I read something recently that complained about how I told someone “I’m not your candidate.”

https://www.facebook.com/981836327283863/posts/1068175608649934

Jill Johnson (R-Oak Harbor), candidate for Island County Commissioner, District 2, posted this on her Facebook page on October 24, 2024 10:06 am.

I read something recently that complained about how I told someone “I’m not your candidate.”

I remember the conversation and that is what I said…and as much as I hate the reality of knowing that I’m not who someone wants, it was true. I was not the type of elected official they wanted.

They called with what I perceived as an ultimatum. “Either make protecting the environment you most important priority or I’m not voting for you.”

Now I value the environment, but I don’t make promises like that. Why? Because issues have nuances, and I can’t honestly promise my full support to any single approach, or declare any one thing my highest and only priority….there are a lot of approaches, and several simultaneous priorities in delivering government services.

Each approach and priority needs to be balanced with other priorities and community values.

If I agreed…just to get the vote… “Environment at all costs!!” where would we build new housing, how would we widen a road or build new trails? If I said “law enforcement at all costs,” how would we balance the budget to provide other services like mental health and substance abuse treatment?

So yes, it’s true that when someone calls me up and says you have to agree with me 100% or I’m not voting for you, I will tell them, truthfully, that I’m not your candidate.

I would like to believe I have earned your vote…but I won’t lie or make false promises to get it.

Protecting our environment is important to me…obviously….I live here, but it’s a value that is weighted alongside other values.

Don’t let anyone oversimplify an issue and use fear to tell you how to vote. Vote based on your truth.

I appreciate your consideration.

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