Kent Council candidate explains sarcastic voters’ guide entry

Voters’ guides are not known for their entertainment value.

They’re predictable, dry documents, and terrible for the environment.

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Every once in awhile, though, voters’ guides can be newsworthy. Like when an initiative-pusher tries to sneak in the term “B.S.”, or, as happened in the race for Kent City Council, a candidate is brutally honest about the fact they might not even want the job.

Here’s an excerpt from the voters’ guide statement for Russell L. Hanscom, he’s running for position 6 on the council.

Frankly, I’m not really sure I want this job. The pay is crummy, it takes time away from my family, and it’s pretty thankless a lot of the time.

However, my lack of enthusiasm does not diminish my competence or honesty.

I’m writing this statement on August 4 and I’m right in the middle of starting a business. If the business takes off like it’s supposed to between now and November, I sincerely doubt I’ll have enough time to be an effective representative of your concerns.

I honestly don’t know what else to say. This is the reality I’m facing today.

“Basically I wrote a really bad voters’ guide statement on a really bad day,” Hanscom told 770 KTTH’s Jason Rantz.

Hansom explains back in August, he had several plates spinning at once. He was starting a business, he was on the school board, and he still wanted to be a good dad.

Since then, a lot has changed. Hanscom resigned from the school board to give himself more time for his kids and the business. The business has taken off, but instead of requiring more time Hanscom actually feels more comfortable letting go of the reins.

He said he’s fully committed to his campaign now.

“The fact is, the City of Kent has a number of issues that need to be addressed,” Hanscom said, “and, frankly, I’m the better candidate when it comes to addressing those issues.”

Since voters’ guides were sent out last week, multiple media outlets and reporters pointed out the glaring honesty of Hanscom’s statement, and it went viral within the community.

“Quite frankly, I was hoping it would just stay below the radar,” Hanscom said, “but since I have the opportunity to put it into context, I’ve taken that opportunity.”

Hanscom can’t explain away every part of the statement. He still admits his experience on the Kent School Board gave him the impression these jobs are pretty thankless.

He said he’s ready to make that sacrifice, though.

“Seeing how the time is becoming more in my favor to serve adequately, I am committed,” Hanscom said. “Because, again, I don’t know that the issues I care about are going to get addressed.”

You can hear the full interview and learn about Hanscom’s business, here.

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