Having come of age in the early 1960s, I am old enough to have lived through periods of dramatic social and economic turmoil. Those experiences have taught me to respect and honor the strength of our people and appreciate the opportunities each crisis offers to significantly change direction towards a place we would rather be.

We are all blessed to live in such a special place. Our history and people together support a common vision of the thriving community we crave for our future: accessible health care, a diversified economy less dependent on tourism, fair wages that support our basic needs including affordable housing, quality education for our children, a pristine, protected environment and a safe, nurturing community around us.

Our state and county leaders have critical work ahead to deliver on those values. Let’s hope we put ones in who are ready to chart the future we all want.