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<p>Island County is growing and changing, but the things that make Camano and Whidbey islands special don't have to change with it.</p><p>That means planning carefully for growth, protecting our water and rural character, making housing more attainable, investing in the infrastructure and public services our communities depend on, and making sure county government works for the people it serves.</p><p>I believe good decisions start with listening, understanding the facts, and bringing people together to find practical solutions. I won't pretend every issue has an easy answer. But I'll do the homework, explain where I stand, and work with people whether we agree or not.</p><p>Here are some of the priorities I'll bring to the County Commission.</p>

<h2>Focused on the issues that affect everyday life</h2>

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<p><strong>A 30 year Island County resident. </strong><br><strong>Ready to serve fellow citizens.</strong></p><p>Join the team!</p>

<h1>Grant Shaw</h1>

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<p>Growth is coming, but we don't have to lose what makes Camano and Whidbey special. We can create room for housing and economic opportunity while protecting farmland, forests, open spaces, and rural neighborhoods. That means putting growth where it makes sense, respecting property rights, and making sure roads, water, septic systems, and other infrastructure can support it. Our islands shouldn't become just another suburban corridor.</p>

Write a short blurb about an issue your campaign is highlighting. Try to keep the text a similar size between the various issue blurbs.

<h2>Managing growth while protecting our islands</h2>

<h4>Coffee with Candidates </h4>

Coffee with Candidates 

<p>Teachers, nurses, tradespeople, young families, and seniors should have opportunities to live in the communities they serve and call home. We need more housing choices without sacrificing the rural character of our islands. That means looking at practical options such as ADUs, smaller homes, and workforce housing, particularly where infrastructure can support them. We should also make permitting clear and predictable so government doesn't unnecessarily add time and expense to an already costly process.</p>

<h2>Housing for the people who live and work here</h2>

<p><strong>Camano Island resident Grant Shaw announces run for Island County Commissioner</strong></p><p>Grant Shaw, a 30 year Camano Island resident known locally as a tireless community volunteer and pragmatic problem-solver, announced this week that he is running for Island County Commissioner as a Democrat, seeking to succeed Commissioner Janet St. Clair, who has said she will not seek another term.</p><p>Shaw said his decision to enter the race months ahead of the May filing week reflects both the urgency of the issues facing Island County and his commitment to giving voters — and potential supporters — clarity early in the election cycle. “Starting my campaign right now allows me to spend more time with the citizens of Island County on both islands and listen to their concerns so I can better serve them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Island County deserves steady, solutions-focused leadership,” Shaw said. “This is a pivotal moment for our communities, and I’m ready to step up and serve our citizens.”&nbsp;</p><p>A Democrat like St. Clair, Shaw said he intends to build on the county’s recent progress while bringing what he describes as a “hands-on, get-it-done” approach to complex challenges. Over the years, Shaw has earned a reputation as a collaborative leader who works across differences to find common ground and move projects forward.</p><p>Shaw was previously honored with the Jeannie Ovenell Spirit Award by the Camano Island Chamber, recognizing individuals from Stanwood and Camano Island who demonstrate exceptional dedication and care for the community. He said the recognition reflects his belief that progress happens when neighbors work together.</p><p>His volunteer service includes work with the Freedom Park Association. Shaw first volunteered to help build the park’s playground in 2010 and joined the board in 2017, when the park faced possible foreclosure. He now serves as vice president. Working alongside fellow board members, volunteers, local businesses and donors, Shaw said the group was able to stabilize the park financially, make significant improvements, and preserve the private community park for years to come.</p><p>Shaw has also been active in local schools, serving as Utsalady Elementary Booster Club president and on the PTO board at Port Susan Middle School. He has actively supported Stanwood-Camano School District’s, including campaigning for levies and the bond for the new Stanwood High School and Church Creek Campus. As a father of two daughters, he said he understands the importance of a strong educational system and its broader impact on the community.</p><p>“I’ve always believed that if there’s a problem, you gather the right people, put your heads together, and solve it. I might not always have the solution but someone in the room might, ” Shaw said. “That’s how I’ve approached my volunteer work, and it’s how I would approach serving as county commissioner.”</p><p>Shaw said his campaign will focus on the county’s Growth Management Plan, protection of water resources, public safety, and support for emergency services. He said he believes that county leaders must examine issues from multiple perspectives, noting that decisions made today will shape the future of Camano Island and Island County for decades.</p><p>In addition to his volunteer work, Shaw has served as a Well Association president and has a background in Architecture and Construction, as well as a career managing multi-million-dollar retail budgets. He said that experience has prepared him to oversee county finances, infrastructure investments, and long-range planning.</p><p>Island County commissioners oversee county government operations, set policy and manage an annual budget that funds public safety, public works, public health and other essential services. The role also requires coordination with cities, state agencies, tribal governments and community partners.</p><p>Shaw said he plans to run a grassroots campaign focused on listening to residents throughout the county.</p><p>“Our county works best when leadership listens first,” he said. “I want to hear from families, small business owners, farmers, first responders, and retirees about what’s working — and what isn’t. My goal is to be a commissioner who is accessible, responsive, and accountable.”</p><p>The primary election is scheduled for August, with the general election in November. Candidate filing week in Washington state begins in May.</p><p>Residents interested in learning more can contact the campaign at <a href="mailto:ElectGrantShaw@gmail.com">ElectGrantShaw@gmail.com</a>. Campaign website and social media information will be announced at a later date.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<h4>SHAW for Commissioner</h4>

