Letters
You can use the addresses below
to send letters to the various editors.
Port Orchard Independent
jrhodes@portorchardindependent.com
Bainbridge Review
editor@bainbridgereview.com
Central Kitsap Reporter
editor@centralkitsapreporter.com
Bremerton Patriot
editor@bremertonpatriot.com
North Kitsap Herald
editor@northkitsapherald.com
The Sun
letters@kitsapsun.com
Below are letters that have been sent to local newspapers and copied to us. We'll add letters as we receive them. The newspapers don't always publish what's sent to them. (The letters without attribution are from the Sun's blog.)
As a voter for over 30 years I have made a policy of not voting for politicians who use attack methods to run for office. An organization or individual who feels the need to attack another organization or individual generates the concept that their own cause is too weak and ineffectual to succeed.Attack methods are an out-dated strategy for a political arena. They've been outdated since we graduated from the second grade. Our economy and our country need people who are more interested in tackling the jobs that need to be done rather than smearing someone's reputation. Sneering and jeering are destructive tools that in no way generate a united effort. They waste time. Charlotte Garrido loves her community and it shows.
Carmen Davis
Politics have never been a big issue for me, not until I met Charlotte Garrido. She was introduced to us at a staff meeting as one our new colleagues. She intrigued our entire staff. I didnʼt know what to think or how to act around someone who had served as our Commissioner.This is what I can tell you: I have spent my career in a supportive position to educators, directors, and executives. I have never seen anyone work as hard as Charlotte, and I am honored to have worked with her. She is approachable and easy to talk to. She understands what we need as a community to succeed in these difficult economic times. She is not afraid to ask hard questions and make thoughtful decisions. I am proud to support her.I have watched Charlotte get things done as a co-worker, now I ask you to let her get things done for our County once again. I encourage you to attend one of the candidate forums, and you will understand what I mean.
Rhiannon K. Fernandez
The time is now to elect Charlotte Garrido as commissioner for South Kitsap. Criticism from her opponents that she studies and is thoughtful in her decision-making is certainly the reason to vote for Garrido.When county coffers are spent, someone in office who is not impulsive or given to pressures is what is needed. To say that our past commissioner’s have been fiscal conservatives is to say that Bush administration has saved us from higher taxes.
Now is the time for a commissioner that gets down in the weeds and willing to use old elbow grease because we sure can’t afford anymore spender’s. In these times we are left with the legacy of commissioner’s who played to their own area interests saying we would all benefit.. we are left with county government unable to afford employees in critical positions. Those positions that could be used to maintain equity and access to resources for all are disappearing. Charlotte believes in and works for grass roots community efforts.
Lucinda Staley Kimble
I’m lucky to live in Kitsap County. My connections and relationships with the community continually grow. I work, live, play, raise my family, and shop here. I value Kitsap. I want to see our local economy prosper. By supporting local businesses we can succeed in making this happen.Local businesses stay in our community. They do not bail out for cheaper opportunities in foreign countries, leaving behind catastrophic economic losses. For every dollar spent locally 45% of that dollar is circulated back in our economy. This means more income, more wealth and more jobs in our community. Local businesses fit with our need to grow smartly and they make our downtown areas attractive to tourists and fun to visit. And by not buying products made thousands of miles away, we are reducing our carbon footprints.
Overall, if you buy local, you are creating more resources to solve Kitsap County’s social and environmental problems.
If you value Kitsap, then vote for Charlotte Garrido, because she understand and values Kitsap, too!
Tommy Fernandez
I was all set to support Monty Mahan, as a moderate whom I felt had a good chance to win. Afterall, Charlotte had been voted out of office and had difficulty working with others in county government. However, as time went on and I interacted a lot with both candidates I found my preconceived notions changing. Charlotte has worked very hard to improve her shortcomings, has more education and a much more balanced approach than before. She listens to voters and understands that Kitsap County needs balance. She has lots of sensible ideas and has been working doggedly to help Kitsap get more educational opportunities. Slowly through the campaign I became a big supporter of Charlotte Garrido, much to my surprise. Shock, actually. I knew she was a hard worker but she is very capable and quick to solve problems, and I find her very easy to work with. This was not the case when I attempted to work as a volunteer on a county project.The Kitsap lifestyle is very important to me. Tim Matthes would allow this area to turn into a clone of Puyallup's South Hill. Go there if you haven't in the past few years. I want balance--a pleasant environment and an local economy that makes sense.
