Don Walker

• Accountability

Good morning Green Mountain Falls. Wow.

I am honored that you have chosen me to fill one of the two positions on the board of trustees. I look forward to the opportunities I will have to hear from all of you over the next few years and be a voice that will represent you, the citizens - the shareholders - of our wonderful mountain town.

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who believed in the vision I have for a positive future for GMF. One where “common sense” government is actually common! And one where accountability, transparency, and integrity are paramount to how we conduct ourselves on the dais to honor and maintain the trust citizens have placed in us.

When I made the decision to run for trustee, I knew, win or lose, that I wanted to run a race that was upbeat, issues-oriented, and one that my family, friends, and colleagues could be proud of. It was important to me to have peace about the way we got to the finish line. And I am so appreciative of the individuals who walked beside me during this time. I thank everyone who talked with me, asked me questions, and shared their wisdom. With their help, we ran a clean campaign and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

I also thank everyone who came to the forum In February as well as those who tuned in online. I appreciate that you took the time to learn about me and the other candidates.

I don’t take lightly the awesome responsibility that comes with having a seat on the board as a trustee. As I mentioned previously, I ran on a campaign promise of transparency. An elected official is a public servant, not a master who lords power over others. As Citizens of Green Mountain Falls, you have a right to know how we conduct business, ask questions, and propose changes when there are things you don’t like or agree with. I hold this office in sacred trust; as your trustee, I will remain steadfast in my commitment to lead with integrity, and carry out the wishes of We The People.

But I cannot do it alone. First, I need to hear from you. Whether you voted for me or not, you have a voice and it matters. If we’re going to heal the rifts that this town has experienced in the last few years, we need to lay aside our differences and look for common ground. We need collaboration or we will remain divided, and be unable to move forward into the future together.

Second, I am one of five voices on the board of trustees. At this time I want to congratulate John Bell on his win, and I also want to thank Ann Esch and Brandy Morales for stepping up to run. It’s easy to find fault with those in leadership, but these two ladies instead chose to get involved and put themselves out there to lead. You have my respect and admiration, always. I look forward to working with each of you, whether as a fellow board member, or a volunteer who cares about our town. Together, we can continue to steward taxpayer money responsibly, develop comprehensive plans for fire mitigation, become disaster-ready, and cultivate a dynamic and favorable climate for small business owners, all while preserving our mountain community’s distinct identity.

Finally, I give all glory and honor to my LORD and Savior Jesus Christ, for it is His guidance, direction, and covering that moves my heart to serve our community to the best of my ability.  Our democratic republic lives on here in our local election thanks to the principles of liberty we so often take for granted. I look forward to the coming days where we can enjoy that liberty together as we forge ahead toward better days for Green Mountain Falls.

Thank you and God bless Green Mountain Falls,

Don Walker

Trustee-Elect,

Green Mountain Falls