Letters in Support of Joan

Just as it makes sense that we elect someone who works in the Assessor’s office and Treasurer’s office as our next Assessor and Treasurer, it makes sense that we elect someone who works in the County Clerk’s office as our next County Clerk. In 1990 when Bea Crossman chose not to seek re-election as County Clerk, it was comforting that Mary Jean Cahail, who had already worked as Deputy County Clerk for several years, sought the job. Mary Jean slid into the job seamlessly and has served admirably in that capacity for 16 years. Now that Mary Jean has chosen not to seek re-election, it will be comforting to have Joan White, who has already worked as Deputy County Clerk for 12 years, slide seamlessly into the job. I do not know Joan’s opponent, but that is the problem. We lawyers and our staff work regularly with the County Clerk’s office and as a result, we know Joan White well. It is often her voice on the phone when we call with our questions and it is her face we see when we enter the Clerk’s office. I was pleased and relieved when she stepped up to the plate to seek election. Joan is knowledgeable, professional and courteous under pressure. I cannot imagine someone trying to do the job of County Clerk without having worked in that office first to learn the ropes. Please help those of us who work regularly with the Clerk’s office by voting for Joan White for County Clerk.

Mary Stone, Attorney


I am writing to urge voters to support Joan White for County Clerk. The clerk’s office handles daily filings of lawsuits, court documents, issues passports, sends child support orders to the state for collection, tracks payment of monies to victims in criminal cases, and holds original Wills, among other things. A mistake in handling any one of these important areas can cause untold problems. The pace of this office varies from busy to “rush hour traffic.” Therefore, the County Clerk must be highly knowledgeable about the workings of her office. Joan White is such a person. She has worked as a deputy clerk in this office for the past 12 years, and I have had nearly daily contact with her during that time. I have found her to be helpful, extremely knowledgeable, detail-oriented, unfailingly courteous despite the fast pace in her office, and dedicated to her job. She is so capable that the public would find it to be a smooth transition from the current clerk to Joan.

There is no better candidate for County Clerk than Joan White, and the public will receive excellent service if this office is in her care.

Sincerely,

Carla J. Higginson
Attorney & Counselor at Law


I am writing to urge you to vote for Joan White for County Clerk in the upcoming election. I have worked with Joan since she joined the staff at the Superior Court Clerk’s Office in 1994. She is efficient, helpful, accommodating, and has the experience to make the transition to County Clerk seamless.

In addition, Joan has pledged to implement programs to make the court more accessible to all the islands, which, in my opinion, is a much needed goal.

Joan is a deputy clerk, as well as the chief courtroom clerk. She knows the ins and outs of the office.

Please join me in voting for Joan White for County Clerk.

Chris Kenady, Attorney



I am an attorney who practices in San Juan County. I value the work of our Superior Court clerks, and now that it is time to elect a new Clerk of the Superior Court, I support the candidacy of Joan White, who has served successfully in the office of the Clerk for over 12 years and is presently serving as the Chief In Court Clerk.

The office of the Clerk is nonpartisan. I am confident that Joan White will serve the general public fairly, impartially, and with skill, as she has done over the many years she has served in the Clerk’s office. A vote for Joan White is a vote for experience. Please join me in supporting Joan White for Superior Court Clerk in the general election in November.

Very truly yours,

Lawrence Curt Delay


I, too, am supporting Joan White for County Clerk. Knowing little about the inner workings of the courts, I can only speak about Joan, the person, neighbor and friend. She is loyal, generous, honest and has great integrity. She is a hard worker and supports the community. We are extremely lucky to have such a quality candidate with the background and experience necessary for the position. Please join me in voting for Joan White for County Clerk.

Seanene Kennedy


What a small world. Over 16 years ago, I called Air San Juan from our corporate office in California. A very friendly and knowledgeable voice answered my questions about Friday Harbor. She told me about this marvelous place to live. She said that if it wasn’t everything I was looking for, she would send me back to Seattle free. I soon met that friendly voice at the Friday Harbor airport, and her name was Joan White. I quickly learned that everything she told me about Friday Harbor was true, and that I wanted to live here.