Susan Cruver
It’s been my life’s experience to watch a person’s actions, rather than just buying their words. Substance, consistency, a person’s judgment and character have always played a big role in my evaluating a person or thing. Aiming for one’s higher purpose, “higher” values, is something I was taught in my youth, the motto, “Say what you mean and mean what you say”. These philosophies and values have dictated my decisions; where I shop, what health care provider I see, who I associate with, what spiritual house I’ll worship in and even who I’ll endorse as a candidate. That’s why I’m voting for Charlotte Garrido. I’ve watched Charlotte over the years matching her actions with her words.When Charlotte was Commissioner (1997-2000) she helped found the Work Source Development Center in East Bremerton (matching veterans; unemployed, single parent families and disabled individuals with jobs); she streamlined County jobs and budgets, established the Port Orchard’s Farmers market; uniting local farmers and merchants with patrons and has worked tirelessly over the years supporting sustainable life choices at home and professionally. She sat on the board of the Great Peninsula Future Festival, which educates and promotes a sustainable living within our community combining local “Green and Organic” businesses with the public needs. Visiting the Garrido home you can’t help but notice their organic garden, fruit trees, chickens, livestock and biodiesel Volkswagen. Charlotte Garrido’s walk, matches her talk. That’s why she’s my pick for Kitsap County Commissioner.
Diane Arnold
I have seen many comments on the blogs and Letters to the Editor during the Campaign, trying to scare people away from voting for Charlotte Garrido.I'm a life-long Republican. I have known Charlotte for nearly 15 years.
Every Saturday you'll find her at a Farmers Market, taking the pulse of the Community, listening to the concerns of the people there. Answering questions that she can, getting back to people with answers later, after some research.
I've worked with Charlotte in the course of my own volunteer activities and I've found her to be an advocate of the priorities of the regular folks, (you know, the ones that have been ignored over the past 8 years).
She has worked tirelessly for this Counties farmers, neighborhoods, local businesses, workers and taxpayers- both as an elected official and volunteer. She has never played dirty politics, never betrayed her own sense of honor in seeking office. She has never put politics above the good of the people.
In all the years I've known her, 'balance and calm', have been have been evident in how she conducts herself. Even under the most despicable political attacks, she prefers to answer with truth and common sense.
Her fiscal responsibility in the County budget has since been unmatched- we all know how spending has ballooned under the recent Commissioners.
Charlotte believes in fairness above all, something that has been sorely lacking for the past two go-rounds with the now-exiting Republican.
Her vision of growth, balanced with the protection of the natural beauty we all love here, has raised the ire of Tim Matthes supporters and the groups he advocates. These groups, regardless of their press releases, are working hard to continue the unchecked development they've gotten from Jan Angel.
Before you vote for yet another Realtor that wants to continue the out of control development that the spec builders, developers, timber companies and real estate brokers demand - if you want the power to back in the hands of the people, consider voting for Charlotte Garrido.
Pam Moyer
For me, Charlotte Garrido is the clear choice for South Kitsap County Commissioner. I have known Charlotte for many years and she is passionate about Kitsap County and cares about the people of Kitsap. She does her homework and works hard for this community, supports local business and buying locally.SK Parks received no taxes to support the park when she was the park commissioner, yet she worked tirelessly to raise funds to operate and maintain the park. She organized park users like myself to help with plant sales, fall festivals and park cleanups, to name just a few events.
My husband and I enjoy the Banner forest which Charlotte was very instrumental in purchasing for Kitsap citizens to treasure for years to come. Please join me in voting for Charlotte Garrido for Kitsap County Commissioner in Position 2. She will work hard for you.
Wendy Zukowski
The Kitsap Commissioner’s race for District 2 parallels state and national GOP for dirty tricks. For Republicans these races are about power and promoting Republican ideology.Local GOP campaign techniques are now modeled on Karl Rove and George Bush’s bag of dirty tricks. We expected the GOP scandalous Dirty Tricks would eventually trickle down to the lowest common denominators, just not so soon.
In the face of national GOP failures, local Republicans like Tim Matthes want us to believe they have the answers, that they’re different. They’re not!
