I have been on many volunteer boards and commissions and feel confident when I say: Rick Hughes’ involvement on the Eastsound Planning Review Committee is impressive.

Before Rick was appointed to EPRC by the county council, he had many questions regarding how “island politics” worked and why he was hearing so many negative comments about the planning department, building department, code changes (CAO) and economic needs in the islands and Eastsound. It did not take long before Rick found an avenue to help and applied to be considered for EPRC.

As an EPRC member, Rick asked tough questions, came up with solutions, came back with his assigned tasks, completed and shared ideas, discussions that went beyond his assignment. This showed me that Rick saw the big pictures and was not afraid to think outside the status quo.

Rick has been very active seeking out other boards and business owners, looking for ways to combine efforts in Eastsound and throughout the county. He impressed me with his far-reaching networking and usually came back with positive results. I believe Rick will take his work ethic and commitment to the council position and will be very affective in moving this community into the future with his campaign cornerstones: community, sustainability, infrastructure, financial responsibility and economic development.

Rick is participating in the conversation the county has planned for the next four months to identify what our community needs are and what direction we want to go to protect our future in this county. Rick is not supported by a special interest group and does not bring a preconceived agenda to the table. If you have not already had a conversation with Rick, give him a call and find out for yourself how committed Rick is in working for all of us!