From Mark's Desk

I’ve heard people describe me a lot of different ways over the years. Some positive, some not so positive. And honestly, I don’t lose sleep over any of it because the only thing I’ve ever tried to be is honest. During the video interview that may have led you here to my desk I said something that sums it all up pretty well: “You’ll either love me or you’ll hate me — but you’ll hear the truth.” That’s just who I am.

I’m not the guy who hides behind the perfect script or tries to soften every sentence until it doesn’t mean anything. I’m plain-spoken. I’m direct. And I believe that when someone is asking for trust, whether that’s in leadership, problem-solving, or in community stewardship, they have an obligation to tell the truth, even when that truth isn’t comfortable. I’ve lived enough life, seen enough situations, and worked through more than enough crisis and chaos to know that dressing up reality never fixes a problem. It only delays the moment when someone finally admits what needs to be addressed.

Being straightforward has cost me popularity at times. But it has also earned me respect from people who may not agree with me, but who know I’m not going to pretend something is fine when it isn’t, or look the other way when something needs to be corrected. I’d rather have disagreements built on honesty than applause built on nonsense. People respond better when they know you mean what you say, and that you’re not just telling them what you think they want to hear.

That doesn’t mean I’m perfect, and it doesn’t mean every decision I make will be celebrated. It means that I value accountability, transparency, and integrity more than convenience. And I think the people of this county deserve nothing less than that level of clarity from anyone asking to serve them.

If someone likes me because I speak openly and tell the truth, that’s great. If someone dislikes me for the same reason, that’s okay too. But at least they’ll always know where I stand.

I don’t believe leadership should be wrapped in mystery or coated in vague language. I believe it should be rooted in reality, based on lived experience, and expressed plainly enough that people don’t have to wonder who you are or what you mean. If I care about something, you’ll hear it. If I disagree with something, you’ll hear that too. And if there’s a problem that needs to be addressed, I’m not the type to sit quietly and hope someone else deals with it.

Because at the end of the day, all I can offer is who I really am and that means being honest, being straightforward, and standing behind the words that come out of my mouth. Like it’s been said: You’ll either love me or hate me — but you’ll hear the truth. And I believe the right people will see that as a strength, not a flaw.