We urge the voters of Ilwaco to re-elect Matt Lessnau for Ilwaco City Council. Simply put, Matt is a community builder. He has worked tirelessly and strategically for the citizens of Ilwaco with no hidden agenda. Matt grew up in this community, graduated from Ilwaco High School and the University of Washington. He then chose to move home. He is building a business and raising is family here, and he wants to continue to see Ilwaco and the Peninsula grow stronger and serve its citizens.

It is no small accomplishment that Matt secured nearly $4 million in interest-free funding to purchase the entirety of Ilwaco’s municipal watershed that will go onto become the Bear Ridge Community Forest. A community forest is managed locally by the community and is a permanently protected natural space designed to help rural towns maintain a dedicated source of revenue and jobs from timber harvesting and recreational tourism, support local schools, and protect remaining natural areas amid rapidly developing landscapes.

Another rather recent accomplishment is helping the Ilwaco Fire Department secure funding to purchase another ambulance. The Fire Chief presented Matt with a lead on a lightly used ambulance that would help the City of Ilwaco provide a higher standard of care for our residents and provide additional resources to Ocean Beach Hospital and neighboring EMS agencies. Matt helped make the purchase a reality.

In comparison, Matt’s opponent Richard Rubio recently moved here from California and is the opposite of a community builder. He seems to be running with a hidden agenda to oppose the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center. He has been untruthful to people when presenting them with his candidacy and has distorted information about the community center to try to get people support him. This is not the type of leadership we need in our community. You’ll notice his signs say “I’m with you”…but who is he with?

We urge you to vote Matt Lessnau for Ilwaco City Council. Matt, we are so thankful for the service you give to our community.

BRADY and TIFFANY TURNER

Peninsula