By Bob Jarman
A recent letter implied my campaign is “hiding” behind the Trust Islanders political action committee.
If we are “hiding behind Trust Islanders”, somebody forgot to tell us! The ”Vote Bob” campaign started a year ago with myself, my wife, and four friends (two Democrats and two Republicans) sitting around our table trying to figure out how to run a campaign. A few months later, we were building a float for the 4th of July Parade with our whole family chipping in….sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, in-laws and out-laws (10 Democrats, 6 Republicans among the adults!).
Now, we’re at the end of the campaign. I have maintained since the beginning, at every forum, every debate, and any time I’m questioned, that I am an independent, non-partisan candidate. I have always voted my conscience. When I walk down the street, I do not see Democrats or Republicans or Independents. I just see ISLANDERS!
Trust Islanders has not contributed any money to our campaign. We just recently wrote, put together and mailed out letters to every voter in the County. We have spent money every month on advertizing, signs, and other expenses. All have been paid for from our campaign fund or from our personal account.
I do not hide behind Trust Islanders, but I do walk beside them and all other Islanders who are trying to find reasonable, responsible solutions in our quest to maintain and protect our rural island communities.
Next time you have questions regarding my campaign, why not just ask me instead of just assuming? My door is always open, and I’ve had a phone number in these islands for 38 years!
Technically, you are correct when you state “Trust Islanders has not contributed any money to our campaign.” But your explanation is disingenuous, Bob. You’re playing a game of words and voters deserve better than that. Consider that the Public Disclosure Commission has recorded $8,901.24 spent by the Trust Islanders PAC on your campaign efforts as of April 3. Direct link: https://1.usa.gov/106wncI
Also filed with the PDC are details as required by law which list “Sponsor: Trust Islanders” for “Candidate: Robert Jarman” with the purpose of ads, a mailer and a “large sign” (the size of which apparently violates County regulations — and seems an inappropriate place for the name of a sitting member of the County Council who took an oath of office to uphold the laws of SJC).
Your name is on all of these advertisements paid for by Trust Islanders and reported on your PDC page. Your campaign has benefited from Trust Islanders money. Of course your campaign has a right to benefit from publicly disclosed financial contributions of any supporter, including a PAC. But please be forthcoming on the obvious financial realities.
If you think these expenditures are not important, you are naïve. If you don’t know about this, which would be amazing, you are operating from ignorance. If you know about this and are not admitting it, that’s clear deception. Naiveté, ignorance or deception are not prime qualifications for holding public office, in my book. Yes, I’m a supporter of your opponent. But I can also read a PDC form.
“Naiveté, ignorance or deception are not prime qualifications for holding public office, in my book.”
Therefore Robin, you will not be voting for Byers, Pratt and Stephens as they have exhibited the above on most issues. Are you not going to vote?
Mr. Pencil,
What evidence do you have to support your statement that Byers, Pratt and Stephens exhibited naivete, ignorance or deception on most issues?
Bob Jarman is neither naive, ignorant nor deceptive. In fact, his refreshing candor is likely one of the reasons he defeated Lovel Pratt in the November election.
As commenter Jacobson (a member of Pratt’s election committee) acknowledges, Bob’s campaign has a “right to benefit from publicly disclosed financial contributions of any supporter, including a PAC.”
The nonpartisan PAC endorsed Jarman and properly reported its expenditures announcing its endorsement. So what is the problem? The fact that a diverse group of islanders supports candidates other than those anointed by the Democratic party?
And, peremptorily, I am not now, and have never been, a Republican.
Ms. Jacobson- lets get factual for a brief moment.
Bob Jarman, Rich Hughes and Brian McClerren had absolutely no say in Trustislanders! decision to endorse them. They all found out about our support when they read our ads at the same time that public saw them. Trustislanders! by law must report all expenditures that benefit any candidate. The candidates are required to show an “in kind” contribution to their campaign.
The candidates have no say in our advertising–including signage. We called the City of Friday Harbor and County and found that signs up to 4’X8′ are legal on private property. They must be removed after the election. You do know about the First Amendment?
We are an absolutely independent organization that is advocating for a community built on Trust. We believe that Bob Jarman will continue to be a councilman who Trusts US. (Please read his letter currently posted on this site regarding new aerial photography currently being discussed.)
“If you think these expenditures are not important, you are naïve. If you don’t know about them, which would be amazing, you are operating from ignorance. If you know about them and are not admitting it, that’s clear deception. Naiveté, ignorance or deception are not prime qualifications for holding public office, in my book. Yes, I’m a supporter of your opponent. But I can also read a PDC form.”
Ms. Jacobson–your statement above is not only incorrect, it is not civil. The candidate that you support, Lovell Pratt, is under investigation for unlawful meetings while on the County Council. That is a fact. Would you like to discuss the basis of this investigation further?
Royce Meyerott
TrustIslanders!
In response to Mr. Meyerott’s final paragraph, I want to correct his misstatement. I am currently a co-defendant with San Juan County, Richard Fralick, and Patty Miller in a lawsuit brought by CAPR (Citizens Alliance for Property Rights). In spite of the cost to taxpayers, we live in a democracy where everyone has the right to their day in court.
Also, I suggest that Mr. Meyerott review the County code, section 18.40.400 section C which states that political signs can be no more than six square feet in area.
Lovel Pratt
Candidate for San Juan County Council, District 1
The lawsuit brought by CAPR names the County and three Council people (including current candidate Lovel Pratt) and complains of violations of the Open Meetings Act and the Growth Management Act in the extensive closed-door meetings held regarding the changes to the CAO.
It is interesting to note that Ms. Pratt seems more concerned with the litigation cost to the County than the harm caused by violations of the Open Meetings Act, which is one of the fundamental protections afforded citizens in Washington with respect to their government.
Lovel–Your name was only mentioned by me when one of your own campaign committee tried to tarnish Bob Jarmans good name. Robins post was not factual and it certainly was not a polite comment. Regarding your comments on signage, in the town of Friday Harbor one is allowed up to a 4’X 8′ sign on private property. In the county, if the sign is on private property, then the county has a policy of not enforcing the 36 sq. ft. limit. What is the aggregate sq. footage of the burma shave type signs that your supporters have in numerous locations on San Juan Island? Just asking–I think that they are cute and well done. All (2) of our signs will be removed on Wed. the 23rd.
Royce Meyerott
TrustIslanders!