In the ongoing debate about Skagit County's governance, Rylee Fleury takes a bold stance that might surprise some. While his opponent, a current Skagit County Commissioner, claims "We Don't Need to Change Our Government," Fleury agrees – but with a crucial caveat. The real issue, according to Fleury, isn't the structure of our government as laid out in the Constitution. Instead, it's the people who have intruded upon legislated offices and refuse to follow the Constitution and the Rule of Law.
The Importance of Proper Procedure
Fleury's position is clear: when the law stipulates requirements for elected officials, those requirements must be followed to the letter. He points to a specific example:
- Elected officials are required to swear to uphold the constitution.
- They must file an Oath of Office and a bond with the county Auditor.
- These actions must be completed within 10 days of each other.
However, Fleury has identified a troubling pattern. Even though county legislature claims compliance, he argues that overlooked details render their filings unlawful. In Fleury's view, if an official performs their duties without properly completing these steps, they are essentially masquerading as a public servant while acting as a private individual – a clear violation of the law.
Rule of Law: Non-Negotiable
For Rylee Fleury, the Rule of Law isn't just a catchphrase – it's the bedrock of our democratic system. He believes that laws must be followed precisely, not approximately. This strict adherence to legal procedures isn't about bureaucratic nitpicking; it's about ensuring the legitimacy and accountability of our elected officials.
Deeper Concern: Corporate Governance?
Fleury raises an even more alarming issue regarding Skagit County's governance structure. He questions whether the county is truly being run by elected officials in a commission system, as it should be. Instead, he suggests that a private, for-profit corporation ("SKAGIT COUNTY CORP") with a UBI and DUNS number may be at the helm.
This corporate entity, according to Fleury, operates without transparency. Key questions remain unanswered:
- Who is the CEO?
- Who sits on the Board of Directors?
- How did this form of government come into being without an election and public vote?
These concerns strike at the heart of democratic governance and public accountability.
Vision: Uphold, Don't Upend
Contrary to those who might call for radical changes to our governmental structure, Rylee Fleury advocates for a return to basics. He believes that the government laid out by our founding fathers in the Constitution is fundamentally sound. What's needed isn't a structural overhaul, but a thorough "house cleaning" of those currently in office.
Fleury's message is clear: it's time to sweep out those who have failed to uphold their oaths and operate within the bounds of the law. By doing so, we can restore integrity to our local government without changing the core principles that have guided our nation since its inception. Rylee taught the U. S. Constitution locally for the last 3 years, see his comments on his website rylee1.com
Call to Action
As Skagit County residents consider their options for leadership, Rylee Fleury offers a unique perspective. He challenges voters to look beyond surface-level debates about governmental change and instead focus on the critical issue of constitutional adherence and the Rule of Law.
By electing leaders who respect and strictly follow legal procedures, Fleury argues, we can address the root causes of our current governmental challenges without resorting to drastic measures. It's a vision of reform that respects tradition while demanding the highest standards of integrity from our public servants.
As the election approaches, Skagit County voters have an important decision to make. Will they choose to maintain the status quo, or will they heed Fleury's call for a return to constitutional principles and the strict application of the Rule of Law? The future of Skagit County's governance hangs in the balance.