Submitted by Bill Watson

Candidate for San Juan County Council District #1

For those of you who don’t know me, I’d like to introduce myself and let you know I am a candidate for San Juan County Council, District #1 (San Juan Island).

I’ve been visiting the San Juan Islands with my family since 1990. Every time I got on the ferry, I’d say to myself, “Wouldn’t it be great to live in the islands?” In September of 2006, I was headed to San Juan Island to visit a friend, had that same reaction and realized that I could. One month later … I was living in Friday Harbor.

I love to kayak and sail the waters of San Juan County or visit the west side and watch the water (and maybe the whales).

I am a retired 30-plus year veteran of the software industry; a critical thinker and experienced problem solver. I have 20-plus years of experience leading and motivating people of diverse skills to accomplish organizational goals and objectives. I’ve also worked as an independent software developer for Seattle based companies; working from Friday Harbor via the internet.

Since moving to Friday Harbor in 2006, I spent three years as the staff of the San Juan Islands Economic Development Council, participated in the Leadership San Juan Islands 2007 program, and was elected to the 2012 Charter Review Commission.

I am a former board member of the San Juan Islands Agricultural Guild, Leadership San Juan Islands, and Friends of the San Juans. Currently, I serve as a board member of Friends of Lime Kiln Society (FOLKS).

I look forward to meeting and talking with many of you over the coming months; as I listen to your thoughts on how to improve our community, on possible actions needed to move forward, and on our vision for the future of San Juan County. As Councilman for San Juan County, I believe it would be my job to represent the collective interests of all of its citizens: current and future generations.

For more info, visit my campaign website or contact me: www.billwatson2016.com, billwatson2016@gmail.com, 360-298-8236.