Former Democratic Senator and Governor of Rhode Island wrote “Trust is built with consistency.”

Albert Einstein reportedly stated, “Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.”

My grandfather told me when I was very small that the only thing a person ever has is their “word.” He meant that if we promised something we had to stand by it regardless of the costs. He advised me to be very cautious about what a person committed because others would judge and remember any violation.

I drove past the Jefferson County Fairgrounds on Friday, August 10, 2018, just before lunch time. The candidate for the Jefferson County Commissioners position from District 3, Greg Brotherton, had signs in the city right of way next to the Fairgrounds on 49th Street. The signs were placed between the fence and the paved surface of the street.

The city of Port Townsend letter of September 11, 2017 stated, “Signs are not permitted to be placed within the street rights-of-ways or on any public property …” It continues to state, “In the absence of utility poles, sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, or other public improvements, signs should not be placed in the road shoulder or mowed areas in the path of pedestrians or vehicles pulling off the road …” Now there is a difference in the ordinance of county roads and the streets in Port Townsend. Maybe the candidate’s committee can’t tell the difference between the city and the county.

If we the voters cannot trust the candidate or his campaign committee to follow these simple steps, can we trust him with more significant matters?

Howard Henson

Port Townsend