||| FROM ADRIAN KILPATRICK |||
My name is Adrian Kilpatrick and I was a recent candidate running for a seat on the San Juan County Council. I am writing out to endorse Rick Hughes for San Juan County Council district 2.
Over my candidacy and leading up to the current election I’ve gotten to spend a significant time getting to know Rick on a personal level and learning about his underlying political agenda. What I’ve discovered is that Rick cares very deeply about these islands that we all call home. His overall time spent in the political field and his experience in leadership positions have helped him develop an ability to create and influence clarity in a field that can, at times, be pure chaos .
Throughout his previous tenure on the San Juan County Council Rick has shown his ability to keep complicated topics grounded and find a way to act upon policies that benefit San Juan County residents as a whole. In my conversations with Rick I have noticed that he is a competent listener, that takes the time to hear you out on all matters of complexity and in response provide thoughtful guidance that is based on years of learned experience.
I believe Rick has the shared interests of our island communities at the forefront of his mind, and will work hard to push forward those interests in order to create lasting changes that help continue the overall success of current and future generations of islanders.
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I support Rick because he listens, and then, in contrast to others generally, he acts.
This is a rare combination, politics being so often the art of blandishment followed by inaction on things that matter.
Vote for Rick Hughes if you want effective leadership by one who deeply cares about our county.
As a past member of the Orcas-based Vacation Rental Working Group (those who were ultimately successful in lobbying for limits on short term vacation rentals), Rick never listened to his opposition (the people), and he fought tooth and nail against any further regulations and in favor of having no limits. The amount of misinformation he put out to the public about us, and about the issue at large during that time period… was extremely unprofessional, and quite astounding.
Rick cares deeply about the islands alright… he’s willing to love them to death, and he hopes that you will join him in doing so. I like Rick, but he does not have my vote because of his “pro-tourism, pro-vacation rental, and pro-growth over all” policy mindset.
I like you too Justin… but if elected, beware. For you, like Rick, may only receive my support once.
On the eve of this consequential election we have a very clear choice for District 2. Both candidates have been very forthcoming, articulate and respectful in a heated race. Both are to be admired for their community service and positive attitudes.. But the difference remains starkly clear and I have been disappointed in so many thoughtful residents stating a willingness to roll the dice in futile hopes of legislative “perfection of alignment of policy positions” in this incredibly challenging time.
I think in the history of our County legislative/policy body the return of a highly effective council member is uncommon. A high percentage understandably stepped up to run with no experience but a admirable willingness to learn on the job. It must take 1-2 years to realize full potential to create a working triumvirate of effective leadership. At best.
Hughes has 8 recent years of direct experience and many successes ( and some stumbles and rebuffs naturally most tellingly including the uniquely challenging era of COVID and has continued to learn from the perspective of being outside of office and hone his natural statesmanship that will quickly reconnect him at every functional level of governance. This unusual situation is the closest thing to a sure bet that there is. We are already rolling the dice with the San Juan district no matter who wins the hotseat.
Oops, an example of a punctuation error deforming a statement. Please read in the other parathesis following naturally.