I wanted to take a minute to thank Kaylee Galloway for meeting with me and discussing the need for fiber in Whatcom County. Kaylee and I have known each other for years and I believe that she understands the need for fiber countywide and especially the need for a Dig Once Policy and Open Access Network.

I should note, since this is the first candidate I've met with this election cycle, that I have a new personal policy moving forward that I will apply to all candidates. I am no longer endorsing any candidates. This is not a reflection on any particular candidate, and I will continue to meet with candidates and provide them with information. However, it's time for the candidates I did endorse in the past to actually do something about fiber or to resign or withdraw from the race. Because they lied to us and enough is enough of that. To date, Commissioner Atul Deshmane is the only one who has made good on his promises. So I guess what I'm saying is that no matter who we elect, endorsements don't mean much. It's what they'll do once they get into office. So I urge you to take a minute and ask Satpal, Christine Grant, Seth Fleetwood, all of the current city and county council members I've endorsed in the past who said they cared about fiber, equity, jobs and justice when they're going to make good on their promises. We need this now more than ever.