Six years ago, I published my very first Beachcomber article. That was big news for 16-year-old me.

My classmate and I originally wrote the story — a feature on political expression — for the Vashon High School newspaper, the Riptide, and the Beachcomber saw enough merit in it to reprint. The article prompted a scathing letter to the editor in response, in which I was accused of being a long-winded, closeted Republican (only one of these accusations proved accurate).

A handful of years and one college degree in journalism later, I found myself back on the island, freelancing for The Beachcomber.

I picked up a story about Water District 19 last fall. In the district office lobby, I chatted with administrator Melody Snyder. Our exchange followed what has become a familiar opening for many

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