Editor,

I am honored to endorse Shane Hoffmire’s candidacy for Mayor of Oak Harbor. He is an exceptional leader committed to transparency, affordability, and open, effective communication. He is a leader who listens and acts with intention.

I have seen Shane prioritize transparency during his time as a Oak Harbor Councilmember and serving as a North Whidbey Pool, Parks and Recreation District Commissioner. He believes transparency is vital to building trust between the city and its residents. This is seen not only through his words but through his actions. While serving on the city council, he ensures that information is available and accessible to the public, encourages open and productive feedback, and prioritizes ensuring that all decisions he makes are in the community’s best interest.

He knows that communication is a two-way street and works hard to keep the lines of communication open between the city and the residents. As a community leader, Shane epitomizes servant leadership.

Shane has always been a hard worker; he understands the financial struggles that families and people of all ages face in today’s economy. Instead of dwelling on past leaders’ decisions, he takes a solutions-focused stance and prioritizes making decisions that will create impactful change. He has shown a commitment to reducing living costs in Oak Harbor, and I trust that he will continue to prioritize this if he is elected as mayor.

Shane prioritizes doing what is right instead of always being right. I am confident that he will continue to work tirelessly to hear the feedback of all city residents and work with the council and city administrators to lead the city of Oak Harbor if elected.

Venessa Matros

Former CSD School Board Director