Letters to the Editor, 10/20, Port Townsend Leader

Cast your vote for Wennstrom for council
I have known Libby Wennstrom for more than 20 years, as a parent, a volunteer, and a force in the community. Over the years I have watched Libby fine-tune her ability to communicate with people on different sides of an issue, and I have seen her set aside any personal bias she may have about a subject to intelligently analyze data and reach conclusions based on facts. Libby is one of the smartest people I know, but is approachable, easy to talk to, and maintains a sense of humor in challenging situations. She will be an excellent addition to the city council.
Carrie Andrews
PORT TOWNSEND
 
Wennstrom is a skillful problem-solver
I am pleased to endorse Libby Wennstrom for Port Townsend City Council. Her proven leadership, community involvement, teamwork and communicative skills make her an ideal choice. Yes, ideal! Her record with Salish Rescue, Wooden Boat Festival, farmers market, Port Townsend schools and others proves her commitment to her city and her fellow citizens. As a valued partner in civic organizations and projects, Libby has earned the respect she so clearly deserves. Libby gets things done. She is open to others’ ideas, yet brings people together to move forward. Her interest is local, solving local problems that impact lives in Port Townsend. She is not party to divisive tactics or a broader agenda. She takes, instead, a pragmatic path to find solutions that really work — in the real world. I have supported her campaign and urge you to do the same, where it really counts — on your ballot.
John Fabian
PORT LUDLOW
 
Wennstrom presents more balanced solutions to issues
I’m a little perplexed when I hear Tyler Vega works well with others. I had a conversation with him and found someone locked into his ideas and not really interested in finding common ground or bridging the political divide. In particular, his myopic focus on dismembering the golf course at the root of his “vision” changes the narrative from the real issues — such as housing — to the future of the golf course, needlessly tying the two issues together to the detriment of both. The golf course’s future is settled for the present and doesn’t need to be rehashed every time someone has a “brilliant” idea predicated on destroying a local treasure. Yet, he’s more than willing to start that fight again. In fact, he said that’s a “no-brainer.” Well, some with brains find that an extremely divisive, even antagonistic, statement. Libby Wennstrom, in contrast, presents more nuanced solutions that can find greater support — because they are more nuanced than Tyler Vega’s slash and burn. One rarely gets to hire the perfect applicant; it’s the best person that applies that gets hired. In this case that’s clearly not Tyler Vega. That’s a “no-brainer,” as he said.
Erik Poulsen
PORT TOWNSEND

PT voters should cast their ballots for Wennstrom
Our city has been fortunate indeed that so many of those who choose to run for and serve in public office are talented, dedicated and thoughtful people. Libby Wennstrom has all those qualities and is doing us the favor of seeking a seat on the city council. I’m convinced she will do an outstanding job in that role, and urge you to join me in supporting her. I could go on at great length about Libby, but thought for this letter simply to point out that she has a keen mind, thinks independently and creatively, but most important has that rare ability of coming together as part of a team to put good ideas, hers or others’, into action. And it’s that ability which, in my judgment, makes for a truly superior representative democracy. Vote for Libby for PT City Council.
George Randels
PORT TOWNSEND
 
Wennstrom has the skills and talents PT needs
Libby Wennstrom for Port Townsend City Council! Since 2017, I’ve worked closely with Libby Wennstrom on two different volunteer projects, and here is what I have come to know about her. Libby has strong opinions and she will fight for them, but she keeps an open mind. She is genuinely interested in others and what they have to say – not just the people who agree with her. She is an excellent, active listener. She knows how to build consensus and she understands that working with others can turn a good idea into a great one and make a great idea even better. She uses her many skills and talents to benefit our community in big ways and small, and she takes real joy in helping others. She is highly intelligent and has lots of energy. When she says she’s going to do something, Libby follows through and gets it done. Libby will bring all of this and more to the Port Townsend City Council. I’m voting for Libby Wennstrom and I encourage you to vote for her too!
Mara Lathrop
PORT TOWNSEND
 
Elect people who respect tradition
Our city faces some relentlessly challenging problems in an increasingly complex world. Hard choices are always just around the corner, and needs inevitably outstrip available funding. Ideally, those choices will be made on the basis of fact, with the best interests of the city and its citizens at their core. It’s not an easy task to balance the diverse interests of some 10,000 citizens, county, state and federal laws and regulations, and the widely disparate needs of business and our economy. It requires good information, solid analysis and, importantly, a thorough, rational, and inclusive process.
In today’s toxic political environment, too often we see citizens and politicians talk past each other, occasionally listening, but seldom hearing what is said. Local government is the last government we can easily touch, where we can actually converse with our representatives, whether in a council meeting or down the grocery aisle. It’s vital that we elect people who honor and respect that tradition. Leaders that have a history of community involvement and are willing to put in the work and discourse it takes to factor diverse opinions as well as political and economic realities.
This is why I’m supporting Libby Urner Wennstrom for council. I believe she will bring the intelligence, experience, knowledge, and temperament we need in this position. In her 20-plus years in this community Libby has shown herself to be a dedicated, hard working, and creative asset to the causes and organizations to which she’s contributed her time and efforts. I have every confidence she will devote the time, energy and thoughtful consideration required to do the hard work ahead for city council.
Mark Welch
PORT TOWNSEND
  
Wennstrom will get the job done
Port Townsend City Council would be extra enriched by the addition of Libby Wennstrom. I have had the privilege of working with Libby on several projects over the past four years, and she is always prepared, professional, offers well thought out and reasoned advice, collaborates well with others, asks the tough questions, and when assigned a task she goes over and beyond — and gets the job done. Reliable leadership is Libby’s trademark.
What I particularly enjoyed when collaborating on projects, and at board meetings with Libby, is that she genuinely listens, asks the needed questions, and then follows through with logic and information — everyone in the room learns something when Libby speaks. Libby always adds value to any discussion. She does not just talk the talk, but she walks the walk — repeatedly. Whenever our community needs leaders, she steps up and volunteers without being asked, and then brings in resources to facilitate efficiency. At the beginning of COVID, when we were all perplexed, Libby dove in. She made masks for the kids in public school and private school as well, and now she daily shares accurate and current information from Jefferson County Public Health to the public as one of its website administrators.
​I have witnessed and benefited from Libby’s superb technical skills, and she is very proficient. When a local organization needed supplies, she just showed up with a new printer in the box and the ream of paper. Then she connected it. Libby leads by example, and she just gets the job done. She never shies away from being of service to the community. Vote for Libby Wennstrom for City Council on Nov. 2; she is the best choice for our beloved Port Townsend community. Thank you.
Alise Moss Vetica
PORT TOWNSEND