Precinct 708

Full Name:

Elizabeth "Libby" Urner Wennstrom

Age:

55

Town in which you live:

Port Townsend

Family:

Married, blended family – three oldest kids are grown, youngest will be high school senior next year. We still seem to have a house full of teens and young adults much of the time, since I continue to be active in Salish Rescue and youth theatre programs.

Hobbies:

I'm the primary Costume Designer for Key City Public Theatre and have served on Festival Staff for Wooden Boat Festival since 1997. I'm also on the board for Salish Rescue, helping train youth and adults in on-the-water search and rescue response. In the past, I've sung with several local choirs and rowed with Rat Island Rowing. When I'm not volunteering, I'm usually reading a book, walking my dog, sewing or gardening.

Why is it important for you to run for this position?

"After 20 years in Port Townsend, I'm beginning to qualify as a local, and I think I understand a lot about what makes this area so special. Local politics matter; having a solid understanding of our

unique opportunities and challenges can help us 'get it right' when setting policy. I chose to raise my family here because I cared deeply about this place; now it's my turn to help do the work of keeping Jefferson County a place we all want to live."

What makes you stand out as a candidate?

"I've lived and worked here for many years, and have worn a variety of hats - as director of the Farmer's Market, as volunteer coordinator for the Wooden Boat Foundation and Jefferson Land Trust, and as a reporter for The Leader. I've had plenty of practice getting to know people across a broad cross-section of our community, and I think that will help me do a good job representing my precinct. I'm also organized, dependable and able to get things done. Democracy is hard work, and I promise to show up."

What is the biggest issue you would like to address if elected?

"Locally, as well as nationally, divisive, scorched-earth politics sadly seem to have become the norm, and it's driving many people away from public service. I'm a coalition builder, and I'd like to see Democrats focusing on making real progress towards values we all share rather than wasting time bickering among ourselves. Jefferson County Democrats have a long and proud history of being progressive issue leaders in our state. I'd like to see us re-learn how to constructively work through differences, to put people before politics, and to work to put Democratic ideals into action in Port Townsend, in Olympia and in D.C."

What is one thing you want the voters to know about you?

"I'm good at getting things done, at helping diverse groups of people work together effectively, and at listening to all stakeholders when considering a decision."