As Election Day approaches, I have two simple questions for all candidates for La Conner Town Council, including the three who are under consideration by the council to fill the term of Jacques Brunisholz:

1. Who won the 2020 presidential election?

2. Are you vaccinated against COVID-19?

Your answers to these questions are important to many of us because they will reveal your view of the role of a public servant, at any level, in the United States of America.

Your answer to Question 1 will tell us if you understand how American constitutional democracy is intended to work. It will tell us if you understand the meaning of “the rule of law” and “the peaceful transfer of power.” It will tell us if you can be trusted to support and defend those core principles of our democracy.

Your answer to Question 2 will tell us if you understand that the personal freedoms you enjoy in this country are coupled with obligations to the society and community of which you are a part. It will tell us if you understand that your personal freedom does not extend to endangering the lives or health or well-being of other people.

I hope that between now and November 2 you make clear to voters your answers to these two simple questions.

Jim Airy

La Conner