I have now started my 16th year in Friday Harbor. Joan White was the first person I met. Over the years I have witnessed her ethics, principles, integrity, her morals and honesty. I have always found her to be a professional. Because of the 12 years she has worked as Deputy Clerk, she has the experience, skills and expertise to serve as our County Clerk. Give her your vote of confidence on November 7, 2006.

David L. Spurgeon
Mary Ann Spurgeon

I am writing in of support Joan White for County Clerk because of Joan's outstanding personal performance. I work with court clerks in San Juan County and other jurisdictions daily and I have never seen another Court clerk work as hard with the public and attorneys.
Joan makes a true effort to make the court system work well and fairly for all. I also practice in other jurisdictions and it is always a pleasure to come back and work with Joan. She takes the time to help and shows professional courtesy to everyone. I urge San Juan County voters to elect Joan White as County Clerk.

Shawn Alexander
Attorney-at Law

County Clerk is an elected position, like Judge, Sheriff and Prosecutor, because the competence and impartiality of the person in the position has an effect on all of us who live here. Joan White is the experienced candidate for the position, but that is not the only reason I ask you to join me in supporting her candidacy and voting for her in the upcoming election.

As an attorney who has practiced in San Juan County since moving my office here in 2003, I have dealt with, and been served by the County Clerk’s office, including Joan White, almost every business day. At every turn Joan White has been professional in attitude, competent in her job performance, and impartial in her treatment of me, my clients, the “opposing” parties, and their attorneys when those parties are represented by counsel. She has been second to none in her work in the Clerk’s office and the courtroom.

Joan White, with her twelve years of experience, understands the current policies and how they were developed. Some of those are unique to this County because of our geography, local culture and the circumstances of a shared Judicial District with no Superior Court Judges based here. She will be able to stand as a political equal with the Judges, Sheriff, Prosecutor, and County Council members in representing the interests of our citizens in how the Clerk’s office is operated and interfaces with all the people and agencies who rely on effective, fair and impartial operations of the Clerk’s office and of Superior Court support.
Joan White is the only candidate who has the hands-on experience and the institutional memory to do the day to day tasks serving the public, administer the Clerk’s office, develop policy and budget in light of changing law and regulation, and to debate policy with the other elected officials. Please vote for Joan White.

John Wickham, Attorney


For three years another retired attorney and I acted as The Courthouse Facilitators for the San Juan County Superior Court. Our role was to assist those who were in dissolution or other domestic relation proceedings to see that all their paper work was filled out properly. To carry out our job we frequently needed assistance from the Clerk's office. While all the Deputies were very helpful, I was particularly impressed with Joan White. She demonstrated competence, willingness to help, and cheerfulness--many times under the press of time. Most important, she understands the concept of "Service to the Public". I think she will make a fine County Clerk.

Sincerely,

Roy Moceri


Working with the County Clerk’s Office is an integral part of any law practice. I have been a legal assistant in Friday Harbor for more than 20 years and have worked with many county clerks throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. I have worked with Joan White for as long as she has been Deputy Court Clerk and can attest to the fact that Joan White does an outstanding job.

Joan has been a Deputy Court Clerk for more than 12 years and Chief Courtroom Clerk for 4 years. She is knowledgeable, gracious, professional, and always happy to assist. Individuals involved with the courts may not even realize how a knowledgeable and efficient clerk (or the lack thereof) can affect their matter, or how much the legal profession relies on a courteous and professional Clerk’s Office. When working on time sensitive matters when literally minutes count, you need a Clerk who can handle the situation without hesitation.

Joan White will make a smooth transition from Deputy Clerk to County Clerk. She is great to work with. She answers my questions, gives me more information than I realized I needed, helps with procedural matters, and facilitates and coordinates efforts between our law offices and the Judges. This is why I support Joan White for County Clerk. Joan White is the most qualified candidate for this position. Please join me in voting for Joan White for County Clerk.