Using a letter writing campaign, Matthes’, minions have very little truth to say. The GOP distracts, distorts, and destroys enemies with lies and deceptions. Republican sympathizers like Richard Brown demonstrated in his letter to the Port Orchard Independent (10/15/08) that he has mastered these techniques.
Brown said Garrido caused the economy to dive and businesses to leave, apparently in droves, during her time as Commissioner (1997 – 2000). Yet, with these incompetent and false claims he did not give a single source..
In truth, during Garrido’s term Kitsapians experienced an average income increase of almost $5,000.00, (2000 Census, US Census Bureau), and unemployment dropped from 6.8 to 5.0 percent. (http://www.kitsapgov.com/das/budecodemo.pdf). Hmmmmmmm.
We need that kind of performance. We need Charlotte Garrido, a proven leader who gets things done.
Michael Arnold
The election of new County Commissioners is a crucial one for those of us who live in Kitsap. That is why I am voting for the most qualified candidate in District 2: Charlotte Garrido.The citizens of our fine county deserve elected officials who have a proven track record of knowledge, integrity, assertiveness, and an in-depth understanding of the issues affecting our county. An appreciation for parks and open space, advocating for local economic needs, including a sound infrastructure to support new business, a deep understanding of the county budget and the ability to get the most “bang for our tax buck,” a belief in “customer service” and seeking input from constituents-- all are necessary attributes that Ms. Garrido possesses. I have not always agreed on issues with Charlotte over the past ten years and when we have had conversation about those differences, Charlotte has listened carefully, analyzed the situation, and then made decisions based on a wide range of information. She is not afraid to alter her position if the facts warrant it.
Charlotte Garrido has continued to advocate for a four-year college center for Kitsap, worked diligently to support the growth of a strong, local business economy, including attracting businesses with living wage jobs, and whether in or out of elected office, has never stopped working to make Kitsap County a better place.
In these challenging times we need strong informed leadership – we need Charlotte Garrido for County Commissioner.
Susan Leavell
Charlotte Will Listen to You.Many people were surprised when Charlotte Garrido outpolled her Democratic opponent in the primary election for South Kitsap commissioner this year. Her opponent, Monty Mahan, had a well-known name and some high-profile endorsements. As one local newspaper put it, Charlotte was not “favored” to win.
Those of us who know Charlotte well were delighted but not astonished. We know her as a hard worker who gets the job done without the big ego typical of so many politicians.
She’s the one who goes out day after day to knock on doors and get to know the citizens of Kitsap County and their concerns, one house at a time. She’s the one who shows up just about anywhere she’s asked to speak, whether it’s the NAACP candidate forum in Bremerton or the Kingston Cove Yacht Club gathering in the north end. She’s the one who sticks to her core values, including a belief that parks and open space are precious, that green jobs can spark a new economic boom and that concern for the environment can coexist with responsible development.
I’ve known Charlotte for more than 30 years and I’ve always admired her work ethic, her common sense, her intelligence and her honesty. These are the qualities we need in our next SK commissioner.
Ann Strosnider
Personally, I was tickled to see Charlotte making the cut. I expected partisan politics to roll over her.I can sympathize that the Republicans would like a representative on the council, and if it had come down to Mahan versus Mathes, I planned to support Mathes.
But Charlotte is exactly the kind of candidate I admire, not a politician's politician or an industry sockpuppet but a citizen's representative.
Fact is, a lot of people know and respect her for her dedication to Kitsap and its lifestyle. She shows up and does a lot of the work in terms of attending meetings, listening, and building consensus. Over the years, she's quietly built up a following of people who realize she sees Kitsap in the same way they do, a healthy affordable place to raise a family, good for business but not overrun with strip malls, where people still raise a patch of vegetables and run a few hens, while still being savvy and tuned in. She's smart, modest, tenacious, and in love with Kitsap.Way to go, Charlotte.
Jane Bedinger
Vote for Charlotte Garrido, District #2 County Commissioner.Driving around Kitsap County, I see chaos and lack of planning. Open spaces are rapidly disappearing amid a mad rush to cut down trees and build unneeded buildings, crammed along underdeveloped roads.
County commissioners should understand how to plan and govern development so that all may benefit. We need commissioners who understand urban planning so our community remains a highly desirable place to live.
Columnist George Will recently insulted intelligence with, “The last thing we need are more pointy-headed intellectuals running the government.” Wrong! We are ending 8 devastating years of anti-intellectual, government-by-emotion at the federal level. We all know the damage that has caused.
