With six years of experience on the planning commission and a host of other community activities under her belt, Darlene Kordonowy has announced her intention to run for mayor of Bainbridge Island.

Kordonowy says she feels she has an intimate understanding of the challenges and obstacles the city faces in the coming years as the population grows and changes the face of the island. She also believes her extensive experience in the public sector makes her well positioned to represent Bainbridge Island in the regional councils of Kitsap County, particularly focusing upon issues involving economic planning and transportation.

In the early 1990s, Kordonowy spent three years leading the citizen advisory committee which wrote the comprehensive plan that governs the city’s growth. Following the plan’s adoption, she supported the addition of an Economic Element.

“What I like best about the Economic Element is that it fosters the entrepreneurial spirit of our small locally owned businesses,” Kordonowy said, adding that she is concerned about businesses leaving the island. “I truly believe government should not be an obstacle to flourishing businesses.”

Kordonowy says she appreciates the jobs that light manufacturing firms bring to the island and their contribution to the diversity that islanders value. With seven years on the board of Helpline House, including two as president, Kordonowy feels she has gained an insight into the need to promote living wage jobs on the island.

“The value of the local economy,” she says, “is something the mayor needs to keep in mind.”

Citing the upcoming reconstruction of Winslow Way, she emphasized the need for the project to be managed carefully in partnership with local businesses.

Kordonowy is a 15-year resident of the Island. She has worked for Standard & Poor’s doing financial research, and as an account executive and sales manager with a manufacturing firm. She has also been involved in local groups like the Land Trust, Bainbridge Arts & Crafts, and Helpline House.