Through the Rabbit Hole

September 21 2009 at 10:30am by Ed Jenkins, newly minted candidate for Port Commission District 3

 The hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning 

 Adlai E. Stevenson

Below are some of my basic issues that I will address if elected.

• A voice of moderation for those not necessarily in love with the Langley Marina.
• Broad based economic growth for South Whidbey, including Clinton.
• I believe we should not be in the airport business, it could become an economic quagmire.
• I DO believe we should explore utilizing the zoning around the airport to promote light industrial development.
• Recreation opportunities – for everyone. I want to explore ways to expand marine use for many forms of recreation – without breaking the bank.
• Operate with no tax increases and strive for being so successful that we could eventually lower the levy.

These issues of necessity are very short and need expanding. The nice thing about a blog is that it can be updated, expanded and take new directions quickly. So as not to turn this into a novel I will start by relating some of my life experience and qualifications I bring to the table. I have read with interest the two candidates statements in district 3 I am running against and the collective backgrounds are impressive. Interestingly I believe that these very qualifications might also be a concern. I will expand on that later but first a little about me.

I have been blessed to have lived here in South Whidbey, specifically Clinton for sometime now. As I stated I was fortunate enough to retire 17 years ago and I spent much of that time traveling to beautiful, peaceful places. Much of that time was in the Pacific Northwest. In the early seventies I had a chain of clothing stores and some of those locations were local. During those years I grew to love the area. After retiring I spent a lot of my time locally and falling in love with Whidbey Island. During those years in the Northwest and spending time in nature I became acutely aware of the ecology and the need for its preservation. I find it interesting but sad that over much of my business career I was very short sighted and felt the ecology was just a dent on my bottom line. But as I spent time in my camper in wilderness areas and saw the terrible impact unrestrained business was having I felt like the ad years ago where the Indian was crying at the pollution he saw. I saw the impact first hand and my core being changed. Personally I try to live as green a life style as possible. From my travels I knew where I wanted to live out my life, I made a plan and finally made it. Living in South Whidbey has been the columniation of a 40-year dream.

My background has been varied and always different. I have started many small businesses as well as several multi-million dollar businesses. I don’t boast college degrees after my name but I must have been blessed with some common sense, as I have been successful over my working life. Because of this life experience I look through somewhat different glasses than many. I have come to uniquely understand the challenges of ALL local businesses big and small. As I mentioned I am blessed to have had a diverse background other than business, which included racing cars, motorcycles, extensive building renovations, computer graphics and web design for non-profits. I have also worked in Presidential campaigns and local grassroots politics. I say this to only to illustrate that I understand how things work from many perspectives and know how to get things done. Although I am not politically aligned having worked politics at all levels I believe this will make me a better Port Commissioner. Thanks for reading this far and my next posting will start defining my positions on many issues. Stay involved, keep questioning and always remember.

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