Medical doctors spend over 30% of their careers in education and training; professional athletes spend 50% or more as do entertainers. Skilled laborers spend about 15% in training. We should demand that elected officials are qualified with appropriate educations.
Charlotte Garrido is just such a well educated candidate; she has a PhD in Urban Planning, a perfect match for county government. She is also a long-time resident of Kitsap County with prior government experience. Vote for Charlotte; she is qualified and ready to help our County.
George Beitel
I had the pleasure of getting to know Charlotte Garrido this past year. Her commitment and personal loyalty to this county made a deep impression on me. She is a person of integrity, whose strong sense of commitment to Kitsap County will serve all of us very well.Charlotte understands the importance of sound economic growth for our local businesses, she understands the importance of being a good steward of the beauty and natural resources of this county, and she understands the importance of creating educational opportunities for us and for our children.
Whether we want it or not, the new economic difficulties we face will be felt by all of us. Charlotte Garrido has the commitment, the intellect, and the leadership ability to steward our county through the challenges of the future. She exemplifies the title, “public servant.” She will work for all of us. I strongly support her for Kitsap County Commissioner.
Linda K. Olson
Charlotte Garrido is a hard-working, well-educated candidate who listens to all the voters. She is very aware of the financial constraints facing the county and will work within a tight budget to preserve essential services. She is forward-looking and seeks every opportunity to do what's best for Kitsap residents, including working to create a four-year university center and looking for ways to attract green jobs.
Notice that her opponent, Tim Matthes, could not even be bothered to participate in the Sun's opportunity to discuss the issues on videotape.
Charlotte Garrido is the intelligent and flexible candidate we need in Kitsap County.
I emphasize flexible. We need a candidate who can deal strongly with the serious fiscal issues that are emerging right now.
How can we deal with a receding tax base caused by lower retail sales and declining home values?
Charlotte can figure it out. She can keep Kitsap County running.
Vote for her.
If you're really looking for common sense, look to the candidates who represent common people, not the big developers and limited agenda PACs. Look for candidates who will carefully consider all options before spending your tax dollars.
Rapid and rampant development, especially on the already congested Bethel Corridor, is not in the best interest of South Kitsap. Allowing development without requiring the necessary infrastructure makes our community less livable. I read plenty of complaints and criticisms on these threads without good alternatives being presented. Requiring the developers to help develop the infrastructure may reduce their profits, but it also reduces your tax burden. If they are not willing to step up, their development is not viable.
Planned development helps retain the character and quality of life we expect in our communities. Consider the issue of legacy lots that face the commissioners. Tiny lots platted a century ago do not make Kitsap county better. If you believe traffic is bad now, just wait until another couple of hundred homes are added to an area served by one two lane county road.
My vote is with Charlotte.
I support Charlotte's overall understanding of the county. Her forums and door-belling has convinced me that she cares about keeping the county on even ground. I listened to her with a critical ear and heard someone who cares about making Kitsap livable; by bringing jobs to the county that are real livable wage jobs and developing healthy growth while maintaining our beautiful environment. She has really listened to each of the people she speaks with and hears their concerns. When I read the Voter's Pamphlet yesterday I could hear a voice that spoke for me and my concerns for where I live. Her other term as county commissioner was an example of fiscal responsibility that some people did not like but it was the only term that brought the county into compliance with laws that were voted into law to protect our long term interests. I know that I want the best trained and qualified person to be working as my public servant. From what I have read and heard from her she will do that. And I know that I am invited to talk to her at any time, now and later.
I first met Charlotte Garrido a couple years ago and was impressed by her bridge building efforts in bringing a baccalaureate programs to Kitsap county in a cost effective way.
Instead of a new, and expensive, brick and mortar college like Evergreen, she has been getting getting current colleges in the county "play well together."
I've discussed issues with her like revising an older study instead of a new, costly, study and a report card to improve efficiency in the building permit process.
She is a smart, fiscally responsible, and will work to improvement bureaucratic efficiency.
At the recent Eggs and Issue she made a comment about encouraging keeping trees on properties when developed. Her opponent misrepresented her position saying, "The county should not be in the business of growing trees." However, has Charlotte's opponent not heard of a little thing called global warming and that a huge mitigation of global warming is to plant trees?
