Judy Bardin is ready for Olympia council job now

The Olympian’s endorsement of Jessica Bateman over Judy Bardin concluded in a phrase that calls out for rebuttal. To quote: “she may grow to become an important leader in our community.”

Let’s look at those words: “Grow” suggests youth and lack of experience, which the passage of time can help overcome. Bardin already has experience from her nursing career through an earned doctorate in epidemiology, and successful careers in both fields. Bardin has already grown into a community leader.

Then there’s the word “leader.” Bardin received a Washington Coalition for Open Government award for speaking out against closed-door meetings involving a city advisory committee and development interests. That’s the kind of leadership (and independence) our community needs.

And finally there’s the word “community.” In this election to the Olympia City Council, shouldn’t community mean Olympia and nearby Thurston County? So why has 42 percent of Bateman’s campaign funding come from Seattle, Tacoma, and other non-Olympia/non-Thurston sources?

Bardin has received 94 percent of her campaign contributions from our community. These figures were available from the Public Disclosure Commission website on Oct. 14.

I’m supporting an already-grown candidate, one whose support comes from our community, and who is prepared to continue providing leadership. Bardin is by far the best qualified candidate for Olympia City Council, position 2.

This story was originally published October 21, 2015 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Judy Bardin is ready for Olympia council job now."