Editor,
As a candidate running for Oak Harbor City Council, I appreciate the outpouring of support I have received from the community. I want to thank Mr. Harmon for running. It was a pleasure to meet him and hear him speak. I wish him the best and hope to see him run again in the future.
Right now, in our country it seems civility is declining in politics. Our local election has not been immune to this. Regardless of how we personally feel or how badly we want to win, when the election is over, those elected will have to work together for the good of the community. I am concerned about some comments I have heard recently and want to remind all candidates, and their supporters that come January we will still be neighbors, and members of this community we all love. It takes a great deal of effort, dedication and support to run for office even locally. While we may disagree on what is best for our city, we are all running with positive intentions in our hearts.
I have heard attacks about mayoral candidate Wright and his time at the IRS. When did we become a nation that disparages a man for doing an honest day’s work? My opinions of the IRS do not blind me to the efforts of a person who seeks to serve his community. I have heard attacks on mayoral candidate Hoffmire and his level of education. I don’t know what diploma he graduated with, and I don’t care. Even if he did overcome learning challenges, so what. When did we become a nation that disparages a man for overcoming the challenges life places before him?
To be clear, I am not endorsing any candidate for any office. I just don’t want us as a community to lose our heart and compassion for one another just because we are in the heat of battle. Mayor Severns has led the city with grace and professionalism; I know our next mayor will do the same. Lastly, I want to commend the candidates who agreed to remove their signage for the music festival. While I was not part of that discussion, I applaud the act of community solidarity and removed my sign from in front of my store during the festival.
Earl “Andy” Plumlee
Candidate for Oak Harbor City Council seat #2