Jane Hutchison


I have worked closely with Joan White for over three years. From my perspective, she is the most qualified candidate to take on the task of County Clerk. I can only reiterate what previous letters of support have said about Joan.

So I am asking you to look at her candidacy from another angle. Joan is strongly supported by a large number of attorneys in this community – attorneys who have daily contact with the clerk’s office and know from a working standpoint – the experience, the knowledge and the courtesy required to get the job done.

If you have not had the pleasure of meeting Joan White, I urge you to read the letters from the attorneys on her website. Their voices affirm Joan White is the most experienced person for the job. Top that off with her professionalism and her desire to help, you have a winning combination in Joan White.

Please join me in voting for Joan White for County Clerk.

Lauren Franciosi


I am writing in support of Joan White for County Clerk because of Joan’s personal care and help she offered to my daughter Addie when she was applying for her passport. Addie was having problems getting the documentation necessary to complete her application and needed additional information. Time was short as she was attending her senior year of high school as an AFS exchange student in Venezuela. Addie was panicking and I was on the phone trying to get the right information to process her application. Addie spoke to Joan to let her know what was happening and Joan took it upon herself to give Addie the help she needed. Joan was able to get through to the proper authorities to help sort out our problem. I am not sure if Addie brought flowers to Joan or if Joan gave them to Addie, but long story short Joan has become a personal friend to us and always stays posted on Addie’s whereabouts. Joan is a point of light in our life. Addie is in New Zealand and joins me in support of Joan White as County Clerk in San Juan County.

Christine Miller
Friday Harbor


I just wanted to take a moment to express my thanks for the assistance of Joan White at the San Juan County Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Joan, who is running for Clerk, has proven to be a valuable part of a very professional team.

As someone who represents persons accused of crime in courts in San Juan County, I have long appreciated the level of professionalism, quality and cheerfulness of service, and overall assistance in the Court Clerk’s Office in what can some times be a tricky business. We often have to respond to matters on short notice and deal with difficult and some times changing issues and cases.

In my experience, Joan is able to address and adapt to the challenges that often arise in Court with great clarity. I think the citizens of San Juan County would be well-served if she were elected Clerk, and I support her bid for election.

Tom Pacher
Attorney at Law
Friday Harbor


Joan White will make an excellent County Clerk for San Juan County because of her ability to serve the diverse interests of all concerned parties, while achieving the objective of the Clerk’s office: facilitating the smooth disposition of court cases.

Blessed with a critical balance of brains, insatiable work ethic and even temperament, Joan always uses her abilities to advance the interests of any organization she chooses to represent. And she accomplishes this without ever overstepping her authority. We know because she represented our interests as a manager for three years.

Joan is the kind of manager most organizations dream of acquiring and keeping as long as possible. Her managerial skills were undoubtedly honed during her successful twenty year ownership of a trucking company—a noteworthy accomplishment.

The glowing professional testimonials Joan received have not been given as some sort of friendly gesture merely to advance her election campaign. Rather, they have been given because her exemplary track record warrants this kind of consideration.

During this election season, voters will be given the opportunity to have her capably represent and manage their interests by voting for Joan White, County Clerk.

Chris & Jamie Marsden


Dear Editor:

I cannot imagine a more qualified candidate for Superior Court Clerk than Joan White. Joan has more than 12 years of experience as a Deputy Clerk. When I was a brand new attorney, fresh out of law school, Joan was one of the people who helped me understand how things worked in the real world. Her knowledge of procedure, integrity, competence, and professionalism are second to none. Joan’s warmth and humanity also put her in a class by herself.

It is no surprise to me that I’ve been reading many letters in the San Juan County press from attorneys and others extolling Joan’s virtues, and qualifications to be County Clerk. Those of us who deal with Joan White on a daily basis know what an outstanding job she does as a Deputy Clerk, and that she is uniquely qualified to lead the Superior Court Clerk’s office for the next four years.

