I was dismayed to read Pamela Hoke’s fanciful argument for “balanced leadership” in Friday Harbor. She asserted that “the three core gaps” facing the Town of Friday Harbor are economic, collaborative and communications gaps. In fact, the biggest “gap” in town government is the lack of leadership. The town has not had an effective leader for at least the past four years.

Evan Perrollaz is the experienced leader the town desperately needs. Evan successfully led the Village at the Harbor when it was privately owned. He led the negotiations for the owners when the Public Hospital District sought to buy it. He then agreed to lead the Village for another year under public ownership. He is now the number two staff person at the PHD and the director of Home Care services. Before he came to the island 10 years ago, he spent 16 years as owner, director, or manager of senior living and healthcare businesses. Evan is an experienced leader. His opponent’s leadership experience is limited and not at all comparable.

Ms. Hoke also implies the Prop 1 issue, which was placed on the ballot by the elected commissioners of the PHD, creates some sort of potential conflict for Evan. That makes no sense. She concludes with another implication that Evan is too busy. There’s an old adage that says, “If you need something done, find a busy person.” Evan has proven throughout his career that being busy does not impede his effectiveness. Oh, and then there’s the fact that the Mayor of Friday Harbor is a part-time job.

Vote for an experienced leader. Vote for Evan.

Richard Grout

San Juan Island