Editor,

Over the past year, I’ve come to know Lucas Yonkman well. After seeing Lucas’ exchange with the Oak Harbor City Council, wherein an attempt was made to disarm him, a law abiding, legal, concealed weapon carrier and trained army infantry veteran, I had a feeling there was more to come from him.

I saw how he maintained his composure and acted with professionalism, poise, class and restraint. I quickly realized that this man had an opportunity to positively impact his community.

I made arrangements to meet with Lucas and learned I was one of many who reached out to him with encouragement to seek a seat at the table.

As he considered a bid for Oak Harbor City Council, I watched as he progressed through the process of thoughtful consideration, contemplation, and discernment … not making a snap judgment or a decision based on emotion, a trait we need in our leaders. After seeking the council of mentors and elders, he saw the opportunity and chose to run.

We are all lucky he did because as goes Oak Harbor, so goes the rest of Whidbey.

As a disabled Army veteran, Lucas has demonstrated a heart of service and a willingness to put others above self. As a member of the Yonkman family and an active participant in the development and construction of high quality custom homes, Lucas learned and demonstrated a spirit of excellence.

As a loyal and devoted husband, church member and Rotarian, Lucas has proven his commitment to the things that matter and loyalty to those he loves, including the City of Oak Harbor.

During his campaign, Lucas has been criticized by his opponent for not having a college degree, a trait he shares with 54 percent of Oak Harbor citizens. This does not mean that he isn’t educated.

While he may be looked down upon by his opponent for not having a college degree, he was trained to make decisions and judgments in high pressure, life or death situations. He was taught tactics and advanced thinking strategies. He was taught to read, write and speak Arabic and to use those skills to root out an enemy on his home turf while minimizing civilian impacts and casualties.

As with so many of Oak Harbor’s citizens, his education comes from real life, not the university classroom. This makes him someone Oak Harbor voters can relate to, someone they can trust.

Oak Harbor voters would do well to realize the time has come for change on the City Council.

Lucas Yonkman will bring fresh perspective, new ideas, and a valuable insight. Vote for Lucas Yonkman.

Jason Joiner

Coupeville