I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support for Debbie Bertlin. This election is not a simple trade-off of values versus experience. It’s clear that Debbie has both: she has the experience we need coupled with the moral compass that the Council clearly requires. Based on my work with Debbie and my own experience as a leader in technology companies, I have full confidence in the experience that Debbie brings to the table.

Beyond business sense and values, Debbie has energy and community support for her platform. She has doorbelled extensively, visiting nearly 2,500 Island voters — her opponent has not doorbelled at all in this campaign. Debbie’s campaign has over 100 donors, while her opponent has less than seven. She has the endorsement of hundreds of people and organizations, including Fred Jarrett, the Sierra Club and the Seattle Times.

Debbie understands how critical quality of life is to Island residents. Her opponent has not consistently supported schools and parks, and has openly opposed levies for both. We need a Council that understands how important quality schools and parks are to all of us.

Finally, in light of the lawsuit (which resulted in a $1 million plus payout), the Council is clearly in need of change. To date, Debbie’s opponent has proposed no corrective action, and appears to be unaware of how damaging this issue is to the community and city government. Debbie understands the importance of this issue and I’m confident that she will make changes to address it as part of the Council.

Dan Grove