Power and Light Cooperative, to foster new educational and telecommuting opportunities. "The truth is it's hard to make a living in San Juan County," he said. "We need jobs, not necessarily more people."
Ayers joins Orcas county council race
A specialist in abnormal heart rhythms, Ayers has assisted in the development of various medical devices, such as defibrillators, health monitors and pacemakers, and is co-founder of the Island Reproductive Health Initiative and has served on the Orcas Medical Foundation board of directors.
Pratt to run for 3-person County Council
Supporting a strong local economy and providing effective advocacy at the regional, state and national levels, are issues she is highlighting in her campaign.
San Juan County tops in state voter turnout
Auditor Milene Henley credits the charter propositions, county council races, same-sex marriage referendum and the initiative to legalize marijuana for the "high" voter turnout in San Juan County.
Four days until election day: do you know where your ballot is?
Replacement ballots are available through the Elections Office or online, through MyVote. To reach MyVote, go to the county’s Elections website (www.sanjuanco.com/elections) and click on MyVote.
Local 1849 backs Forlenza, Hughes for county council
While county council candidates Marc Forlenza and Rick Hughes drew endorsements from the county's labor union, members of Local 1849 ended up deadlocked over the candidates in the District 1 race, incumbent Lovel Pratt and challenger Bob Jarman.
Ranker to field questions at Democracy Corner
State Senator Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas, will be in Friday Harbor to field questions from islanders today, Oct. 16, beginning at 4 p.m., at Democracy Corner, next to the Garden Path Cafe on Spring Street.
