I strongly endorse Judy Baker Bilanko for North Bend City Council position 7. Judy will bring a rare combination of skills to the position. Her career in banking and as a city public information officer provide direct knowledge of municipal government and finance.

Her family history and roots in the Valley provide historical perspective. She is currently an active member on our parks commission.

Judy has unwavering integrity, high intelligence, and excellent communication skills, with a dash of humor appropriate for the situation. She is analytical, organized and fulfills her commitments.

Effective council members devote much time and effort to the job. There are seven or eight scheduled meetings per month (three for council, two for committees and two or three liaison groups), plus meetings with staff and constituents.

For committed members, those meetings involve time, preparation, reading and research. Judy won’t be out of the city when business needs to be done. She will be prepared and at the table.

Judy’s substantive responses at the recent candidate forums reflected the in-depth thinking and background work she utilizes to become familiar with city issues, study the city budget and understand the legal constraints which determine what cities can and cannot do regarding issues such as housing developments, impact fees and timing of infrastructure improvements. She offers reasoned and financially feasible solutions.

Judy’s opponent promotes a major project in the block where his business is located. Judy has no special interest other than the betterment of the entire city.

Jeanne Pettersen

North Bend