By Daria Ilgen & Dan Weedin
When politics so often divide us, Poulsbo reminds the region – and perhaps the nation – what it looks like when integrity, respect, and love of community guide the way.
This reflection is written in collaboration, from opposite sides of the ballot, united by a shared belief that community must always come before politics.
Our mayoral election wasn’t a clash of political rivals, but a contest between neighbors who share the same hope: that Poulsbo remains a place where people know one another’s names, where kids (my kids) can walk downtown for a treat from Sluy’s Bakery, and where we look out for each other when times are hard.
I had the privilege of leading Ed Stern’s campaign, and I can say with pride that it was grounded in respect – for the voters, for the process, and for our friend, fellow Rotarian, and passionate civic leader Dan Weedin. From Dan’s side of the ballot, he saw that same ethic reflected back. Both campaigns carried themselves with decency and integrity. They demonstrated something rare and precious: a belief that leadership begins not with ego, but with service.
This spirit extended well beyond the mayoral race. Across their separate North Kitsap School Board campaigns, Leighton Thomas and Miranda Smallwood each brought that same ethic of respect, humility, and steadfast commitment to community. Their work showed that you can run with conviction while keeping kids, families, and the health of our schools at the center. They reminded us that public service is about lifting up the people you hope to represent, not tearing anyone down.
Throughout this election season, local candidates demonstrated a shared belief that progress is built on collaboration, inclusion, community, and bridging divides. They showed that leadership in Poulsbo means listening to every voice – from our tribal neighbors to lifelong residents to new arrivals – welcoming new ideas, and engaging in constructive debate rooted in respect. That belief anchored every conversation and decision, and it will continue to guide the work ahead.
That spirit stands in contrast to what we too often witness in races at every level of government, where campaigns turn personal and divisive. But here in Poulsbo, we remembered something bigger.
We remembered that after the last ballot is counted, we still live next door to one another. We still gather at the waterfront park for celebrations and causes, cheer at the Vikings’ and Buccaneers’ games, and share the same sunrise over Liberty Bay.
This moment is not just a victory for one person – it is a victory for how we, as a community, choose to rise above, unite, and lift each other up.
Elections remind us that democracy is not about division – it is a collective invitation to stand together rather than apart. So let us hold onto this spirit in the most pressing of times. Let us seek to understand, lead with humility, listen with compassion, and build with courage. Together.
And if the accompanying photo brings a smile – as hundreds of campaign signs now stand united on the lawn of Poulsbo’s new mayor – let it remind us that we can still laugh together, because at the end of the day, we are all neighbors.
Campaigns end… but community doesn’t.
Poulsbo Proud. Kitsap United.
Daria Ilgen
Campaign Chair, Ed Stern for Mayor
Poulsbo, Washington
Dan Weedin
Candidate for Mayor, City of Poulsbo
Poulsbo, Washington
