Submitted by the Committee to Elect Stephanie O’Day for San Juan Council District 1

Attorney Stephanie O’Day proudly announces her candidacy for San Juan County Council District 1. Stephanie moved to San Juan Island in 1991, raised a daughter here with husband Pat, and has been a working member of several non-profits for many years (Pig War Picnic, Fish for Teeth, SJI Museum of Art, Historical Museum). With a proven track record of 33 years working and supporting clients in San Juan County with land use challenges, Stephanie promises to bring passion, a fresh perspective and unwavering dedication to the County Council. From a prepared statement:

“I’m worried about the future of San Juan Island. Are we destined to be simply a high-end community with zero livability for the labor force? That seems to be the direction we are heading. We are out of balance. It is no secret that the “affordable housing options” in the county as a whole are sorely lacking. Why is this happening? Two reasons – costs are soaring and permitting is a nightmare.

We live in an area that I believe to be the most glorious on earth. We continue to market the islands as the Martha’s Vineyard of the west, and we continue to attract tourists, part-timers and retirees. Waterfront prices have soared to exclude any purchaser without millions in the bank. Inland parcel prices have skyrocketed as well. Why? Supply and demand. Permitting costs. Property Taxes.

But what about our labor force? Those in the building and contracting industry, those who work in our grocery stores, our retail stores, our restaurants? Where do our teachers and deputies live on the salaries they take home? Rents have gone sky high, and the median home price on the island is over $850,000. The impossibility of the $18-$25/hour worker to purchase a first home is evident. How does a young parent enter the workforce and pay for daycare? We must work together with the state and our largest employers to find a way to subsidize the costs of daycare.”

Stephanie O’Day’s candidacy is grounded in a commitment to work together, with a focus on bringing people together to achieve common goals of being able to get a permit, find stable housing, and support our infrastructure. Throughout her career, Stephanie has demonstrated a commitment to San Juan Island, earning the respect and trust of colleagues and constituents alike.