I want to share with you my very positive experience working with Rick Hughes for the past five years. We serve together on the Orcas Island Farmer’s Market board. Most of the board is made up of farmers and crafters who vend at the market. Rick is the exception.

Over these years he has given his time generously and been a significant asset to the our Farmers’ Market, though he has always had the least to gain from it.

His insight as a business person has always been greatly appreciated. His loyal support of local agriculture and small island based cottage businesses has been unflagging. He both has an opinion to share and a willingness to work with and learn from others. As a potential representative of all of us I feel great confidence in him.

Rick has the unique experience of someone who has worked in business outside the islands, owned a business within them, as well as having loyally served on local boards such as the Eastsound Planning and Review Committee, the San Juan County Ag. Guild and the Orcas Farmer’s Market.

I believe he both understands what makes the Islands special and what it takes for people to try to make a living here. This is an extremely important balance to get right. If my experience working with Rick is any indication of the kind of person he is, I can attest that he will work hard for everyone’s interest on all of the islands, just as he has done for many years for the local farmers, crafters, food vendors and small businesses of Orcas.

Christopher Morris

Orcas Island