Just a couple weeks before Vashon’s new unofficial mayor will be chosen, a sixth candidate has joined the race and is seeking votes and dona tions in support of the Vashon Alliance to Reduce Substance Abuse.
The newest candidate is 11-year-old Finn Judd who just finished fifth grade at Chautauqua Elementary School. Moving on to McMurray Middle School, he says that he wants teens to find fun activities that don’t involve drugs or alcohol.
“I would like to represent VARSA so that I can help teens find other options for fun that don’t involve drugs and alcohol,” Finn said in his campaign statement. “VARSA is important because sometimes teens die from things like drinking and driving. That is why I think VARSA is important.”
Finn’s parents are island artists Maria Glanz and Kenny Judd. Finn has attended numerous Club O dances at Open Space for Arts & Community, where his mom works. He sees how important it is to have a fun place for kids to hang out, where they can dance and see friends and have a good alternative to drinking.
The mission of VARSA is to reduce and prevent underage drug and alcohol use by engaging, educating and empowering the community around them. VARSA hopes to build a healthy environment in the community where youth can grow up drug and alcohol free.
VARSA’s Lisa Bruce said she was happy when Finn approached her about running for mayor.
“VARSA is excited to work with Finn, and we are immensely appreciative of his desire to help us make a positive impact for the youth of Vashon Island concerning alcohol and drug use,” she said in a statement. “Community change can happen when youth like Finn lead the charge.”
For more than seven years, VARSA has provided grant funding to impact underage drug and alcohol use on Vashon. The organization was formed in 2009 by a group of islanders who came together to address the issue of underage drug and alcohol use on Vashon.
Finn’s ballot boxes will be in spots around Vashon, such as the Farmer’s Market and local businesses. Votes can be cast by dropping money into the boxes.
The winner of the unofficial mayor race will be announced on day two of the Strawberry Festival on Saturday, July 17.
