Perhaps no issue impacts our community greater than the shortage of affordable housing.
I support Deborah Stinson and Amy Howard for Port Townsend City Council because they know this is a top priority, have spent time delving into understanding the issues and are investing time and energy to address it.
The lack of affordable housing impacts everyone in our community in ways that we may not see.
Consider one example – that 45 percent of the Jefferson County workforce commutes into Jefferson County.
Some do this by choice, but many are forced to because they cannot find housing they can afford.
For those of us wanting to help mediate climate change, consider the impact this has on our carbon footprint.
Many of these commuters are young families who could contribute to our community vitality if they could afford to live here.
Instead, they invest considerable time and finances each day as they leave us behind.
Not included in the 45 percent figure are those who opt out of employment in Jefferson County.
Our hospital, city government and businesses have many unfilled positions due to lack of affordable housing.
There is no silver bullet or simple solution to the affordable housing shortage.
Overcoming it will require action on multiple fronts and will rely on community partnerships and broad citizen involvement.
Deborah Stinson and Amy Howard understand this complexity and are building the base needed for progress.
Please join me in voting them onto the 2020 Port Townsend City Council.
Earll Murman
Port Townsend