This year however there is a candidate whom we could all wish was running in our own district. He has the education, experience and will to put the interests of the city and the citizens ahead of his own.

John Ales has decided to run for councilman in Manette because he feels that he can help improve the neighborhood and the lives of his neighbors.

This was not a decision lightly taken by John - his dad was in the hospital, and his wife was expecting a baby — yet they gave their support for this undertaking.

As is sadly common in current politics —before the primary had even been decided rumors were being circulated that John would not be able to do a good job because the firm he works for is in Seattle. These whispered stories about him somehow forgot to mention that John is actually working on the Eastpark housing project, and had spent a year with Rice Fergus Miller Architects right here on 4th street.

Anybody remember one of the best young councilmen we've ever had? His name was Eric Younger, whose work in Seattle didn't stop him from doing a splendid job - all it took was dedication and more of his personal time.

John was a familiar face at city council meetings long before he had any intentions to run for office; and so it happens that every so often someone decides to be a candidate for office for the right reasons - because they believe in representative government and they run because they see a need, and know that they are honestly the best candidate for their district, and best equipped to do the job.

Helen Miller
Bremerton