Letters: Jesse Young defended against ‘smear’ and chastised for ‘abuse of power’
They’re smearing Jesse Young
To the editor:
There is a Democrat smear campaign underway against our popular 26th Dist, Republican State Legislator, Jesse Young. (I’ve received 3 large, color, glossy, slanderous mailers recently.)
I’ve known Rep Young and his wife Jennie for 5 years, worked in his office and volunteered for his campaigns. Jesse has an adopted a black son, 3 lovely daughters and multiple African American friends. Jesse attended a local protest to support justice for George Floyd; he brought an American flag and cautioned protesters not to turn to violence.
Rep Young has a record of voting across the aisle on issues such as low-income housing and education funding. Rep Young supports the 2nd Amendment. Jesse believes we have the right to own arms to defend ourselves against violent criminals and for hunting, as do most of his constituents.
Rep Young has many women supporters, there is a “Gals for Jesse” group of enthusiastic women supporters. I have never witnessed a temper outburst, “violence”, spreading “hate” and “fear”, as falsely claimed. Jesse is a professional businessman, a family man and a church goer. He is a thoughtful manager, who has represented our district and our values well.
I fully support Rep Young’s re-election.
Robin Fry
Gig Harbor
Call out abuse of power
To the editor:
I recently joined my fellow hundreds of Gig Harbor community members who stood in unity and solidarity with George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Manuel Ellis, and many other innocent black people unjustly murdered at the hand of police.
What I didn’t expect at our peaceful rally was a hands-on lesson in the abuse of power. I was disheartened as I watched my state representative, Jesse Young, choose to politicize a peaceful vigil rather than attempt to unify our community. Rep. Young deemed it appropriate to “join” our vigil with “Trump 2020” signs and an entourage of all white men carrying shotguns, bandoliers of rounds, and semi-automatic rifles.
Despite feeling intimidated by Rep. Young and his group, a few friends and I decided to deescalate the situation by peacefully engaging with him. We respectfully encouraged him to trade Trump’s campaign sign for a sign that read, “Say his name, George Floyd”, an offer which Rep. Young refused. On a day that Rep. Young could have shown real leadership and courage, he chose instead to join a group of hostile middle-aged men, openly harassing and threatening teenagers.
There was an article (Gateway, June 11) in which Rep. Young claims the armed militia was “not with him.” However, I, and many others, heard one of the men confirm that Rep. Young invited him to the counter-protest. I say this because Rep. Young did nothing to stop the intimidation and hostile behaviors displayed by his crew.
I am ashamed that Jesse Young represents me. I am ashamed that I am a constituent of a man who doesn’t support the Black Lives Matter movement because, “it promotes discrimination.” I am ashamed that my representative believes it is okay to stand idly by as his supporters berate and intimidate teenage advocates.
I am proud, however, to say that although Rep. Young and his group were successful in intimidating us, not a single teenage activist backed down. If Black Lives Matter has taught us anything, it is that it is our responsibility to call out abuse of power. We proudly stand in solidarity with those that have been fighting against injustice and abuse of power for generations. Thank you for leading the way.
Alex K. Davidson
Gig Harbor