Dear Editor,

In my ministry, I’ve always tried to stay out of politics and publicly voicing my personal political inclinations. Why? Because I feel that my main job is to bring people together and to share the love of Jesus. The political arena can be a divisive area and can lean more on the individualistic rather than the whole, and that’s a tough area to navigate as a pastor.

However, my wife and I recently placed our first-ever political sign in our front yard, and we were asked the question “What is it about this person that you feel so passionately about? Tell me about him”. Here’s my thoughts on this that can be summed up in two words:

Servant leadership.

I have been a blessed man to get to know Matt Stroe before he decided to run for Walla Walla County Sheriff. I’ve gotten to know him as a friend, a confidant, and a brother in Christ. I’ve seen his love for others, his empathy for those around him. I’ve seen his heart, his humor, his love for his wife and two boys, and his passion for making these communities a better place than how he found them. There’s not many men I look up to as much as this man. Here’s what I continually see when I look at what makes him a servant leader:

- Shows leadership by making the needs of others a high priority.

- Focuses on helping others grow and develop so that they in turn can serve others.

- Offers encouragement and emotional support. As a pastor, I need this at times and Matt sees it before I realize I need a hand up.

- Displays an attitude of humility. Amazing humility.

- Trustworthy

- Listens and is respectful of the viewpoints of others. Realizes that listening isn’t just waiting for his turn to talk.

- Exudes a quiet confidence.

- Is faithful. To his wife, his boys, and his friends.

- Shows empathy towards others.

- Christ-centered.

I couldn’t be more proud of who Matt is and what he represents.

It’s not about an individual. It’s about what can make the totality come together. That is why I will be casting my vote for Matt Stroe for Sheriff of Walla Walla County.

Matthew Wyatt

Waitsburg