If This Makes You Uncomfortable, You Might Be the Problem

If This Makes You Uncomfortable, You Might Be the Problem

The Pledge We Proposed

Yesterday, we proposed a simple pledge, one any serious candidate for public office should be happy to take:

I pledge to serve with honesty and integrity
I pledge to use my position and access only for the public good
I pledge to keep the public informed about decisions that affect them
I pledge not to use inside information for personal gain
I pledge to remain accountable to the citizens of Pendleton County
I pledge to lead ethically, transparently, and with the best interests of the people in mind

Who Has Stepped Up So Far

Two potential candidates have already stepped forward:

🟢 Steven D. Foster – running for Magistrate, District 4
🟢 J. Fredrick Poynter – running for Judge Executive

The Backlash Has Already Begun

But something else happened too.
Someone told me they were uncomfortable with me trying to “shape the election” with my belief system.

If holding candidates to basic standards of honesty, transparency, and ethical leadership is considered a belief system these days…

Then yeah, I’m guilty.

Let’s Be Clear

This isn’t about personal morality. This is about public service.
If that pledge makes you squirm, as a candidate or a voter, then maybe it’s time to ask why.

We Don’t Live in a Perfect World

In a perfect world, you wouldn’t have to ask tough questions before voting.
But we don’t live in that world.

We live in a county where entire councils have walked out rather than face public comment.
We live in a town being run by our second unelected mayor for a while now.
And make no mistake — as the voter, you get one shot to make the right choices for most elections.
If you choose wrong, you are stuck until the next election cycle.

The Pledge Is Just the Beginning

This pledge is a bare minimum. A common sense set of expectations.
Next come the issues.

Every voter should feel comfortable asking the tough questions.
Every official should be prepared to answer them.

What Whisper Is Really About

The Whisper was never about drama.
It was about creating a wedge.

Between unchecked power and the people who’ve been ignored.
Between backroom deals and everyday residents who deserve a voice.

To Those Who Have Felt Silenced

Lately, I’ve received message after message from people who’ve felt silenced for years.

To every one of you:
I will always be the loudest voice in the room when yours isn’t being heard.

And To Those Who Are Uncomfortable With Accountability

That’s not on me.
That’s a sign your trust in past leaders has been abused.

Pendleton County politics have been run from the back room for too long.
Just the way things are, they say.

But now?
The whispers are watching.
And we’re willing to make the most noise.

For everyone who has felt silenced
For everyone who felt their voice did not matter

We see you
We hear you
We care

Whisper One Out