Editor,

Leadership by example? Hardly.

Two of the candidates for Island County commissioner, Damian Greene and Dan Evans, along with three candidates for the Washington State Legislature, Ron Muzzall, Bill Bruch and Greg Gilday, are the headline speakers at a South Whidbey Republican party event planned for Oct. 17.

Promoted as a “Pre-Victory Celebration” by the Island County Young Republicans, the event is also labeled a “protest,” an often-used code word for no masks or social distancing required. The event will also feature a children’s choir.

In late August, the Skagit County Republican Party held a similar event with the same headline speakers.

According to the Skagit Valley Herald, the great majority of the 400-plus audience did not wear masks or practice social distancing.

The Skagit County Health Department called the event “not safe.”

Do you want the Island County Board of Commissioners led by people who show little regard for the health and safety of their fellow citizens?

Do you want state legislators representing you who demonstrate a similar disregard for your health and safety?

I want leaders who lead by example.

Bob Wolters

Langley