https://www.facebook.com/122153354450111982/posts/122154509804111982
Marie Shimada (D-Freeland), candidate for Island County Commissioner, District 1, posted this on her Facebook page on .
Friends,
It’s July, and you know what that means: primary ballots are coming this month! We know from talking to neighbors at their doors, meeting voters at community events, and participating in our first candidate forum, that people are paying attention to this race. We are honored and humbled at the support we have received from every community in our district and have a plan to advance to the general election.
Running for office was not a decision I made lightly. I knew the time it takes to campaign and the toll it can have on loved ones. I knew the risks of putting myself out there while working in a public role that interacts with many community members, local and state governments, and even the National Park Service. I was steadfast in my commitment to not let my campaign negatively impact the meaningful work that happens at the Reserve. It is disappointing that incorrect and incomplete information has been shared about my tenure at Ebey’s, so today I wanted to share with you some testimonials I recently received from local organizations, which underscore my enthusiasm and commitment to our county.
Examples of my steadfast commitment to supporting workers at Ebey’s are what helped garner the union endorsements from the electricians at IBEW, grocery workers at UFCW, and healthcare and education workers from SEIU. This support amplifies my priority of supporting and retaining Island County workers.
I am also blessed that five past members of the Trust Board chose to donate, endorse, or host parties for my campaign. Those who have led with me in the past have invested in me to lead in the future.
Thank you so much to those of you who have reached out with concern and questions about one-sided coverage. It was heart wrenching to conclude my time at Ebey’s Reserve, but I owe it to the hundreds of people who have invested their time, money, reputations, and energy into my campaign for a better future to commit to a strong performance in the primary election. Most importantly, I owe it to our community to keep fighting forward for everyone who is relying on me to address important issues like housing availability, economic vitality, environmental resilience, and our quality of life.
On The Ballot in August 2024
| Island County Commissioner, District 1 | Marie Shimada (D-Freeland) Melanie Bacon (D-Langley), the incumbent Steven Myres (R-Freeland) Wanda Grone (R-Langley) |
| Island County Commissioner, District 2 | Phil Collier (R-Oak Harbor) Christina Elliott (D-Oak Harbor) Jill Johnson (R-Oak Harbor), the incumbent |
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