Occasionally, a candidate for political office appears among us offering the needed credentials for a particular elected position. Such a candidate is Barbara Tolbert. Her seeking of the office of mayor of Arlington offers our community a candidate with the potential to continue the wonderful legacy of Margaret Larsen and move it forward into the future.

In her capacity as Executive Director of the annual Arlington Fly-In, Barbara has shown her organizational skills as well as her dedication and devotion to Arlington. What many may not know is how involved this lady is in a myriad of volunteer efforts throughout this community: President, Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation; board of the Arlington-Smokey Point Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club. Past service includes the Arlington School District Facilities Committee; Director, Snohomish County Tourism Board; and recently Chair of the EMS levy committee to ensure Emergency Medical Services to our community for the future.

Everyone knows that Arlington is unique among Washington cities in its citizen volunteers and its dedicated city officials. However, during the coming months and years Arlington faces some severe budgetary issues which will demand that hard choices be made. Barbara’s proven talents and experience will go a long way towards easing the way through these difficult times.

Barbara Tolbert will have my vote for mayor of Arlington, I hope she will have yours, too.

Francis X. Barden

Arlington