Started by Leslie Richter
Jul 22, 2026
Jul 22, 2026
17
Finding the Right Leadership for District 3
July 22, 2026
After attending the recent San Juan County Council forum on Lopez Island, I want to express my appreciation to all the candidates willing to step up and serve. Running for office takes immense effort, and I went into the forum with an open mind, eager to hear how each candidate planned to advocate for District 3 islands while tackling the severe fiscal challenges facing the entire county.
Despite having lived full-time on Lopez for only six years, I’ve had the chance to interact with the two candidates from Lopez through their work in various community roles. But going into the forum, I was looking for something specific: a candidate who understands that once elected, a District 3 Council Member represents all residents of San Juan County, bringing concrete solutions rather than generalities to the table.
By the end of the evening, Jennifer Swanson was my clear choice.
While other candidates spoke about listening and working together, Jennifer was the only candidate who arrived with a clear, concrete platform to address critical issues - our massive county budget deficit, the need for affordable housing and reliable ferry service, and protecting the fragile environment of our island.
Her deep background as a school superintendent and an elected Shaw Island School District director gives her a practical grasp of public sector finance, policy, and governance.
When asked how someone living on Shaw could effectively represent the larger population on Lopez and the surrounding islands, Jennifer answered with honest, practical transparency. She is actively spending time meeting with constituents across all District 3 islands. Furthermore, her past work required her to collaborate with neighboring school districts, as well as regional and state officials. As chair of San Juan County’s Ferry Advisory Committee, she already understands firsthand how deeply our broken ferry system impacts every single islander's quality of life and business. She has the relationships and experience in place to hit the ground running on day one.
In addition, Jennifer offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective. Uninvolved in recent local political divides on Lopez, she brings balanced judgment and fresh ideas without lingering biases.
My final observation from the forum came after the closing statements. While others wrapped up and left the room to pose for photos for social media, Jennifer stayed behind in the room, taking time to speak individually with constituents and answer their questions. To me, that moment spoke volumes. It showed an unpretentious leader focused on serving all District 3 residents, not just a select social circle.
As San Juan County faces complex decisions and tight budgets, we need a seasoned, approachable leader who listens to every point of view and acts with integrity. Jennifer Swanson has earned my respect ??" and my vote.
Despite having lived full-time on Lopez for only six years, I’ve had the chance to interact with the two candidates from Lopez through their work in various community roles. But going into the forum, I was looking for something specific: a candidate who understands that once elected, a District 3 Council Member represents all residents of San Juan County, bringing concrete solutions rather than generalities to the table.
By the end of the evening, Jennifer Swanson was my clear choice.
While other candidates spoke about listening and working together, Jennifer was the only candidate who arrived with a clear, concrete platform to address critical issues - our massive county budget deficit, the need for affordable housing and reliable ferry service, and protecting the fragile environment of our island.
Her deep background as a school superintendent and an elected Shaw Island School District director gives her a practical grasp of public sector finance, policy, and governance.
When asked how someone living on Shaw could effectively represent the larger population on Lopez and the surrounding islands, Jennifer answered with honest, practical transparency. She is actively spending time meeting with constituents across all District 3 islands. Furthermore, her past work required her to collaborate with neighboring school districts, as well as regional and state officials. As chair of San Juan County’s Ferry Advisory Committee, she already understands firsthand how deeply our broken ferry system impacts every single islander's quality of life and business. She has the relationships and experience in place to hit the ground running on day one.
In addition, Jennifer offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective. Uninvolved in recent local political divides on Lopez, she brings balanced judgment and fresh ideas without lingering biases.
My final observation from the forum came after the closing statements. While others wrapped up and left the room to pose for photos for social media, Jennifer stayed behind in the room, taking time to speak individually with constituents and answer their questions. To me, that moment spoke volumes. It showed an unpretentious leader focused on serving all District 3 residents, not just a select social circle.
As San Juan County faces complex decisions and tight budgets, we need a seasoned, approachable leader who listens to every point of view and acts with integrity. Jennifer Swanson has earned my respect ??" and my vote.