Karl de Jong

{"skills":"I’ve always been more of a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of guy than a polished politician. My background in the trades taught me how to problem-solve under pressure, adapt when the plan falls apart, and get the job done right—even if you have to improvise a little. As a former councilmember, I learned how local government really works—how to read a budget, push back on bad contracts, and make policy that actually reflects what people want and need. I’ve sat in tough negotiations, bridged divides between groups who didn’t always agree, and helped guide public projects from start to finish. I’m also a good listener. Whether it’s a neighbor worried about speeding on their street or a small business trying to stay afloat, I take the time to understand the issue and follow through. My skills don’t come from think tanks—they come from lived experience: organizing volunteers, navigating bureaucracy, and staying grounded in community. That’s what this job takes.","achievements":"Here’s your revised version with a warm and grounded reference to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), tailored to your Sedro-Woolley audience and the GoodParty.org tone: --- **Why I’m Running** I’ve served on the Sedro-Woolley City Council before, and I’m running again because I believe local government works best when it listens more than it talks—and rolls up its sleeves. During my previous term, I helped guide responsible city budgeting, supported essential services like our library and fire department, and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with public workers as they organized for better pay and safer working conditions. I worked to make city government more transparent and more accessible to the people it serves. I didn’t do it alone—residents, city staff, and fellow council members worked together to get things done the Sedro-Woolley way: honestly, directly, and with respect. My roots here run deep. I live in Ward 6. I’ve been part of this community for a long time—not just voting on policies, but wiring lights for parades, planting trees in our parks, and washing dishes at the senior center. This isn’t a political stepping stone for me—it’s home. One thing I’m especially focused on is housing—real solutions, not buzzwords. I support making it easier for families to build backyard cottages or “mother-in-law” apartments—what planners call ADUs. They help keep families together, allow seniors to age in place, and create more affordable options without changing the character of our neighborhoods. I’m running because Sedro-Woolley deserves a councilmember who doesn’t just understand policy but lives the values of hard work, fairness, and community every day. Let’s keep building a city that works for everyone. --- Let me know if you'd like to highlight any other specific housing or land use policies.","responsibility":"Here’s a revised version with a more grounded, real, and relatable tone—less polished, more personal, while still effective for GoodParty.org’s audience: ---When I previously served on City Council, I didn’t treat it like a stepping stone—I treated it like a job for the neighbors who trusted me. I showed up, I listened, and I worked hard to make sure regular folks had a voice in what happened at City Hall. I fought to keep our city services strong—especially our fire department—and backed our public employees when they decided to organize their first union. I helped shape policies that actually reflected our community’s values, whether that was where we build housing or how we spend public money. I also made sure city contractors were held to fair labor standards. What mattered most to me wasn’t policy lingo or politics—it was being the kind of councilmember who calls you back, who knocks on doors even when there’s no election, and who remembers that good government starts with being a good neighbor. I’m running again because I know what this job takes—and I know there’s more to do. Sedro-Woolley needs steady hands and open ears. I’m ready to keep showing up."}

Neighbors need safe, accessible places to walk, ride, play, and connect. I’ll champion multi-use trails like the Skagit River connector, clean parks, and community projects that bring people together—from tree planting to holiday parades. A safe and thriving Sedro-Woolley is built with neighbors, not just numbers.

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