What We're Choosing to Focus On

Or what we're not saying and why.

We wanted to thank everyone who came out recently to meet the candidates — it was a reminder of how much people care about Ken Lake and the future we share. Here, we look out for each other.

Every election brings some noise. Some of it is full of passion, some is meant for fun, and some can stir things up. That’s normal in a small, close-knit community. We also know that sometimes it can feel personal or frustrating.

We may not get it perfect every time, but we’ll always try to get it right.

Our Communication Principles

1. Neighbors, Not Enemies – We all want what’s best for Ken Lake.

2. Speak From Experience – We share what we know, not what we assume.

3. Focus on Ideas, Not Individuals – We talk about issues, not people.

4. Keep Campaigning Separate From Governance – Serving is a duty, not a platform.

5. Speak with Everyone – Representation means every neighbor counts.

6. Practice Transparency With Purpose – We share clearly and respectfully.

7. Respond With Responsibility – When something goes wrong, we fix it and move on.

8. Invite Dialogue, Not Drama – We make space for questions and calm discussion.

9. Don’t Oversimplify – Real issues deserve real thought.

10. Make It Fun – Community work should feel like community.

1. Neighbors, Not Enemies

We don’t see other candidates as opponents — we see them as neighbors who care about this place. That’s why we invite them into our home, put aside the rhetoric, and talk openly about what matters most for Ken Lake. 

Discussion isn’t politics; it’s community. We all want the same outcome — a board made up of people who can do the best work for our neighborhood. We may differ in ideas or style, but our shared goal is the same: to make Ken Lake thrive.

Healthy disagreement isn’t a threat to the community — it’s proof that people still care enough to show up.

2. Speak From Experience

We use “I” statements to describe what we believe, what we’ve seen, and what we hope to do. We don’t speak for others or assume their motives — we let them speak for themselves.

We share what we’re doing and why, not to compare but to be clear.

3. Focus on Ideas, Not Individuals

Campaigns should be about plans, not personalities.

We share policies, research, and reasoning — not rumors.

If an idea can’t stand on its own, it doesn’t belong in our campaign.

4. Keep Campaigning Separate From Governance

Serving our community is a responsibility, not a platform.

We are not going to use board titles, HOA resources, or internal communications for campaigning. We keep private discussions private and never use confidential information for advantage — that would be selective and leave out the context you deserve.

Good leadership depends on clear boundaries and fairness.

5. Speak (and then Govern) for Everyone

When we serve, we serve the whole community — not just those who voted for us.

If anything we say makes a neighbor feel unwelcome, we want to pause and adjust.

The golden rule applies here too: If we wouldn’t say it in front of everyone, it’s not ready to post.

6. Practice Transparency With Purpose

Transparency isn’t about oversharing — it’s about being clear and fair.

We share what we can, when we can, and protect people’s privacy when needed.

We don’t rehash drama or gossip; we focus on steady, honest updates.

7. Respond With Responsibility

When something goes wrong — a misunderstanding, a misplaced sign, or a miscommunication — we fix it. 

We own the mistake, correct it, and move forward. We fix the problem, not the blame.

8. Invite Dialogue, Not Drama

We welcome questions — even hard ones.

If we don’t know the answer, we’ll say so and find out.

We don’t shame or silence anyone, online or in person.

Every voice at Ken Lake matters, even when it disagrees.

9. Don’t Oversimplify

Real issues take real thought.

We don’t promise easy fixes or simple villains.

Most problems have history and tradeoffs, and we approach them with care.

When we take time to understand the details, we make better choices together.

10. Make It Fun

Community work should feel like community. We take our responsibilities seriously, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. 

We might joke on a flyer, share a recipe, or add a touch of humor with a nod and a wink — because laughter builds connection.

Why It Matters

These ideas aren’t about image; they’re about culture.

They help us remember who we want to be — especially when things get tense.

We believe that facts, fairness, and respect will stand on their own once the noise settles. If we want to live in a neighborhood where people feel safe to speak, volunteer, and disagree constructively, we have to model that — especially when it’s difficult.

No matter how this election turns out, we’ll still see each other around the lake, and we’ll still wave as we pass by. That’s what makes this community special — and worth taking care of, together.