I have known Clallam County commissioner candidate Ron Richards since the ’70s.
He volunteered on the NO Oilport! board, a coalition to defeat an oil superport proposal for Port Angeles.
When our expensive Seattle attorney had to consult with Ron to answer a question, we saved money and went with Ron’s volunteer legal expertise.
We won.
Ron’s greatest asset is attention to the details of contracts and policies before adoption.
Some complain about the time this takes, but since it protects the public interest, it should be valued.
He is a man who acts on his principles.
Many citizens complained about the lack of process in Commissioner Jim McEntire’s term, but Ron was the only one who actually did something about it.
He filed legal action in court against a questionable action by the commissioners and forced them to slow down and do it right — which they did.
Juxtaposed with this detail orientation is his creative and caring side.
A legacy of his former county commissioner term was the current courthouse with solar panels — long before solar was popular.
He has expressed a vibrant vision for a multi-use development on the Port Angeles waterfront.
When his friend, who had a history of mental illness, died, Ron honored his memory by becoming involved with groups working to solve the problems of very limited treatment for mental health, drug abuse and the problem of homelessness.
I urge a vote for Ron because he will bring all this and more to the board of county commissioners.
Norma Turner,
Port Angeles
Turner was chair of the NO Oilport! board of directors.