Greg Brotherton knows how to make democracy at the local level work.  

When the COVID pandemic exacerbated the homeless problem and large numbers of unsheltered individuals occupied the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, the stage was set for a confrontation with surrounding neighborhoods. 

How could it have been otherwise? Protected by state legislation and the state eviction moratorium, the campers had considerable freedom. Self-government failed. The results: Loud music at late hours, screaming matches and fighting, drug use and drug dealing; and in the neighborhoods, littering, trespassing, increase in petty theft, property damage, and threatening behavior. Everybody suffered, both the campers and the neighbors.

Neighbors contacted the county commissioners, and Greg Brotherton responded.  He came to the neighborhood and visited the fairgrounds. He listened, and realized the only humane and viable solution meant that neighbors and the campers, as well as agencies that could help, would need to be brought together. He organized and led weekly meetings at the Fairgrounds efficiently and effectively.  

Things did not always go smoothly; sometimes people rubbed each other the wrong way. But who says that democracy in action has to be tea-time for seniors? Various interests needed to be recognized and reconciled, and nobody understood that better than Greg Brotherton.  

Greg’s hard work and positive approach were indispensable to the solution that was reached.

Please vote for Greg Brotherton in the coming election. 

Marga Kapka and Hendrik Taatgen
PORT TOWNSEND