HomeMy WebLinkAbout043025 email - my thoughts and comments after last nights meet the Candidates event___ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Good morning Commissioners,
I was glad Shellie and I made the trip from Brinnon to attend last night’s meet the candidates’ event and I appreciate that the public was able to meet and hear from each of them. The
format of the meeting could have been better in my opinion as it was hard to interact with each candidate given the full room. The podium speeches were the highlight for me and a more
formal Q&A with the candidates may have been more helpful for me as well.
I’m emailing you my comments rather than having filled out a form at last night’s event. I also would be honest and admit I recognize I have a biased view on county policies and politics.
I’m also clear I’m a participant too.
In my often-failed effort to keep this short I will cut to the chase. The following are my thoughts and comments regarding the candidates you must choose from.
Greg Brotherton:
I believe I know Greg better than all the candidates. I see him as a possible change agent, which I will state now is important to me. I know him to be smart. I believe
he does care about the county, though I sometimes question the things he seems to care about, especially given his district. But I also know him to say too much, and to double-down
if he has his own agenda. He has lost some trust and credibility with me due to some of his past actions. Things I believe I have shared with Greg in our personal meetings, but perhaps
not as direct as I am being right now with both of you. All that said, he would still be my second choice, over Josh, which may or may not surprise you.
Roxanne Miles:
Roxanne made the most favorable impression on me and would be my first choice. I see her as a change agent (again very important to me), she brings a wealth of WA state
experience and I think an understanding of economic development, tourism and the environment. All BIG pluses for me, especially as a south county resident. The other BIG positive in
my view is she brings a fresh face to the county. Something else I feel would be important in a change agent role. I don’t know her of course, and first impressions for me are always
tested by time and actions. Sometimes my first impressions are wrong, but I trust my gut and after talking to her she would be my first choice.
Sheri Patterson:
Truthfully, I didn’t engage directly with her. But honestly after her presentation I was not that motivated to talk to her. I’m confident she has the financial and
budgeting experience needed, is likely a very nice person, and perhaps her nerves got the better of her, but she did not seem dynamic enough to me to be the change agent I would like
to see in that role. She does represent another fresh face, but she would still be my last choice.
Josh Peters:
Obviously, I know Josh well too. I respect Josh and recognize he has a wealth of knowledge and skills, but for me he represents more of the same, meaning not a change
agent, and like Greg is not a fresh face. I’m also challenged sometimes by my view of Josh as a department manager. I say this because there are a few individuals under his supervision
that are challenging for me and I don’t always agree with his decisions and approach to issues. I say that understanding that South County issues and the PHMPR has clouded my view of
his department, yet I also see myself as a part of DCD in my role as a Planning Commissioner. I would be happy to discuss what I’m sure seems to be very general statements about Josh
as a manager and DCD, rather than put it in black and white. Josh would be my third choice due to my views on him and his role as DCD department head.
In closing I would want you to take away that what I see as critical in making your very important decision regarding replacing the departing County Administrator are:
* I think we need a change agent
* I think we need a fresh face, someone not from our county
* I think we need someone dynamic who will drive improving the departments and personnel that report to them, and be able to work collaboratively with the BoCC and the community
As always thank you for your hard work, time and consideration of my comments.
Warm regards,
Andrew
Ps. Heidi, I meant to thank you last night for your time and conversation last week, I do appreciate it.