Congratulations to Rick Hannold for a hard-earned victory in the race for Island County Commissioner. At a time when it’s easy to be cynical about government — local, state and federal — there is a lot to be said for ambition, grit and good old-fashioned door knocking and hand shaking.

Conventional wisdom would say that money talks, but clearly that wasn’t the case in this election.

Hannold, a Republican who calls North Whidbey home, said he spent only $4,600 on 14 large signs and 200 small yard signs, half of them paid for using small donations and half out of his own pocket.

His opponent, Democrat Karla Jacks, of Camano Island, raised $41,479 and spent $36,821, according to the Washington State Public Disclosure commission. It isn’t clear where Jacks spent much of her campaign war chest, but her campaign message didn’t seem to reach North Whidbey.

In fact, it almost seemed she wrote off the North Whidbey vote entirely and was expecting the rest of the county to carry her to victory in general election.

If that was the case, it was miscalculation on her part.

Although Jacks tried to diffuse speculation during the campaign that she was out to close Outlying Field Coupeville, her efforts didn’t come across as straightforward. Rather, it sounded like “polit-talk” — an attempt to answer a question without revealing any real discernible position.

One of the great frustrations for voters these days is getting a politician to give a straight answer. Trying to dance around a sensitive issue is far more offensive to a constituency than simply stating a viewpoint.

Own your position, and don’t leave any room for speculation.

Hannold did a good job of stating his positions during the election, and for that he is to be respected.

An important responsibility now rests in his hands. Hannold has the opportunity to express his positions, make his case, and then work with his fellow commissioners —  Republican Jill Johnson and Democrat Helen Price Johnson — on behalf of all of the people of Island County.

We look forward to hearing some plain talk and fresh ideas in the coming year.