I strongly support Joan White’s candidacy for County Clerk. The people of San Juan County will be well served by electing Joan.

Mark Kaiman
Attorney at Law
Bellingham, Washington



I am writing in support of Joan White for San Juan County Clerk. I have known Joan for over seven years on both a personal and professional basis and have always been impressed with her consistently high standards, integrity and professionalism.

Although I have not had the opportunity to work with her in her role as Deputy Clerk, I have worked extensively with her at the Friday Harbor airport as both a professional and private pilot. Joan consistently exhibits a “can-do” approach to any situation, always treating customers and co-workers alike with the same positive attitude. She will go out of her way to perform above and beyond the standard “call of duty” to assure that a job gets done.

Joan sets a high standard of excellence for herself and works to maintain that standard in everything she does. If she says she will do something, she’ll make sure it gets done! For this reason, I believe she deserves your vote for County Clerk on November 7.


Nancy L. Auth
Captain, Kenmore Air Express


The new County Charter has made several formerly political offices non-partisan. That is good for the voter because now we can vote for the most qualified candidate rather than the one being pushed by those running the “Blue”, “Red” or “Green” parties.

The question now becomes, “How do we choose between candidates?” “How do we know who is really qualified?” First we need to know what the duties of the office are, then we can figure out who to ask for an informed recommendation.

Since many voters have had little contact with the office of the County Clerk, you may be among the many trying to decide who to vote for. I think I can help. Something very unique has happened – those with intimate knowledge of the duties of County Clerk have voiced their opinion. Attorneys who are not always known to agree with one another have come out almost unanimously for JOAN WHITE.

Read their letters, consider why they feel so strongly about Joan and her experience. If you have a question about who to vote for, ask your attorney – or ask me. Joan is the clear choice for County Clerk.

John O. Linde,
Attorney at Law
Friday Harbor


The political process has again brought candidates to the voting process. A few races are
non-partisan and this position is one of them. So we are left with the qualifications of each candidate to determine who is the best for the job. It is JOAN WHITE!

I have known Joan White for over 16 years. She is a neighbor and friend with whom I have worked in the air transportation field. She is an energetic individual who puts great enthusiasm and her vast knowledge of complex and intricate procedures to work to ensure that the best solutions are achieved. Joan is an achiever.

Joan has been the assistant county clerk for San Juan County for over 12 years and has done a magnificent job for which she has received many accolades from attorneys and co-workers. She has acquired the knowledge and practical experience of this office and is already fully qualified for the position. There will be no learning curve for her. She will begin immediately with full confidence and assurance that the job will be done correctly the first time. Joan provides integrity, knowledge and courtesy to all with whom she interacts.

As she was a successful business owner and manager of a trucking firm, she possessed then, and still does, the attributes of a leader. It takes energy and devotion, integrity and knowledge, and you must be people oriented to run a business for the many years that Joan did. We need those attributes in the County Clerk’s office.

Please ensure the office of County Clerk is filled with such a highly qualified person as Joan.

Vote for Joan White, County Clerk, on November 7.

John Owens
Friday Harbor


I am grateful for the many friendships I have made while serving your community and one specifically, whom I am happy to support by writing this letter. Indeed, she has always been there for me.

When Joan White told me of her intentions to run for County Clerk, it did not surprise me. I could not help but think how fortunate the community would be if she wins this election. Joan is a woman made of integrity, poise and she possesses a natural instinct for doing the right thing. It can be very hard work some days at the airport when, despite everybody’s best intentions the fog will win—she remains resourceful and professional, no matter how the nerves are frayed.

Her years of experience in the courtroom and as Deputy County Clerk have given her the necessary perspective and skills to succeed as County Clerk. Her passion for this community and its people is clear. If I could, I would vote for Joan White.

Pete Brady, Chief Pilot
Kenmore Air Express


Please accept my whole-hearted and enthusiastic support for Joan White as County Clerk. I had the privilege of working with Joan for a couple different airlines that served Friday Harbor and the San Juan Islands. Although Joan worked for the airlines only one day each week, she treated that job like it was her most important job. She was not only warm and caring with the passengers; she was also extremely professional and efficient in assisting with their travel needs, especially when their trip was not going exactly as planned.

