Politician or Public Servant?

While visiting Covelo this week, a familiar face approached me—a man I first met two years ago during a lively debate in Willits. He did not vote for me then, and frankly, he probably won't vote for me this time either. Yet, our conversation about local issues and the general state of leadership sparked a profound, urgent question that has stayed with me ever since: Am I a "politician," or simply an individual stepping up to run for office and trying to make a difference? By Webster’s standard definition, holding an elected seat as a school board member technically makes me a politician. But I refuse to accept that label in the cynical way it is defined in today’s world. Webster also offers a much darker, all-too-familiar definition: an elected official driven by personal power, self-enrichment, and vindictiveness, someone who hides the whole truth from the public just to protect their own position.

This brings us to a crucial crossroads. What kind of leaders do we want representing us? Will we elect honest, dedicated individuals who care more about our community than their own self-interest? The choice lies entirely with you, the voters. But as I write this, I want to share my personal endorsements and explain exactly why these remarkable candidates deserve your support.

We need to reinforce our City Council. That is why I strongly urge you to bulletproof your ballot and vote for Roger Gitlin. He knows this city inside and out, understands the complex issues we face, and has a proven track record of getting things done on a city board. Yes, he has ruffled more than a few feathers, but that is exactly what happens when you are uncompromisingly direct and brutally honest. Although I live in the county and cannot cast a vote for him myself, I know our county is only as strong as the city at its heart. If you want real, transparent representation, Roger Gitlin is your candidate.

The race for the School Board is focused on District 5, the very seat I am vacating. In my mind, there is only one outstanding choice to lead us forward: Ron Bates of Klamath. Ron is exactly the unifying force our school district desperately needs. He will bring powerful cohesiveness to the board through his thoughtful, consistent, and structured decision-making. I believe in Ron so deeply that I will be personally going door-to-door in District 5, asking my own supporters to rally behind him. If you care about the future of our children, Ron Bates is the absolute best choice.

The Harbor Commission is currently our community's most sought-after, and undoubtedly most challenging governing body. Faced with precarious financial conditions, intense public scrutiny, and constant meeting interruptions, we need steady hands at the wheel. That is why I am proudly endorsing Rick Shepard and Gerhard Weber. We desperately need continuity, not contention, to overcome the failures of the past. While I do not agree with every past decision and have shared the public's frustration over the lack of financial audits, I firmly believe these critical issues are on the verge of being resolved. What these commissioners need now is our constructive support, not endless lawsuits and chaotic meeting disruptions. Our board members must work collectively as teammates, not as bitter adversaries.

On the state level, many of us are sick and tired of the flip-flopping, dictator "King Newsom". According to a source with personal knowledge, even the Governor's own North State minions are at odds with him but are too afraid to admit it publicly. It should come as no surprise that I support Steve Hilton for Governor and a straight Republican ticket. Ten years of watching this state go to "hell in a handbasket" under the Democrats means it is time for a change. Our own representatives continue to pass party-line bills that eliminate accountability, lower education standards, increase taxes, and fuel fraud in lucrative nonprofit money-laundering schemes—which, thanks to representatives Rogers and McGuire, are now legally shielded from investigation. The future of our community and our state is in your hands. Let’s choose honesty, integrity, and absolute ACCOUNTABILITY on Election Day!