2024 San Juan County Council Candidates Respond to OPALCO Questions

Orcas Power & Light Cooperative reached out to all San Juan County Council candidates to ask them a series of questions related to reliable energy and internet. These services are critical to our quality of life on the islands. With climate change and energy shortfalls looming, San Juan County and OPALCO must work together to ensure reliable and affordable power is available to island residents.

Learn what our local candidates think about the critical energy issues facing our county. Candidates’ responses have not been edited.

Read the full article at this link.

San Juan County Employees Endorse Kari!

AFSCME Local 1849, San Juan County Employees union, have endorsed Kari for County Council, District 1. Sources inform us that the vote was unanimous. The full text of their press release is below:

"Approximately 55% of San Juan County’s 293 employees are represented by the public employee union AFSCME, Local 1849. Our Union represents a broad array of staff employed across a diversity of disciplines, including the County’s public works road crews, facilities maintenance staff, park and land stewards, administrative, financial, and emergency management employees, nurses and health care professionals, planners, scientists, specialists, technicians, and educators. Our members work in collaboration with our local community members and partners to provide essential services, seek grant funding, and implement projects and programs for the benefit of our islands, our communities, and the environment. As public sector employees, we share a dedication to service with our community’s public education providers, health providers, and emergency responders. 

Our Union recently held a County Council candidate forum, where we invited both candidates from District 1 and both from District 2 to speak with our members. We are grateful to all of the candidates for participating in the forum. They each presented interesting and constructive ideas to move our County forward and provided thoughtful answers to the questions posed by the members of our Union. After hearing from all four candidates, our members voted to endorse Kari McVeigh for the District 1 seat. The membership expressed appreciation for her approach to leadership and management, as well as her experience in public administration, and we feel that she would be the best candidate to address the challenges that the County is currently facing.

For District 2, after much discussion, the Union decided not to express a preference between former Council Member Rick Hughes and newcomer Justin Paulsen. The members agreed that both candidates contributed positive leadership ideas, and that either candidate would be a constructive member of the County Council for the next four years. 

We look forward to cooperative collaboration with the new Council starting in 2025, as we continue working to provide essential services and implement projects and programs for the benefit of our County’s communities."

"I am honored and humbled by this endorsement," Kari responded.  Onward to November 5th!

Kari Leads! August 6th Primary Results to Date

Friday Harbor - A rare late surge of over 2,600 ballots arrived at the San Juan County Elections office on election night, and after the additional time needed to tabulate results, Kari's lead is holding strong, currently exceeding 50% of the three-person race for County Council, District 1. The election will be certified next Tuesday morning August 20th and final counts will be reported shortly after. Check the San Juan County Primary Election results page for the current ballot count for all SJC elections.

Kari stated, "I am truly humbled  and grateful for this amazing show of support for my campaign. The people have spoken and made clear that protecting the environment, working toward real solutions to create permanently affordable housing for both low and middle income citizens, and placing proven experience in county leadership, are all high priorities."

Kari added that her campaign is highly energized and will run full steam ahead until the finish line on November 5th. "We can't let up. We can't take anything for granted. Now more than ever, it's all hands on deck."

August 6th Primary Results are Pending

Though early results are positive for Kari, August 6th Primary Results are still being counted! A rare late surge of over 2,600 ballots arrived at the Elections office on August 7th. Check the San Juan County Primary Election results page for the current ballot count for all SJC elections.

Transition Lopez Island Endorses Kari

Lopez Island - Transition Lopez Island,  in a unanimous vote, has endorsed Kari McVeigh for County Council. The following endorsement statement, was issued today: "Transition Lopez Island is proud to join the other islanders and State and Federal legislators who have endorsed Kari McVeigh for County Council.

Kari is the clear choice for the District 1 position, committed to listening to all the voices in our community as we tackle our most critical issues - addressing the climate emergency, the need for affordable housing, promoting a vibrant local food system, and balancing stewardship of our natural resources with economic growth.

She successfully steered a large school district through the 2008 recession, finding creative and effective solutions to severe budget limitations.  Her extensive experience, strong community values, and commitment to collaboration and honest discussion will serve our county well." 

League of Women Voters Candidate Forum @ The SJI Grange

Friday Harbor - This LWV - sponsored  non-partisan forum which took place at The Grange, giving voters a chance to learn more about the candidates running for San Juan County Council - District 1, San Juan Island. Kari McVeigh, Stephanie O'Day and Adrian Kilpatrick were present to address the group and answer questions from across the spectrum of issues facing the County. CNL2 covered the event and has posted the forum in three parts. View all three at this link.

First Candidate Forum: June 29, 2024

Friday Harbor -- Local news station CNL2 covered the first candidate forum held June 29th in Friday Harbor.  All six candidates for both District 1 and 2 seats were present. The forum was organized by  San Juan Island resident, Minnie Knych and held at the American Legion.

View the forum here. 

Rick Larsen, US Congressional Representative, Endorses Kari McVeigh

Rick Larsen, US Representative of the 2nd Congressional District, has endorsed Kari McVeigh to represent San Juan Island, District 1, on the County Council.

ALL STATE REPRESENTATIVES ENDORSE KARI!!!

This week, Kari McVeigh, candidate for San Juan County Council, was endorsed by all three state representatives of the 40^th District; State Senator, Liz Lovelett, and House Representatives Alex Ramel and Debra Lekanoff, a triple crown in local campaign elections.

Representative Lekanoff said of Ms. McVeigh, “Individuals who have engaged at the local, tribal, and state levels in policy, regulatory and fiscal decisions bring immense value to the lawmaking table. Your experience as a School Superintendent provides a strong foundation for informed and effective decision-making. Your voice, along with the diverse experiences that others bring to the table, will be highly valued.  This kind of diverse knowledge and representation is essential for bringing people together and fostering collaborative solutions."

Kari McVeigh, a first-time candidate for elected office, stated, “I am humbled and honored to receive these endorsements and, when I’m elected, will work hard to continue to build positive connections with our representatives for the benefit of all citizens across the San Juans.” She added that she had first met and worked with Senator Lovelett and Representatives Lekanoff and Ramel, as Superintendent of both San Juan Island School District and Shaw Island School District, giving her an edge in future partnerships with them in efforts that will serve the county.

Liz Lovelett, Washington State Senator, Endorses Kari McVeigh

Liz Lovelett, Washington State Senator for the 40th House District, has endorsed Kari McVeigh to represent San Juan Island, District 1, on the County Council.

Debra Lekanoff, Washington State Representative, Endorses Kari McVeigh

Washington State Representative, Debra Lekanoff, has endorsed Kari McVeigh to represent San Juan Island, District 2, on the County Council. 

"Individuals who have engaged at the local, tribal, and state levels in policy, regulatory and fiscal decisions bring immense value to the a lawmaking table. Your experience as a School Superintendent provides a strong foundation for informed and effective decision-making. Your voice, along with the diverse experiences that others bring to the table, will be highly valued. 

Alex Ramel, Washington State Representative Endorses Kari McVeigh

Alex Ramel, Washington State Representative, 40th House District, has endorsed Kari McVeigh to represent San Juan Island, District 1, on the County Council.

San Juan Democrats Endorse Kari

Friday Harbor - San Juan Democrats announced today their unanimous decision to endorse Kari McVeigh for San Juan County Council, District 1.

CNL2 Interviews Kari

Friday Harbor -- Jeff Noedel of local news station CNL2 interviews Kari. View the full interview here. 

Kari McVeigh Announces Candidacy

Friday Harbor --- Kari McVeigh has announced her candidacy for the open seat on the San Juan County Council District 1.