Kelly Emerson challenges Dean for commissioner’s seat

John Dean Camano Island resident Kelly Emerson (Republican) announced last Monday that she would be running against incumbent John Dean (Democrat) for the Board of Island County Commissioners District 3 seat in this year’s elections.

Emerson is a California native who later moved to Erie, Pa., and then Detroit, Mich., where she met her husband, Ken. They moved to the north side of Camano Island three years ago.

Emerson is a certified master electrician and is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. She worked as an electrical construction project manager in Michigan before owning her own business, where she said she learned “the skills of budgeting priorities and fiscal responsibility.”

Emerson has been attending Island County meetings and workshops for the past year, voicing her concerns regarding the county’s financial position.

Kelly Emerson Emerson believes she brings strong values to the candidacy.

“We need someone in Island County who is not afraid to challenge unfunded mandates; someone who will put public safety first and not go along with, as Dean did, the decision to force the lay-off of two deputy sheriffs while creating a new department that will inevitably lead to higher costs down the road,” she said.

“I am prepared to be that person,” Emerson promised.

Dean, who also announced his desire to serve a second term, said he suspected competition for the commissioner’s seat.

“It’s healthy for public discussion to have multiple people running for office,” Dean said. “I know Emerson has some different points of view, so I welcome it. It’s good to have different philosophies of government represented.”

If re-elected, Dean believes he can “provide continuity, stability and calm bipartisan diplomacy to the often-volatile process of government during transition and recession recovery.”

Dean was first elected in 2006, after working as a journalist for 25 years. He helped oversee changes within the planning department, the auditor’s office and the Superior Court clerk’s office. Dean has also been involved in co-managing more than $5 million in budget shortfalls, the result of state and regional economies.

Dean and his wife, Julie, have lived on Camano Island for 35 years and continue to be involved in the community on multiple levels.

“After 25 years as a journalist, chronicling the lives and needs of Island County residents, helping solve problems and building community, it has been a privilege serving as a county commissioner these past three years, and I ask voters for the honor of continuing this important work on their behalf,” Dean said.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews.com.