A Farewell & Thank You, Kitsap!

From Commissioner Ed Wolfe

Photo by Commissioner Ed Wolfe as he looked out from the window while packing up his office at the County Administration building in Port Orchard.

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December 19, 2022

Serving as your County Commissioner representing Central Kitsap the last eight years has been the pinnacle of my career and more rewarding than I imagined when I first took office. Leaving is bittersweet and emotional, especially after the send-off party County staff threw for me Dec. 7. The last few weeks I?ve been reflecting on what we?ve accomplished and want to share some highlights and thanks.

During my tenure as Commissioner, I have been surrounded by highly committed staff, elected officials, and other county leaders whose actions and advice enabled me to make decisions the Board of County Commissioners is charged with. My goal has always been to provide balance to the Board, ensuring all residents have a voice in local government decision-making and the allocation of resources.

As Commissioner, I focused on finding ways to make Kitsap stronger, healthier and safer by bringing people to the table for discussions needed to kickstart collaborations. I sought to balance measured growth with protecting the natural environment; stretch investments through community partnerships; leverage financing options; and protect property rights while improving access to public lands. I believe these goals were accomplished and that the county is in good shape heading into the 2024 update to its comprehensive plan that will further shape what the county looks like in the next two decades.

One of the most important jobs of a County Commissioner is to review and approve the annual budget. As I leave office, the County has a healthy budget with reserves, and continues to implement efficiencies to improve the delivery of services.

But planning and budgets aside, the best part of holding office is meeting with hundreds of constituents of all ages. I truly appreciate people sharing their concerns, ideas and viewpoints, their stories and hardships, accomplishments and dreams. I always felt that strong communities are not created by government ? instead they are built through the dedication of committed individuals and organizations who work together. I marvel at your resilience and willingness to step up and join in, to volunteer your valuable time for the common good.

A few of the many highlights serving two terms, 2015 - 2022

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Pictured at the ribbon cutting July 22, 2016 for the new Bucklin Hill Bridge with residents of the nearby Crista Shores Senior Living Community, on the left,

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I'm proud of the completion of numerous transportation projects in Central Kitsap that greatly improve the safety, accessibility and connectivity of our roadways, including construction of the Bucklin Hill Bridge, the widening of Silverdale Way and upgrades to Bayshore Drive. Construction of a new?Silverdale transit station is underway that will make it easier for more people to access public transportation.

Providing an update on the HEART Program to the Central Kitsap Community Council.

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County Commissioners created the Homelessness Encampment Action and Response Transition (HEART) Team to respond to homelessness activities and impacts. Though a lot more work needs to be done, I am happy with the progress we made while I was in office. We also celebrated the opening of Pendleton Place, the county's first permanent supportive housing that provides a way out of homelessness towards long-term housing.

Pictured with members of the John D. "Bud" Hawk Post 109 of Silverdale at Veterans Appreciation Day.

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I'm proud of our veterans and military communities who contribute so much to the prosperity of our county. I continue to support and advocate for our local veterans and the county?s Veterans Assistance Program and Veterans Advisory Board. Attending Stand Downs and other events, including the opening of a new veterans clinic in Silverdale, has been so heartwarming and meaningful. In Kitsap County, veterans help veterans, continuing to serve our communities long after their military service has concluded.?

Thanking the hundreds of volunteers who helped in the response to the pandemic,

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Kitsap County's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was an extraordinary, coordinated effort and so many of you contributed to taking actions to protect the health of residents. The county relied on hundreds of volunteers during the pandemic who contributed countless hours. Through the American Rescue Plan Act, Kitsap County has allocated $53 million in relief funds to ease the burdens of those most impacted by the pandemic.?I'm proud and appreciative of how we came together to support each other.?

At a meet and greet with members of the Central Kitsap Community Council in 2019.

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I want to extend special recognition and thanks to the members of the Central Kitsap Community Council who have served as a second set of eyes and ears for me in the community, identifying issues, sharing important information and providing a forum for vital community discussions.

I will always be filled with gratitude and in awe of the thousands of volunteers who devote so much time, knowledge and stewardship to support Kitsap County!

Rapelling down the side of the Norm Dicks Government Center in Bremerton as part of the Kitsap Community Foundation's Over the Edge fundrasier.

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Recording my Commissioner's Corner BKAT programs, getting to know the work of our departments and joining fundraising events allowed me to rappel off both the Norm Dicks Government Center and Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue?s training tower; act as a hostage in the Sheriff?s Office SWAT training exercise in the old Silverdale Community Center before it was demolished; and fall out of my kayak into a chilly Dyes Inlet as the marine unit practiced water rescue. I am taking so many spectacular memories with me from the last eight years!

Kitsap County Board of Commissioners.

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In closing, I want to extend heartfelt gratitude and respect to Commissioner Rob Gelder and Commissioner Charlotte Garrido ? what a pleasure to serve with you both. I?m proud of all we accomplished together and thankful for the privilege of working for the people of Kitsap County. It was also an honor to sit at the table with colleagues on the Kitsap Transit Board, Kitsap Public Health Board, Emergency Management Council, Housing Kitsap Board, Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council and many more.

Pictured above left with my wife and son and above right with my grandson.

Saving the best for last, I want to thank my wife, Wendy, for her support and positivity as we navigate our lives around my work calendar. I look forward to a lighter schedule in the years ahead and spending more time with our new grandkids. You might still see me around the courthouse though as I?ll be behind the bench again as a judge pro tem in Kitsap courts occasionally.

As I leave office, I know the county is in good hands. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve you.?

Kitsap Commissioners' Office | Kitsap1:360.337.5777 | [email protected]