Lester holds up her "Declaration for Candidacy"
Hats off to all the women running for Bainbridge Island City Council in the central ward! And for that matter to every candidate that stepped up to the plate for our community.
It takes tremendous courage, commitment, and personal sacrifice.
If you see one of us, first give us a hug! Running for and serving on council will be our ultimate personal challenge. We need all your encouragement, guidance, and volunteer help we can get!
This past couple of weeks many folks were contacted about running. And if I asked you, I wouldn’t have asked you if I were not willing to do this job myself.
Folks have solid reasons why now is not their time to run. (Don’t think tough I won’t be calling on you again in a couple of years!) If you couldn’t run or it’s not your cup of tea, please consider volunteering, writing a letter of support, or making a donation to a campaign.
Many, when asked to run, said “no way in h-e-double toothpicks”…few have the stomach to tolerate being publicly challenged or worse yet humiliated and personally attacked.
One of the reasons I came forward to serve is that we can change the tenor and tone of campaigning. We can focus on ideas and records of service. We can disagree without personally eviscerating one another.
Remember, we are going to see each other later in the grocery store, post office, church, or at school. So be kind. No matter what the outcome of these races, we ultimately need to work together.
The community has called for a new way of doing things and we can heed this clarion call.
This is that new day.
Now is the time for the conversation to begin.
May you be curious, conscientious, and considerate of all the candidates.
Respectfully yours,
Debbi Lester
Central Ward Candidate
Bainbridge Island, Washington
P.S. Since there are 3 Debbi(e)s running for council – you can call me “Lester”.
debbilesterforcouncil.com
