Support for Lorna Smith

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During the last years of our late County Commissioner Phil Johnson’s life, he appeared in Olympia before our legislature making the case for a ban against fish net pens. Also attending those sessions was another county resident, Lorna Smith. Between Lorna, Phil and others, they successfully appealed to our citizens to weigh in on the issue. The results of such activism paid off, and the net pens ban went into effect.

Sometimes we tend to look at activists and wonder where their passion originates. I know what motivated Phil. As a fisherman in a previous profession, he understood the dynamics of overfishing, but also the dangers that farming fish would create. I also know what motivates Lorna: her experience working tirelessly with Eleanor Stopps to make Protection Island a reality (for which they both earned national and local awards); and her work managing the Snohomish County Environmental Review section focusing on land use, forestry, wetlands and watershed protection and other environmental regulations, including a special focus on the Endangered Species Act. She co-authored the first Habitat Conservation Plan prepared by a county in Washington state. She also authored one of the country’s first local ordinances for wetland and stream protection; led an organization teaching school children about the importance of wildlife and the environment; led the planning commission through very tough and contentious issues; her love for our beautiful peninsula and county. The list of her accomplishments is long.

Lorna Smith is running for District 2 County Commissioner. I cannot think of anyone better-qualified. I look forward to having such a dedicated, respected and hard-working person as our next commissioner. Learn more about Lorna at lornaforcommissioner.com.

Connie Gallant
Quilcene