With the Southwest Washington Fair beginning Aug 13 in Chehalis, where we celebrate our way of life in Lewis County with friends and family, let's remember the fragility of our traditions when our beloved fair endured strong efforts by our former health officer and current sitting Lewis County commissioner of District 2 to shut down the fair based on fear.
In 2021, just a day before the fair was set to open, our past health officer and the District 2 commissioner held a pre-meeting with the intention of shutting it down. This decision came after all the treasured kids, vendors and participants had already set up, and several competitions had already begun.
It was Commissioner Sean Swope who intervened and put a stop to this abrupt cancellation.
From that moment, Commissioner Swope became a vocal advocate for those affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
Let's remember it was Swope who stood up for local businesses facing shutdowns and employees whose jobs were at risk due to these mandates. Swope worked closely with local nurses to ensure they would not lose their jobs for refusing the vaccine, demonstrating his commitment to medical freedom when many others remained silent.
We need leaders like Commissioner Swope. We need to support this fearless individual, and others like him, who stood in the gap for us.
Swope stands up and fights for our rights, traditions and families. His actions during that critical time showed that he was willing to do the right thing for the community, even in the face of significant pressure.
If these unconstitutional measures were forced upon us once, they could be imposed again. We must support and elect leaders who will protect our freedoms and stand up for our values and our treasures.
As you enjoy the Southwest Washington Fair again this year, stop by the Red Barn to give a friendly hello to our electeds and volunteers at the Lewis County Republican Party's booth who work hard for our values sanctified by the blood of those before us and requiring our eternal vigilance, to keep Lewis County Red.
Elizabeth Rohr
Toledo
