Price Johnson's leadership needed

As a 25-year resident and small business owner here on Whidbey, I feel compelled to write a letter in support of Helen Price Johnson's re-election. Helen is a Whidbey Islander through and through. If you look at her resume, it's pure Whidbey -- from being raised here herself to raising her own family here, to running a small business here -- Helen knows and loves this island.

And, I think her voting record demonstrates her personal connection and commitment to the preservation and betterment of this island treasure. Recently, her hard work on a difficult budget has been impressive and nothing short of excellent, in my view.

I have attended some of the County Council meetings and watched others on video online. Helen's calm, pragmatic leadership is something the council desperately needs to retain to countervail and stand up to the unexplainably disruptive, destructive and even juvenile behavior by Commissioner Kelly Emerson who consistently tries to bulldoze important issues that promote and protect the island from, well ... real bulldozing.

I am sure that Helen's opponents are all nice people, but there's no doubt that turning a majority vote over to Ms. Emerson would be catastrophic to the health and welfare of this Island. I'll be voting to reelect Helen Price Johnson.

Joe Patrick
Coupeville