— from Ingrid Gabriel —
As someone who has worked in the political infield both in state and local government, in two states, for over 12 years, I have been through a few election cycles. Having seen my fair share of candidates, I can tell you that most first-time candidates seeking election believe, naively, that leaders just need to really understand issues to turn government around.
The candidate ran a profitable business, or had a successful career or is a strong advocate for a higher principle and, therefore, will be an effective leader. Once in office, the candidate is certain that his/her ideas and common sense will turn the whole ship around and smooth sailing will commence. Take a look in the paper or on-line and read a few of the letters written by both the candidates and their supporters.
Things are written like, “…his comprehension of the issues is deep and broad;” “He has done his homework;” And “I hope to bring trust in your government back to you.” If it were all that simple, someone else with “deep and broad” comprehension would have been elected decades ago and life would be eternally trouble free.
But, here’s the real deal … a lot of people are experts on the issues. The reality is that the job is far more complex than just grasping the issues. Every person elected to public office gets a shock when they learn that they have to find their way through a maze of state bureaucracies and legislation and funding.
Council members not only need to understand everything from telecommunications to finance to salmon recovery, they need to meet with their constituents and speak to the heart and soul of our community. They need to find a way forward even when everyone in the community doesn’t agree with each other. They need to be able to relate to the 4-H mom trying to fund a horse barn as well as tackling the serious environmental issues surrounding marine vessel traffic.
San Juan County requires representatives who can bring people from all sides of the table, locally, at the state level and federally, and that is a rare skill. That skill comes from real experience and not just developing a few good talking points for the campaign.
Bob Jarman has that real experience.
Bob came to San Juan County in 1975. Working and eventually managing the telephone company, Bob gained genuine direct experience with every aspect of island life. He knows the history; he knows the people; he knows the land.
We know that Bob has the respect of his colleagues. Watch any County Council meeting and you will see that while the members do not always agree, they hold one another in high regard. Drop by the Council office and if Bob is not already in a committee meeting or representing San Juan County on the mainland, you will be invited to come on in and talk with him.
Bob is already working on affordable housing issues. Bob is already working on the county’s budget and streamlining efficiencies. Bob is already providing an example of excellent customer service at the County offices. When the communication system went down a few years back, Bob held the phone company accountable.
Certainly other candidates have good qualities, but I want District 1 led by a Council Member who won’t need a minimum of two years to learn the job. Bob is already an experienced and effective leader. He’s the Real Deal, and I am proud to say that Bob Jarman has my vote.
Ingrid; As a County employee, it is not appropriate that you express your opinions on the candidates for election to the office of County Commissioner, a body for which you are employed as its secretary.
Recently an employee of Rock Island, a subsidiary of OPALCO, expressed a personal opinion on a similar issue, and rightly was chastised for doing so. You certainly can express your private opinions. You have crossed that line and owe the other candidates a public apology for your unprofessional statement.
I have mixed feelings about what Ed has to say above. On the one hand, it’s good to hear from inside the County offices about how Bob’s work is perceived there. On the other hand, Ed’s right that there’s a conflict of interest involved. As a paid County employee, Ingrid’s statement must be taken with a large grain of salt because her livelihood is linked, however strongly I cannot say, to Bob’s electoral success. Thus it is biased and cannot be viewed as an objective opinion.
Ingrid doesn’t say she represented the county on this matter. She’s giving her opinion, to which she’s entitled as a resident. Her job doesn’t not hinge upon Bob Jarman’s re-election. Sure, take it with a grain of salt, but I’m glad for the feedback from that side of the workings of the County government.
I also work for the county, but I don’t ever hear much from inner workings of our government.
But just because we work for SJC, that doesn’t mean our opinions or votes don’t matter…
Ingrid has the First Amendment Right to express her personal opinions, however, she must clearly state her position as that of a private citizen. Most people know that she is the secretary to the Board of Commissioners, and any statements that she makes are framed by that responsibility.
If Bob Jarman loses the election, then Ingrid had best have her resume in order because the winner will surely question her objectivity going forward.
I have served the community in many elected positions over the years, and I would not support an employee of my District making a public statement like that presented by Ingrid.
I think the electorate needs to hear from Bob and perhaps the other candidates on this matter. Bob?
As public employees we always had the right to do as we please and if we endorsed someone we did it privately for obvious reasons. What Ingrid does here is not keep it about Bob. I have 30 years in the business and myself as well as the other great men I am running with would note take 2 years to learn intricacies of the job. Several of us have extensive backgrounds and she takes her recommendation to far by painting false pictures about the rest of us.
All chit chat aside, I’ll reinforce the original comment expressed by Ingrid, as a past elected official, fire fighter volunteer, business owner and citizen, I’m honored to have Bob willing to run again. He’s the real deal, plain and simple. He has not only proven himself as an open minded diplomat he has shown me his ability to be a good team player, a very important trait as an elected official.
Thanks Bob!
Bob has done a lot but it is time to let someone else take the reigns. I know of several instances where he did not step up to the plate both past and present. We need someone with forward thinking. Bob is a good ol’ boy who has used his power to waive regulations for some and not others and that is those double standards people are sick. We need a trustworthy councilperson period.
I totally agree with what Ingrid G. has to say about Councilman Jarman. In my career over the past dozen years or so I have worked fairly closely with county councilpersons and commissioners in several of Washington’s rural counties. It has been a pleasure to work with several who are very passionate about their counties and their citizens’ needs. Bob Jarman, from my perspective and experiences, is one of those. I can say the same about Rick Hughes because my interactions with him. I haven’t met all the council persons nor all of the candidates this time around but I am impressed with the aforementioned gentlemen.