Both candidates running in the general election for Island County, Wash., Commission District 1—incumbent Melanie Bacon (D) and Marie Shimada (D)—completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
All survey respondents are asked to tell voters about their three key campaign messages. In Island County, both candidates listed housing availability as one of those key points. Excerpts are shown below.
Bacon:
“We must continue our work on providing affordable housing, from homeless to workforce housing. We have seen some success, since I began my first term in 2021, in providing homeless housing and subsidized housing for people making less than 80% of average median income (AMI).”
Shimada:
“I will continue working with County departments, community organizations, and local advocates on issues that matter most to residents. Access to housing is essential to supporting our local economy and workforce.”
You can view each candidate’s full survey responses using the links below:
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