To the Editor:
I got to know Katherine Bryant Ingman when UW Medicine announced it was no longer going to operate the Lopez Island clinic, leaving islanders scrambling to keep the clinic open. That crucial moment for Lopez showed me Katherine’s grit and determination.
As president of the Catherine Washburn Medical Association, owner of the clinic building, Katherine dug in and worked hard to ensure that Lopez had quality health care that matched our needs, at an affordable cost to patients and taxpayers.
After an incredible community effort, the clinic remains open today under new management. As a volunteer with the Lopez Clinic Transition Committee, I saw firsthand Katherine’s energy, her ability to collaborate with a diverse group, and her unwavering commitment to serving the community.
I believe that Katherine is the kind of leader we need in these times. Our islands face big challenges, from balancing the county budget to expanding affordable housing, making the ferries more reliable and protecting our fragile island environment. Big challenges require energetic leadership that is committed to getting results, and Katherine is a proven leader who gets things done.
I hope you’ll join me in voting for Katherine Bryant Ingman for County Council.
—Rose Kapolczynski, Lopez Island; Oct. 19, 2026