OPINION: Kristie Wells
As we approach this pivotal election for the Board of Trustees of our General Improvement District, it’s important to reflect on the impact your vote can have—not just on the outcome but on the future of our community. This year, three seats are available, and with your ballot, you have the power to help shape the direction of our District by voting for three candidates.
Recently, a blog post shared on the website that Trustee Sara Schmitz owns and manages suggested that you aren’t required to vote for all three seats, and implied that leaving some votes uncast could improve the chances of a preferred candidate. While technically true, this approach undermines the spirit of what it means to vote and to support a community-driven team.
Governing is not a solo endeavor. It’s about collaboration, shared vision, and teamwork. Electing a full slate of candidates who can work together is crucial for maintaining a balanced, effective Board that can best represent our community.
Here’s why voting for all three candidates matters:
1. Governing Is a Team Effort
Our Board of Trustees oversees essential services and makes decisions that impact every aspect of our community. It takes more than one individual to ensure that these decisions are thoughtful, balanced, and in line with the needs of all residents. A board that shares a unified vision can navigate challenges more effectively and push forward solutions that benefit everyone. Voting for all three seats ensures that we elect a team of Trustees who can collaborate and bring diverse strengths to the table.
2. Your Full Ballot Helps Strengthen Leadership
Choosing three candidates reflects your trust in a collective team to represent your interests. Leaving votes uncast or voting for fewer than three limits the potential of a strong, cohesive leadership. We’re fortunate to have three candidates – Tonking, Jezyski, and Homan – who share a unified platform, and by casting all three of your votes, you are actively supporting a Board that will work with Trustee Noble toward common goals—such as protecting public services, maintaining transparency, and preserving the character of our District.
3. Voting for Three Supports a Fair Process
Choosing not to vote for all available seats can distort the election’s outcome. While some might see this as a way to “game the system” in favor of a single candidate, this tactic weakens the principle of fair representation. Every voter has the right to fill their ballot with the full number of choices available. By voting for all three candidates, you’re ensuring that the Board accurately reflects the majority of our community’s interests, rather than just a portion of it.
4. A Strong Board is a Strong Community
Electing a full slate of qualified Trustees ensures that our community has a well-rounded leadership team capable of tackling complex issues. Each Trustee brings unique skills, perspectives, and ideas to the table, and together, they represent the breadth of our community’s needs. Casting all three votes means contributing to a stronger, more unified Board—one that can lead effectively and fairly on behalf of all residents.
In this election, your vote truly counts—not just for the candidates you choose, but for the future of our community. Make sure your voice is fully represented by casting all three votes for the candidates who will uphold the values we share and work together for the common good.
Let’s continue building a better future for our District. Vote for all three candidates, because governing isn’t about individual power—it’s about teamwork, collaboration, and community.