Every election is ultimately a choice about the future we want to build.
Sometimes those choices are defined by party labels. Sometimes they’re driven by ideology. But occasionally, the decision becomes something far more fundamental.
It becomes a question of leadership.
For me, this year’s race for Washington State’s 23rd Legislative District, Position 1, is one of those moments.
After careful consideration, I am endorsing Daria Ilgen.
This endorsement is not rooted in party affiliation. Both candidates are Democrats. Nor is it a rejection of the life story that has defined Rep. Tarra Simmons’ public service. Her journey from incarceration to becoming an attorney and state legislator is undeniably remarkable and deserves recognition.
But elections are not lifetime achievement awards. And elections are not about our past.
They are decisions about the future.
As publishers, we spend every day immersed in the stories of our communities. We see the challenges facing employers. We hear from small business owners trying to make payroll. We talk with educators working to prepare the next generation. We listen to families who are struggling with housing costs, child care expenses and the increasing cost of simply living in Washington.
One thing has become abundantly clear.
People are tired.
Not tired of working hard. Not tired of investing in their communities. They’re tired of feeling like they’re falling further behind despite doing everything right.
The affordability crisis is no longer an abstract policy debate. It is the defining issue facing our region.
When young families cannot afford to buy homes, when employers cannot recruit workers because housing is out of reach, when small businesses are overwhelmed by rising costs and regulatory burdens, we have a problem that demands immediate attention.
This is where Daria Ilgen’s candidacy stands apart.
His campaign is centered on practical solutions and economic stability. His background in community leadership, education, healthcare and economic development demonstrates an understanding that healthy communities and healthy economies are inseparable.
Too often, we frame these issues as competing priorities. We act as though supporting business and supporting people are somehow at odds with one another.
They’re not.
Strong businesses create strong communities. Strong communities create strong businesses.
We need both.
We need policies that help employers grow while also ensuring workers can afford to live where they work. We need housing solutions that increase supply without sacrificing the character of our communities. We need investments in workforce development that prepare people for the jobs of tomorrow. And we need leaders who understand that every decision made in Olympia eventually shows up around someone’s kitchen table.
That requires balance.
It also requires trust.
I’ve written before that one of the greatest challenges facing our society is a growing erosion of trust in our institutions. Whether it’s government, media, education or business, people are increasingly skeptical about whether those in positions of leadership are truly focused on serving the public.
That skepticism should concern all of us.
Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. It is about earning confidence through consistency, accountability and results.
Regardless of where one stands on the ongoing controversies surrounding Rep. Simmons, they have become a distraction from the work our communities need accomplished. Our region deserves representation that is singularly focused on the future.
This is not about punishment. It is not about ideology. And it is certainly not about personality.
It is about priorities.
Kitsap County stands at an important crossroads.
We are experiencing growth. We have opportunities to expand our workforce, strengthen our economy and build a more prosperous future. But none of that will happen automatically.
It will require thoughtful leadership.
It will require collaboration.
And it will require someone who understands that economic development is not simply about attracting new businesses. It is about creating an environment where families can thrive, entrepreneurs can succeed and communities can remain affordable for the people who call them home.
What I appreciate most about Daria Ilgen is that his approach feels grounded.
He is not running to become a statewide figure. He is running to solve local problems.
That distinction matters.
The best leaders are often those who spend more time listening than talking. They understand that progress is rarely achieved through grand declarations. It is built through relationships, through hard work and through bringing people together around shared goals.
Our communities don’t need more division.
They need practical problem solvers.
I’ve written before that winning has become more important than solving. We see it everywhere in modern politics. Too often, success is measured by whether our side wins instead of whether our communities improve.
We should expect more from our leaders.
We should expect them to solve problems.
We should expect them to build trust.
And we should expect them to keep their focus on the people they were elected to serve.
For me, Daria Ilgen represents that opportunity.
This election is not a referendum on anyone’s life story. It is a decision about what kind of leadership this moment requires.
At this moment, Kitsap County needs leadership that is focused on affordability, accountability and economic vitality.
I believe Daria Ilgen is that leader.
That is why I am endorsing Daria Ilgen for Washington State’s 23rd Legislative District, Position 1.
Because the future we want to build deserves a leader who is focused not on making headlines, but on making life better for the people who live here.
Terry Ward
Publisher, Kitsap Business
