Mia Kartiganer is the best candidate for Port Commissioner Position #5 because she understands the future is not simply something that happens to us or something we must fight against. The future is, to a great extent, something we create. The actions or passivity of local leadership will determine the character of our community for years to come. For the healthiest, most balanced and most beautiful results, decisions taken by public authorities must be informed by a shared vision arrived at through public conversation and good data.

Mia is a long-time resident of Orcas Island, arriving in 1991. She made her living over the years the way many islanders do; in construction work, massage therapy, as a private chef and as a small business owner employing other islanders at Mia’s Cafe. In addition, she served on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce.

The Washington State directive to Port Commissions tasks Ports with promoting a thriving economy. Mia is keenly interested in infrastructure that supports making a living in this quiet, rural, ecologically sensitive place. This could be achieved by positioning Orcas as an incubator for light industry focused on green technology, recycling and repurposing rather than remaining in the mode of dependence on increased tourism and new construction. She has taken time to sort out what the Port can and can’t do, studying the proposed changes to the airport and reading the latest Environmental Impact Report. She is clear not only on what the Port’s obligations are but what the consequences would be to our ecosystem of ignoring those obligations.

Mia has also begun to explore the future of electric aircraft, initiating a conversation with a company that is talking to Kenmore Air about retrofitting and replacing planes. Electric aircraft offer a significant reduction in carbon emissions and noise.

Mia offers a valuable, comprehensive, forward-thinking leadership that sees where real improvements can be made while preserving and enhancing the best parts of how we live. Please join me in voting to bring her vision and spark to the table.

Cindy Wolf

Orcas Island