Mike Carlson deserves our thanks for questioning Ms. Byers’ veracity concerning her philosophy of government.
By doing so, he afforded Ms. Byers a wonderful opportunity to better inform the voters about her organizational experience and true philosophy of governance. Her response to his, apparently, misplaced accusations has convinced me that she is the best candidate from Orcas for the new County Council. Lisa Byers has my vote. Thank you so much, Mr. Carlson.
Corky Olson
Lopez Island
Once again we see another glowing endorsement to Lisa Byers’ leadership and management skills and nothing in response to what she actually said in the video in June of 2012.
I, and I assume most others, will gladly concede the point that Lisa Byers has admirable management and leadership skills. Let’s move on. The debate is over what Lisa Byers herself put out there for discussion and that is what specifically she said in those video.
Lisa started this with her complaint about an anonymous email questioning her political philosophy. She posted the link to the videos in her complaint. The video is actual evidence that what the email states is factual. Neither Lisa nor any of her supporters has addressed or disputed what she said in the video. The various claims she made in the video have been enumerated by me and others. Understanding that she will govern according to the political beliefs she stated in the video raises grave concerns about her extreme views and where she will lead this County in the future.
This is about a broad base of issues encompassed in what she said and not a single issue such as conservation. This includes conservation, individual rights, property rights, constitutional rights, the economy, safety and security of the individual and community, local versus state and federal rights, and many other issues that are all a part of the view that Lisa stated in the video. I and the others did not dream this up nor did we bring it up for debate. Lisa did. I am not defining her, she defines herself in the video.
Yes Mr. Olson, she and her supporters have written great campaign speeches about her leadership and management skills but not one word about the subject that Lisa herself raised, her political views as stated specifically in the video that she wanted everyone to go and review. Other than referring to her “true philosophy of governance” in vague general terms, would you please specifically address exactly what she said in the video?
Don, the video you reference was a history lesson about some of the ideas that led to the formation of the current day community land trust model to provide affordable housing. It is not a statement of my political beliefs. I support the community land trust model, because it produces a long-term benefit for the community on funds granted by government agencies and donated by individuals. I am fiscally conservative, and this appeals to my desire to stretch every dollar to its maximum benefit. I have also responded to a variety of questions, including some on property rights, on the Q&A section of my website (www.lisabyers.org).
Don, your diatribe has gone on long enough. It is beyond critical in nature, and has no obvious intention to educate or inform the general readership. It is negative, arrogant, and unreasonable in content. Running for office is difficult enough without any of the candidates having to be side-tracked by such meaningless rhetoric.
I just watched the video you mention. It is quite obviously a lecture about the 200+ year history of the ideas that led to the community land trust model, not a statement about Ms. Byers’ own political views. She may or may not agree with those of the thinkers she cites, but she was lecturing about the development of a concept, not making a political statement at all. I don’t understand why you are projecting your concerns onto a lecture about the ideas of people like Thomas Paine, an American Revolutionary era patriot from the 1700’s, and others.
Lisa, I have reviewed your bio and for the 5th time “the video.” I have revisited the NEI and all of its linked organizations including “The Global Transition to a New Economy” which lists OPAL. I downloaded, printed, reviewed and highlighted the conference booklet “Strategies for a New Economy 2012 Conference” at which you spoke. The mission statements for NEI and all linked organizations reflect extreme socialism and possibly even more. They are local, regional, national and international in scope.
All of the comments made in your video presentation are at least extreme socialism and are global in scope.
You or someone else paid a lot of money for you to be in New York to attend the conference and give your insights. Now you say, “It is not a statement of my political beliefs” being expressed at this socialist conference. Then what were you expressing, history? Really! This history is the foundation for your current organization. Your integrity comes into question as a person of high values would not support beliefs and values not theirs.
You also say, “I have also responded to a variety of questions, including some on property rights, on the Q&A section of my website.” This is true you have, although your statements are in direct conflict with your stated views at the conference.
There is a major disconnect here. You are asking the citizens of San Juan County Washington to vote for you based on your stated beliefs and track record. You state you have never worked in free enterprise but only for organizations that either border on or are socialistic in nature. I commend and applaud your cry for the underdog. I too have a long history of such a cry. All of my actions and words are consistent with all my beliefs. Yours have come into question.
As near as I can tell from all that I have read and seen through your actions, words and associations you believe in local, regional, national and global socialism “plus.”
If not please explain your longtime associations to the contrary if you can.
Yawn… the last time I looked the council position is considered a non-political one. Give it up Don.
Non-partisan does not mean non-political. Once again, Mr. Johnson is making ad hominem attacks on another commenter, not addressing the issues. Inappropriate and not very effective, either.
Don, your logic seems to imply that most American nonprofits should be considered socialist. Many receive government grants and all are given special tax-exempt status. Is that what you really mean?
Ad hominem boring.
This discussion is a complete sidetrack to an otherwise wonderful opportunity for San Juan County. There are two amazing candidates for SJ council to represent Orcas: Rick Hughes and Lisa Byers. The choice is not black and white. I have had professional and personal interactions with both candidates for years. I find both candidates politically qualified and personally impeccable. Another thing I know about these candidates is that neither want this campaign dumbed-down to this vitrial level of rhetoric.
I trust the SJ County electorate to be intelligent and well-informed. When one focuses in on questions of a very narrow scope, that are mere labels, it reflects more poorly on that individual than the candidate themselves?
What else is up for attack here? Marital status? Sexual preference? Did they do well as a parent?
Don,Mike, and other video “conspiracists”, you guys can keep it up if you like, but you’re doing nothing to help Rick’s campaign or hurt Lisa’s. Gratefully, your style of politics is below both of theirs.
My point exactly!
My point too Chris… well said!
Moana,
“Don, your logic seems to imply that most American nonprofits should be considered socialist. Many receive government grants and all are given special tax-exempt status. Is that what you really mean? “
How did you get from “The mission statements for NEI and all linked organizations reflect extreme socialism…..” to “To most American nonprofits?” I have only referred to the ones directly connected to the video and its discussion.
“Many receive government grants and all are given special tax-exempt status.” This has not been mentioned or even implied any of my posts since this began in late February and has nothing to do with the discussion.
This conversation will no doubt continue as long as the legitimate concerns of many voters in this County are not addressed. It will continue until Lisa Byers deals with what she said in June 2012 just a few short months ago and is now renouncing here and on her website.
Yes, we are asking who is the real Lisa Byers? What does she truly stand for? How will she govern? We want to know the answers to these questions specifically in light of what she said just a few months ago. I certainly understand that many of her supporters want to dismiss this and wave it off. I am not attacking anyone who supports Lisa Byers or her beliefs.
Lisa Byers spent no less than 3 days (probably 5 days or more) and she or someone else spent a lot of money for her to go and speak at conference in New York on the history of community land trusts for the 12 minutes we see on this video. In this speech she says that these comments are the model for OPAL. Now she says she does not believe in the philosophy of this model. Which is it?
There is a very big disconnect here between her life’s work and philosophy, and what she now claims is how she wants to lead this County.
Yawn….