Editor:
Elections for the three commissioners of the Olympic View Water and Sewer District are usually not very exciting. There has not been a primary election since 2011, when gas was $3.80/gallon and the Seahawks were preparing to defend their NFC West Division title. There is a history of commissioners serving for a very long time. Ms. Petso, incumbent, has served for 28 years and is up for election in 2025. Mr. Elsasser, incumbant, has served for 31 years and is up for election in 2027. Ms. Meeker, retired, served for 26 years. Do you see the pattern?
When the voters pamphlet hits your mailbox, read it through to the end. Find the three primary election candidates: Sarah (Elsasser) King, Maralyn Chase and Judith Gladstone. Evaluate their qualifications to be an effective commissioner and cast your vote. This infrastructure is not glamorous, but it’s very important in an area that is planning for growth. Cast your vote in the primary election for Position 3 Commissioner.
Theresa Hollis
Edmonds
Thanks for highlighting this race, Theresa!
Thank you for bringing attention to this race. Water and sewer infrastructure are typically not foremost on people’s minds unless the water doesn’t run out of the tap or there is a sewage backup. But I know from my extensive experience in the water and sewer industry how important infrastructure is in ensuring safe drinking water and environmental health of our local waterways. Reading the voter’s pamphlet is always a great way to distinguish between candidates. Voters can also read more about why I am the most ready and qualified candidate to serve them on the Olympic View Water & Sewer Board at https://www.linkedin.com/in/judi-gladstone-097b83127/. As a leader in the industry I can serve district customers in meeting the challenges of growth and affordable water and sewer service with my ability to balance the financial, political, regulatory and customer needs. I welcome anyone to contact me at jgedmonds4h2o@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to talk.
Judi Gladstone has extensive work experience in the water and sewer industry and has past and current involvement on city commissions. I have worked with Judi on a city commission and found her to be thoughtful and effective. She is highly qualified and her expertise will be a huge gain to the commission and our city. I could not think of a more qualified candidate. We are so lucky to have her running for the Olympic View Water & Sewer Board.
I made a mistake in the name of one of the long time water district commissioners. It is Patricia Meeker (not Ms. Weeks). She was first elected to position 1 in 1985.
We will fix that.
I’ve worked alongside Judi Gladstone on the City of Edmonds Planning Board and feel she would be a wise choice for commissioner- she looks at issues from multiple perspectives before recommending action and always does her research! We need to balance growth and environmental safety to make sure we don’t compromise the health of our watershed and need someone who will seek the long-term solution. I fully support Judi in her candidacy.
OVWSD customers would be well served by electing Judy Gladstone with her strong industry experience and expertise, and temperament. I’ve known Judy for over 20 years since we both worked for Seattle Public Utilities. She was a valued and respected colleague organization wide. She also brings a lifetime of public and community service commitment, most recently serving on the Edmonds Planning Board. Her understanding of issues such as population growth, changing zoning requirement and resource protection will ensure existing ratepayers are not unnecessarily burdened as OVWSD plans for its future.
I too worked alongside Judi Gladstone; on Planning Board she was vice chair during my time as chair. She does her homework, and she listens to colleagues before making a decision. Judi is the board’s resident expert on the “wet” utilities. She knows her stuff, and she’ll make an excellent commissioner.
I have the utmost respect for Judi Gladstone, watching her in action both as an Edmonds housing commissioner and Planning Board member and chair. A calm, competent, rational public servant.