On June 28, I resigned as Kitsap County Commissioner to start a new chapter of public service the very next day as US Senator Maria Cantwell’s State Director. While this was a very difficult decision, in reality it’s a wonderful opportunity to continue serving Kitsap County in a new and exciting way.

I’ve been truly honored and humbled to serve as a Kitsap County commissioner these past ten years, and as I reflect on our challenges, changes and accomplishments, I count the blessings bestowed on me by your help and support.

This year marks the 150th Anniversary of Kitsap County — our sesquicentennial — and we should be proud of our wonderful and rich history. It’s a rare honor to become a part of state history as the first all-female county board of commissioners with my seatmates Patty Lent and Jan Angel. Breaking a glass ceiling is a humbling and empowering achievement, and I hope this inspires future generations to reach high and achieve their dreams.

From every corner of the county, countless people have generously offered their time, involvement and skills to help us accomplish great things. The dedicated participation of communities and committed citizens have been essential in bringing new parks, better road improvements and enhanced relationships that have improved the quality of life in all of our neighborhoods.

For example, in my north Kitsap County District 1, we have formed effective community councils that have improved the communication and relationships between the north end and county government offices in Port Orchard. Working together, we were able to preserve and enhance parks and open spaces, including the creation of the North Kitsap Heritage Park and the acquisitions of Point-No-Point Park and the Kingston Village Green project. There have been notable land use accomplishments as well, with Kingston establishing their first design standards and Suquamish creating the first community plan in the county.

As we look at these and other examples of success from all corners of Kitsap County, I feel this energy has been time well spent and a good investment. Indeed, without your voice and participation, the folks at the county government cannot know your views, visions and priorities in allocating our scare resources.

It was my honor this year to serve as vice-president of the Washington State Association of Counties and on the board of directors for the National Association of Counties. My involvement in these state and national county associations has given me a true appreciation of the quality workforce we have. The men and women who work for Kitsap County are an incredible group of dedicated public servants, and I offer my heartfelt gratitude and thanks for their hard work.

We should be proud that Kitsap is a national leader in a number of programs that other counties around the country — indeed, the world — only aspire to provide. Recently a delegation from Tomsk, Russia came to visit and learn from our Juvenile Justice Detention Center. Our program and center was selected by the United States Agency for International Development as the exemplarily model for our Russian visitors.

Closer to home, from the road crew to the personnel department, from solid waste to parks, the people that work for Kitsap County are responsible for providing our fine quality of life. Next time you are waiting in traffic and the flagger on the road project asks you to stop so they can make your road better, why not give him or her a big smile and a wave.

Nothing happens without good partnerships and in Kitsap we partner exceptionally well. Over the years the elected officials at all levels of government have dedicated themselves to work together to improve our quality of life, and that’s especially true among all of the county-wide elected officials. We’ve worked hard as a team to improve the lives of Kitsap County citizens, and it’s been my sincere pleasure and honor to have served with them all.

Furthermore, I appreciate and respect the collaboration and positive relationships with our city councils, mayors, tribal chairs and community groups as we’ve worked through our differences of opinions; coming together to make big projects a reality. The revitalization of Bremerton and the long awaited widening of Highway 305 in Poulsbo are just two examples. I am fortunate to have been able to serve with such a fantastic group of local officials.

Although I’ll be working in Seattle and across the state, I’m not leaving Kitsap. I’ll continue to live in Poulsbo and look forward to seeing you in the grocery store, the park and at community events. All of the accomplishments that we’ve enjoyed over the past decade are the result of your help, support and hard work. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your community team!

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