I met with Central Kitsap Commissioner Linda Streissguth last month. As one of the longest serving Kitsap County Commissioners myself (1977-1993), I care about those who serve in that position. I came away impressed.

To be effective as a commissioner it takes hard work, the ability to get along with others and a vision for what the county will need in the years ahead.

It looks to me like Linda has all three. She is smart. She has a strong grasp of the issues that face the commissioners on a daily basis. And, she has a leg-up on her opponent – she is a certified planner. That means she understands the intricacies of the Growth Management Act and Kitsap’s Comprehensive Plan.

In 1974, when I started to work for the county, Kitsap’s population was 115,000. Here we are, 40 years later, with a population of more than 250,000.  As we continue to grow, maintaining Kitsap’s unique quality of life will be the commissioners’ greatest challenge.

I think Linda Streissguth has the qualities we need. I support her election this fall and I hope you will as well.

John Horsley

Poulsbo