I am writing today to endorse Chuck Mikkola for the Port of Peninsula Commissioner seat for which he is running. I have known Chuck for well over 30 years. He was an engineer at the county when I started working there in the early 80s. I have always known Chuck to be everything we currently need in this position: honest, prepared, well informed, hardworking, diligent and ethical. Because of the great respect for and good relationship I have maintained with Chuck, I have called on him a few times since becoming commissioner to draw on his knowledge and amazing recollection of his time here at the county. His input has been invaluable on these occasions.

Chuck currently sits on the Flood Control Advisory Board and is a great asset with his historical knowledge of the drainage system on the peninsula. I believe with his vast knowledge of the peninsula, good relationships with the residents and work history with the county, as well as his position with the federal road systems, Chuck is also well equipped to navigate the state (and possibly federal) agencies that will need to be dealt with in the very near future.

Commissioners, whether at the county level or in the junior taxing districts, are elected to set policy, but also to ensure that there is some type of ‘check and balance system’ as to the overall running of the entity they are charged with overseeing. It is their responsibility to approve the day-to-day functions and transactions, but also to question when needed.

I feel very strongly that Chuck Mikkola is the right person at the right time for this very vital and important operation that is a large part of the heart of the Ocean Park/Nahcotta area.

LISA OLSEN

South Bend