When politics so often divide us, Poulsbo reminds the region -- and perhaps the nation -- what it looks like when integrity, respect, and love of community guide the way.

This reflection is written in collaboration, from opposite sides of the ballot, united by a shared belief that community must always come before politics.

Our mayoral election wasn't a clash of political rivals, but a contest between neighbors who share the same hope: that Poulsbo remains a place where people know one another’s names, where kids (my kids) can walk downtown for a treat from Sluy’s Bakery, and where we look out for each other when times are hard.

I had the privilege of leading Ed Stern’s campaign, and I can say with pride that it was grounded in respect -- for the voters, for the process, and for our fri

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