The 2023 legislative session in Olympia wasn’t even two weeks old before the “fitness” to serve of state Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Oak Harbor, became an issue. KOMO radio reported Jan. 18 that some legislators had already questioned whether Shavers should serve on the veterans committee because he distorted his military record. He also claimed to be an attorney even though he hadn’t passed the state bar exam.
Members of the military usually pride themselves on being part of an entity that values honor and integrity. Officers who lead others and are responsible for the lives of those who serve under them are held to a higher standard. Although Rep/ Shavers was an officer in the Navy, he knowingly misrepresented himself during the political campaign. I have no doubt that many active duty and retired military individuals voted for Shavers based on his stated military record. His campaign flyers emphasized his military service and stated that he was a veteran who “spent his life defending our community.” One of his flyers showed him in uniform above a big picture of a submarine, and on the other side he wore a T-shirt that said NAVY on the front.
The legislative session has just begun and already Shavers’ ability to be an effective legislator is being questioned. Will his colleagues be able to trust him and his word? Shavers won the election by only 211 votes. How many people would now like to change their vote for Greg Gilday, the honest, qualified candidate who has actually lived in the 10th district for years? The people of the 10th District deserve better. Shavers should resign.
Claudia L. Talmadge
Oak Harbor
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