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Commissioner Melanie Bacon
Island County
District I Democrat

"Vision is indispensable, and my record proves that I am tenacious at implementing my vision."

Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democrat answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix blame for the past, rather let us accept our own responsibility for the future.

- John F. Kennedy
Author, Soldier, Farmer, and Civic Leader

Prior to becoming County Commissioner for District I, Melanie was an experienced executive and manager. She left her job as the International Compensation Manager for a Fortune 500 company to serve Island County as Human Resources Director, champion worker benefits and process improvements, and provide solutions sensitive to both taxpayer and employee needs.

Besides her work with the county, Melanie has devoted her life to working for the public good. She has served the U.S. Army in military intelligence, farmed 580 acres and raised cattle in Minnesota, acted as a human resources consultant to tribal governments, been a NOW leader, actively participated as a founding member of an educational endowment foundation and as a member of numerous city committees, and lastly, she was the chair of a planning commission and zoning board responsible for the 10-year plan that guided her city's growth while it was the fastest growing region in Minnesota. Melanie is also a well-published author of several novels including a new series.

As County Commissioner of District I she has accomplished the following major goals and projects since 2021. As you might guess, several of these continue to unfold and evolve into 2025 and beyond.

    Developed and approved the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), a long-term planning document to guide countywide economic development.
    Approved and funded a mobile health unit to take services directly to citizens in need.
    Approved and funded the purchase of select land parcels for public benefit including wetlands and beach front.
    Secured millions in ARPA funds for community service groups.
    Saved Whidbey Women's Clinic from closure.
    Led a successful fight for six new affordable housing projects in Island County and also hired a Affordable Housing Development Specialist to coordinate future affordable housing development projects.
    Negotiated support for a Climate Resiliency resolution.
    Approved and funded new Conservation Futures projects.
    Increased local funding for emergency preparedness and created a new Emergency Preparation fund.
    Led update of animal welfare code.
    Updated and improved the building permit process.
    Funded Whidbey General to prevent closure.
    Established a new era of government in the sunshine with a weekly newsletter that reports the details of county board decisions and operations.
More information on Island County activities on the part of Commissioner Bacon and the Board can be found in Melanie's weekly newsletters.

Plans and Goals 2025 and Beyond

    Ensuring the 2025 Comp Plan reflects the housing, infrastructure, climate, economic, environmental, health, fairness, and resiliency values that assure a fair and prosperous future for Island County.
    Securing additional state and federal funds to implement safety and emergency projects county-wide.

    Join us now. Volunteer or donate. Like you, we wish to keep an experienced and devoted visionary like Melanie Bacon in office.

    [ ELABORATION ON THE 2030 PLAN]


Recent Endorsements, Commentary, and Interviews

Congressman Rick Larsen Endorses Melanie

"Melanie is an effective County Commissioner for Island County. She listens to all citizens and responds diligently to address their needs, and I am proud to endorse her."

- Congressman Rick Larsen












MORE ENDORSEMENTS FOR MELANIE