WHIDBEY NEWS-TIMES: Campaign signs create stir during Oak Harbor 4th of July parade

Oak Harbor Council Member Joel Servatius resolved an apparent conflict of interest or violation of campaign laws by paying the entrance fee to the Chamber of Commerce’s 4th of July Parade. The Chamber gave out free spots to city council members as well as the mayor and other politicians.

However, during the parade, Servatius had displayed campaign signs. As a city council member, he has voted to give the Chamber large sums of money from the city’s lodging taxes. Elected officials are supposed to recuse themselves if they could gain financially from an action which could include a free parade entry.

Shane Hoffmire, who is running against Servatius in November, stated he was “concerned with the lack of judgment and questionable decision making.” He also stated that Servatius is “out of touch with the needs of our community” and that “putting ones own needs in front of these we seek to represent is not morally right.”

See the story by Emily Gilbert for the details.

On the Ballot in November 2021:

• Position 4 – Dan Evans vs Stephanie “Fe” Mischo – Incumbent Erica Wasinger not running
• Position 5 – Incumbent Joel Servatius vs Shane Hoffmire
• Position 6 – Incumbent Jim Woessner running unopposed
• Position 7 – Andy Plumlee vs Bryan Stucky – Incumbent Millie Goebel not running