Editor,

We live outside the Oak Harbor city limits, so we can’t vote for Shane Hoffmire. But if we could, we would.

Since the Hoffmire family moved into our cul-de-sac nearly 20 years ago we have seen Shane grow from an active, friendly young people-person into a young man filled with ideas and determination to help others.

As a teenager, he assisted his parents with their Jefferson award-nominated nonprofit founded to assist and improve the lives of special-needs kids like Shane’s sister, Allison. Over time this evolved into Shane’s involvement with a wider group of youths and adults in his work and continuing support of the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool in downtown Oak Harbor. That work continues today.

And as Shane grew into manhood, he never once considered using his growing talents and popularity to enrich his own pockets. He was at the beginning and is still today committed to serving the needs of others. Shane is a spokesperson for us all, not just for those who look to turn Oak Harbor into a suburb of the wealthy.

There is no question that Shane Hoffmire represents a brighter and newer vision for the city of Oak Harbor. He represents a future envisioned by a new and vital generation, not the same stale business-as-usual system that doesn’t listen to the citizens or get very much accomplished. So, when you vote, please consider voting for Shane Hoffmire for the Oak Harbor City Council. We would if we could.

Helen and Ken Bates

Oak Harbor