Salish Current

San Juan County council candidate Katherine Bryant Ingman offers steps for balancing the 2027 budget shortfall Ed.: The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of Salish Current. San Juan County is set to spend more than it takes in for 2027. To legally balance the budget, it needs to cut $3.7 million.

I am pleased to share my strong support for Katherine Bryant Ingman. I worked closely with Katherine during the pandemic as we strengthened hunger relief systems across San Juan County. Throughout that challenging time, I witnessed her ability to balance immediate needs with long-term solutions. She brought clarity, creativity and a steady hand to complex challenges, contributing to our community's access to food with consistency and dignity.

Since Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney designated the Pacific Link pipeline as a project of national interest on Oct. 1, San Juan Islands spill response and environmental advocate groups have been preparing for what would bring over a million barrels of crude oil through Washington waters daily. The new designation means that the pipeline is on an accelerated timeline for permitting and development, with construction set to start in September 2027.

Although I acknowledge that we here in San Juan County are fortunate to have two strong candidates running for County Council District 3, I have decided to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for the position. I appreciate Katherine's energy, and I see her as an independent thinker, which I believe is something we need in our county council members. Katherine is young, but I think that is an advantage, and she has shown herself to be an active, energetic and helpful leader.

I have known Jennifer Swanson for 20 years. She is a thoughtful, inclusive leader who brings people with diverse opinions together to find solutions. Jennifer has a proven record of public service and strong relationships throughout the county. She served 11 years on the school board and later led as superintendent through COVID. During that challenging time, she balanced the needs of students, teachers, staff, families and the broader community, making difficult decisions amid competing priorities.

A few months ago, I received a phone call. "Hi, I'm Katherine. I'm running for county council, and so-and-so suggested I reach out to you for advice." My sage advice? Don't do it. The county is at an inflection point. Budget tightening is coming, hard decisions lie ahead and it's not going to be fun. She paused, then said simply, "I know. I get it. But I'm still going to run." That's why Katherine Bryant Ingman has my vote.

We would like to endorse Katherine Bryant Ingman for county council. During our 30-plus years owning the Lopez Island Pharmacy, we've been fortunate to know and work closely with many of the former council representatives from Lopez. Katherine has served in many island and county-wide positions. When management of our clinic transitioned from the University of Washington to Sea Mar, Katherine's leadership was key in the transition.

Katherine Bryant Ingman has the vision, strength of leadership and proven negotiating skills to take care of business for the people of San Juan County. She has proven problem solving ability and a collaborative leadership style needed to address the current issues facing San Juan County. I admire her practical understanding for what resources are needed to solve complex long-term problems.

I am supporting Katherine Bryant Ingman for San Juan County District 3! Decatur is a relatively small outer island in the archipelago, but we are a critical link in the energy chain serving the entire county! We need a fierce advocate on the council, one who speaks truth to power and will represent not only our interests, but all islanders; Katherine IS that candidate.

I am grateful that we have two well-qualified candidates running for county council in San Juan County. Thanks to both for making the effort. It is great to have options! I will be voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman. Her service in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors has provided her with a unique skill set that will allow her to build creative solutions for the challenges currently facing the County.