I would like to strongly endorse Carrie Jane Blessing in her bid to seek the position as our Shepherdstown area representative on the Jefferson County Commission.

For those of us who do not reside in Shepherdstown proper, the Jefferson County Commission is our initial point of entry and active participation in the political process of our nation. Adequate representation will be extremely important in the looming political crisis that we are facing. Carrie’s personal contributions are even more necessary, in helping to restore credibility and confidence in the Jefferson County Commission’s performance, which has been marred in recent years by self-interest and lack of transparency.

Having served alongside Carrie in recent years in work of the Shepherdstown Community Club, I have continued to be impressed by her genuine interest and concern for all aspects of the quality of life of our families, awareness or economic and social considerations, the need to protect our environment while still optimizing beneficial use of our precious natural resources, of the rights and opinions of others and the need for active participation of our citizens. Her interests are quickly translated into outcomes reflecting her ability to work with others in achieving concrete results.

I have seen her impressive ability to lead by example, motivate others to get involved, forge a consensus and follow through to achieve constructive and appropriately shared objectives. I have every confidence that those attributes will serve her well in representing us on the Jefferson County Commission.

Mike Austin, of Shepherdstown