It is seldom that a community or voter can know and observe a politician as closely as Fred Jarrett. And we know him well. He has served in nearly every office of importance here, from School Board to City Council, eventually serving as mayor. He won election to the state House, first as a Republican and more recently as a Democrat, while managing to retain his credibility and relationships with people whose beliefs or style differ from his.

Much has been made of Jarrett’s love for numbers. A necessary virtue, we’d say. The issues at hand are beyond complex. Those who we choose to represent us now must know the facts and possess a sense of recall for everything that is involved in an issue or a piece of legislation. Funding for one need might mean less for something equally critical. Jarrett’s knowledge and experience go beyond the mechanics to how it all fits together. He gets it that the county, the region and the state — and the myriad of interests and communities within them— are living, breathing organisms whose fate is inextricably intertwined.

A decision maker needs patience, tolerance, a sense of humor and a good deal of perspective. We have found Jarrett to possess these qualities. He is not only a smart and effective politician but one who is accessible and honest. He relishes his work and the people he represents. Vote for Fred Jarrett for King County executive.