Joan had an incredible ability to anticipate the needs, not only of the customers she served, but also of the people she worked with, and she proposed several improvements in accounting, record-keeping, flight scheduling, and customer handling.

It was a privilege for me to work with Joan during the short period of time I served with those airlines. It was such a joy knowing Joan that I now count her as one of my dearest friends. I cannot stress enough how outgoing, warm, professional, and trustworthy a person she is. She will be an extremely valuable asset to the citizens as your San Juan County Clerk.

Mary Anne Lappier
Professional Airline Pilot


If you have been involved with the Superior Court system over the past
12 years, you have probably had the good fortune to meet Joan White, and know that she is a great public servant who uses her considerable knowledgeable and experience to make your encounter with the court system a positive one. We are lucky to have her as a candidate for County Clerk - she has an excellent understanding of the court system and its complex procedures, she works well with other county offices, has good ideas for improving access to the courts, and understands the importance of helping citizens and ensuring that they are not intimidated by the court system.

I urge you to cast your vote for Joan White for County Clerk.

Charlie Silverman
Friday Harbor

I strongly encourage voters in San Juan county to vote for Joan White for court clerk. I don't think anyone knows more court information than she does. She goes far above and beyond the required clerk and administrator duties, and enthusiastically facilitates the efficient management of cases. In the years I have worked as an attorney in your court system, I have observed her arrive early and stay late, and go out of her way to explain the frequently tedious details so that all parties to cases understand what the rules require. Justice is a complex endeavor anywhere, but in your county, the multiple schedules of the judges, attorneys, law enforcement, agencies and other participants - not to mention the ferries - makes administration of justice more difficult than in many courts. No one seems to know quite as much as she does, and her knowledge is invaluable for all of us.

Paula Plumer
Anacortes


When Joan White made the decision to run for County Clerk I didn’t wait to be asked. I offered to help with her campaign because I knew that she was the right person for the office.

Attorneys, their staffs, co-workers, employers, friends and many of the public who know Joan know that she is highly qualified. There has been no shortage of letters written on her behalf; a large number coming from attorneys who have worked directly with Joan in her capacity as Deputy Clerk for over 12 years.

The task of her committee has been to get information to the voters who may not know Joan, or much about the Clerk’s Office. In addition to the Candidate’s Forums, Joan has made trips to Lopez, Orcas, Shaw and Waldron to meet voters. I encourage you to read Joan’s statement in the Voter’s Pamphlet and her recent county-wide mailing. Joan’s blog (www.voteforjoan.blogspot.com) contains a lot of information about her, and includes a list of her supporters, as well as the many letters written endorsing her candidacy.

Joan is competent, intelligent, and gracious to one and all. She has proven herself as Deputy Clerk for 12 years, and as Chief Courtroom Clerk for 4 years. I know she will make the transition to Clerk a smooth one. I am proud to be her supporter, because she is the best candidate for this position. I urge you to vote for Joan White for County Clerk.

Carol Linde
Friday Harbor

Joan and I, and our families, have been dear friends for over 50 years. We remained best iends through grammar school, high school, college and into our adult lives. Joan has an unsurpassed work ethic and she has been that way all her life. She is not a political person in any sense of the word. Joan is a humanist. She cares about people's concerns. I have never seen her ask anyone to do something that she wouldn't do herself. She is competent, thorough and organized. This is a trait of her character.

In her life as a business owner, we still looked to Joan to head our committees or chair our undraisers. She was simply the most organized and effective person. When Joan was named Business Woman of the Year, she was surprised and honored. However, it was no surprise to any of us who know or worked with her.

The voters of San Juan County have an opportunity to elect an experienced, compassionate, and hard-working candidate to the position of County Clerk. I hope you will vote for Joan White.

Margaret-Ann Sullivan

Mill Valley, California