I'm Sydne James, candidate for Barefoot Bay Board of Trustees. I love Barefoot Bay. I want to help keep everything that makes Barefoot Bay so special, and I want to help to make it better. 

One of my goals as Trustee is to improve communication between the residents/owners and the Board, and between the residents/owners and the managers. Residents/owners want to know why decisions are being made and what alternatives were considered. People have questions that could be responded to in ways that inform everyone, not just the person asking. 

I want the Board to collect more data, and analyze it, to help make decisions that better reflect the wants and needs of the majority of the residents/owners. For example, we subsidize the food and beverage department at more than $55 per parcel in the FY27 budget. Is this the best use of our assessment dollars? You tell me! If the Board has good data, through regular collection and reporting in from the different departments, trustees might make different budget decisions. 

A bit about me ... I grew up on a farm in Indiana. I put myself through college (twice) and have a B.A. in journalism and a B.S. in nursing. Many years ago I moved to Washington State for work. I recently retired from nursing after working in primary care at a federally qualified health center, where the pay was lower, but the work was more rewarding. My husband (also a retired RN) and I bought our house in 2016 and recently moved here permanently.  

My work ethic comes from my dad and it extends to volunteer work. Understand the role and responsibilities and do the job well. Don't be lazy or slack off, because there is always more work to be done. Follow through and do what you say you are going to do. Do what's right because it's the right thing to do, even when it is difficult, when no one is watching, or when no one will thank you. 

I have never before served on a board, but I intend to learn the role and understand the responsibilities of  being a Board member, and serve well. I will be respectful of all residents and owners. I know that the work of the Board members does not start and stop at the twice monthly meetings and the Town Halls. I will be an active Board member and take the position seriously. I will respond to everyone who reaches out to me.

Our community is full of folks with great ideas, including experts in many different areas, who are willing to volunteer their time and knowledge and help, if asked. I intend to seek them out and ask them for help when it makes sense to do so. If you like my platform I ask for your vote in November. 

If you want to help me get elected, I would ask you to volunteer to help with my campaign. I am not asking for monetary donations, but rather just your time. Email me to volunteer, or with any questions.  voteSydne@mail.com

Ways to volunteer: 

1. Let me put a sign in your yard. I promise to come collect my yard sign after the election! 

2. Door knock with me in your neighborhood. 

3. Host a small gathering of friends and neighbors to meet and speak with me.