The North Kitsap Herald Advisory Board met with 23rd District incumbents Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo) and Bev Woods (R-Kingston) and their respective challengers Earl Johnson (R-Bainbridge) and Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge) Monday night, and following a lengthy discussion, is endorsing what the group viewed as being two “positives.”

For those who remember, the Herald did not endorse Appleton in 2004, and we are more than happy to eat our words now. She has proven herself an extremely effective representative since then, and as a freshman, didn’t sit on the sidelines for long before proposing bills for the betterment of the state. And while improving prescription drug access and helping attain $250,000 for the Poulsbo Marine Science Center affect the multitudes, her first bill (HB 1759), is notable as well.

And while designating the Orca whale as the state’s official marine mammal might be small potatoes in the political stew of Olympia, it showed that Appleton is in tune with the future of the state: It’s youth.

Explaining that the bill offered the students involved a valuable lesson in civics, she said, “Representatives don’t only represent, they educate.”

Appleton takes this to heart, and while her bill to provide hearing aids to those who cannot afford them failed, she plans to reintroduce it with a more kid-centric angle in the future. Again, kids were her focus as she explained how hearing impaired children are more likely to fall behind and eventually between the cracks in our society.

Appleton also promotes early childhood education, focusing on potential learning issues before they turn into problems.

While Johnson had some decent ideas (why is the state in the liquor distribution business?) his overall view on the state government was extremely negative. This was evidenced from the get-go when he was asked why Appleton should be replaced.

“I don’t know Sherry Appleton at all,” he said, adding that in general the state was “poorly managed.”

Johnson seemed to bring to the table some valid real world experience but this was overshadowed by his gloomy views on the political sphere in which he wants to join. His support of NASCAR over a proposal for a sustainable energy project at the same location was concluded with the comment: “It’s very unlikely that government will pick the economic winners.”

To his credit, he did point out (as did all candidates) that state funds should not be used to build a NASCAR track in Bremerton and Washington State Ferries shouldn’t be treated as a “stepchild” by the state in terms of funding and attention but didn’t give any definitive steps to change this perception.

On the other hand, the board agreed that Appleton has “evolved over time,” becoming more open and cooperative with those she works with.

“Sherry seems to have compassion for everyone,” one member surmised.

She has obviously learned a lot in her first term and, when questioned about her failed proposal to create a $6 million longhouse and cultural center in Suquamish, did not go on the defensive.

Rather, she explained that the public addition would benefit the whole of North Kitsap — something the Suquamish Tribe was doing already as a large-scale employer.

Appleton’s poise and resolve has remained throughout a year when many felt she might just throw in the towel. Her husband’s death, the board agreed, could have been devastating, but she has maintained a positive outlook on the state’s future and life in general.

“I’ve loved every moment of this job,” she said.

We sincerely believe her and by near unanimous decision, endorse her in her re-election campaign as 23rd District Rep. in Position 1.

The board’s decision concerning Position 2, came down to a 4-3 vote (with one member abstaining). It wasn’t an easy call to make and while arguments in favor of the incumbent were strong, the majority of the board agreed that Rolfes was the better choice of the two in terms of attitude, teamwork and leadership.