Patrick Kennedy and Mike Seraphinoff have stepped forward to run for the Port of Coupeville Board Position 3 that will be vacant this year. Incumbent Mohammad Mostafavinassab is not seeking reelection. Kennedy says his priority would be to enhance the Port’s current assets. He said, “I understand several years back...
Two Coupeville Town Council incumbents are running unopposed to retain their seats in November’s upcoming election. Michael Moore and Pat Powell expressed their views during a recent League of Women Voters candidates forum. Councilmember Moore stated “as council members, we have our own concerns, but we always want to know,...
Whidbey Health board member Kurt Blankenship is facing off against James Golder for the Board’s position #2. Former Idaho state rep. Golder talked about addressing underpaid hospital workers and overpaid administrative staff. Golder said “increasing staff wages would boost their currently low morale and help restore islanders’ trust in the...
Rep Dave Paul has secured funding for a pilot program that will focus on improving mental health outcomes for young people. Rep. Paul secured a $750k carve-out from the state’s operating budget for a two-year pilot program that will allow Island County to address the mental health needs of youths...
Coupeville’s town council has opted to follow the Island County Commissioners example and have voted to use some of their American Rescue Plan Act funds on premium pay for town employees. Mayor Hughes said the premium pay is meant to compensate “employees who have continued to do their jobs above...
Three incumbent South Whidbey School Directors appears at a candidate forum hosted by the Whidbey Island League of Women Voters on Oct. 7. Their opponents were hosting a community meet-and greet that ran at the same time. At the League of Women Voters forum, Marnie Jackson, Ann Johnson, and Andrea...
South Whidbey School Director Marnie Jackson is being challenged for her seat by Farrah Manning Davis, a local business entrepreneur. The two have different approaches to the challenges that face the school district. For Jackson, she states that her priority is to promote educational equity and that she has worked...
South Whidbey School Director Ann Johnson is being challenged for the position by Bree Kramer-Nelson. Johnson was appointed to the position just over a year ago and believes the value she adds to the board is her student-centered approach to the work. She said “though schools are limited in their...