At that same Eggs and Issues, when asked about property rights, Charlotte's opponent pulled out copies of the state constitution and spoke regarding the supremacy of property rights. Charlotte's opponent is an extremist.
Take a look at the news article we're commenting on. Charlotte is taking a balanced stance on the issues with an ear to the will of the people. Her opponent takes an extremist, dogmatic, unyielding position. Charlotte seeks to understand the will of the people, her opponent categorically opposes the transportation benefit district. Charlotte wants to find other funding to support a park, her opponent opposes a park.
I was born and grew up in Seattle. I loved small town Seattle and am saddened by the skyscraper mentality that has made Seattle another urban jungle. I wouldn't want to see Kitsap turn into Seattle West. We have a small town charm and quality of life that we should embrace while working on our problems and encouraging "green" business.
Charlotte Garrido is the candidate we want for County Commissioner who will listen to the people and intelligently balance competing interests.
Charlotte Garrido is the only Commissioner to date that has ever returned a phone call or reply to a letter. The Present Commissioners won't do it, never have. (unless you're a timber company, developer, homebuilder, or real estate agent)
The fact that Charlotte doesn't consider it her first priority to pander to developers and big business IS A GOOD THING. She actually wants to represent us, those little ants that have been stepped on by the high & lofty for the past 2 go-rounds with our present Commissioner.
The fact that she doesn't believe in 2 sets of rules- one for the timber companies, real estate developers and big business- the other for the voters and taxpayers.
I am so sick of the sweet deals for business, at the expense of the people and their quality of life.
I'm sick of the Quid Pro Quo. I'm sick of Corporate welfare.
I'm sick of the loss of free space, forest land and wetlands.
I'm sick of the concerns of the people being shoved aside to accommodate the out of control development in the county.
And I am so sick of paying my property taxes only to find that these Businesses aren't paying their fair share, if they're paying anything at all!
This Republican family is voting for Charlotte Garrido, because I am sick of not being represented. Our interests were represented very well when Charlotte was Commissioner before, she's continued to work for the Community in so many ways since then.
If you want your rights, concerns & priorities represented- Don't take the chance that we'll have another SK Commissioner term of pandering to the greedy that have no care for our quality of life.
"...public's money would be better used to promote businesses that already exist...."
Why discourage new business, different businesses in favor of business already here? Public money and considerations need to focus on NEW; appropriate businesses that will help KC expand into a new age, new reasoned growth and add fresh money to our bottom line. Limiting growth to established businesses seems non-productive.
"...I loved small town Seattle and am saddened by the skyscraper mentality that has made Seattle another urban jungle. ..."
I did not grow up in Seattle but lived there a few years almost fifty years ago. It was and is an exciting city...nothing 'small town' about Seattle then...and she had her skyscrapers. The only difference today, the buildings are taller but Seattle is no more an 'urban jungle' today than she was a half century ago.
KC could not be a 'Seattle' if she tried.
KC’s unique assets will bloom under controlled and reasoned growth, not urban sprawl without rhyme or reason.
I will support Charlotte Garrido because I believe she is the best person for Kitsap County. She more than qualifies for the job but more importantly, she CARES about the people and growth of KC.
She cares that the next generation will inherit Kitsap County’s growth and direction as the result of good stewardship excellent management provides.
She is not inside the pocket of either faction - developers or environmentalists.
Charlotte Garrido seems to reason between the goals of the fevered environmentalist and the one sided, my way is the only way, clear-cut, slash, burn and build developer.
"...Present Commissioners won't do it, (return a call) never have. (unless you're a timber company, developer, homebuilder, or real estate agent)..." Let me add...Or unless you are a reporter for the Kitsap Sun.
I will call one of them next week.
"...she has met with members of the Home Builders Association of Kitsap County on her ideas to improve permitting through the Department of Community Development, which recently cut 22 positions. Garrido said she would introduce feedback evaluations from developers and recommend customer training for staff members...."
Charlotte Garrido will work for the benefit of Kitsap County...she will focus on all sides of the issue including environment and developer. She will for the best solutions for our common good and growth.
"...Garrido believes diversification is vital to the county's economic health,..."
She is right. Diversification is vital to our economic health...people and county.
The best person for this job is not one who has and does, stand solidly on one side, one camp... such as Tim Matthes in the real estate, development camp.
Charlotte Garrido is the best person for the job of County Commissioner. We need her. We need her training and wisdom.