<h4>Campaign Kick Off Party</h4>

<p>I’m excited to officially kick off my campaign for Island County Commissioner District 3 — and I’d love for you to join us! Come meet me, hear more about the campaign, and connect with friends and neighbors who care about the future of Island County. Enjoy free food, snacks, and drinks — and bring a friend!</p>

Stanwood-Camano Pride Parade & Party in the Park 2026

<p>Island County should remain a place where people can build a life, not just a beautiful place to visit. Small businesses, farms, tradespeople, service workers, military families, and local employers are all part of what keeps our communities strong. County government should be a good partner by providing predictable rules, investing responsibly in infrastructure, supporting working lands and local businesses, and recognizing how closely housing, transportation, jobs, and quality of life are connected.</p>

<h2>Strong communities and a strong local economy</h2>

<h4>Stanwood 4th of July Parade</h4>

<p>Everyone is welcome to join Stanwood's favorite 4th of July celebration!</p>

Stanwood 4th of July Parade

<p>Growth needs to be matched with the roads, utilities, transportation, and emergency services necessary to support it. My career has involved planning complex projects, managing budgets, and coordinating teams to solve infrastructure challenges before they become crises. Island County should take the same long-term approach — maintaining what taxpayers have already invested in, planning ahead for future needs, pursuing outside funding, and working closely with cities, fire districts, law enforcement, utilities, and other partners.</p>

<h2>Infrastructure, transportation, and public safety</h2>

<h4>22nd Annual Twin City Idlers<br>Show &amp; Shine</h4>

<p>Get ready to cruise down memory lane and experience the heartbeat of the road at the Twin City Idlers Car Show – where every car tells a story, and every moment is a celebration of horsepower and heritage!</p>

Twin City Idlers Car Show

<p>County government should be responsive, efficient, and easy to navigate. I've spent my career managing large budgets, leading teams, and solving complicated problems, and I'll bring that same practical approach to the County Commission. That means setting priorities, watching taxpayer dollars carefully, improving how services are delivered, and making sure residents can get answers when they need them. Most importantly, I'll be accessible and accountable to the people I work for.</p>

<h2>Government that works for you</h2>

<h4> Stanwood-Camano Pride Parade &amp; Party in the Park 2026</h4>

<p>Kick off Pride month with this family-fun event for everyone! Parade at Freedom Park on Camano Island is open to all, chalk bomb throw, GlassQuest ball hunt, food, crafts, and more!</p>

Campaign Kick Off Party

<p><em>We decided to go with a unique approach very early in the process.</em></p><p><em>Instead of the typical candidate sign, I wanted something unique to represent me and some of the attributes I represent as a candidate for commissioner. The outdoors, especially crabbing, is a big part of our unique county. The idea of a crab logo quickly became a goal, representing Versatility navigating goals, Resourcefulness and Determination.</em></p><p></p><p><em>Fun and whimsical is also a goal of our unique crab logo, created by friend and artist Rob Kramer. I hope you enjoy the logo and the reading below. - Grant</em></p><p></p><p><strong>Core Symbolic Meanings</strong></p><p><strong>Protection &amp; Boundaries:</strong>&nbsp;The crab's exoskeleton serves as a natural armor, symbolizing the importance of setting healthy emotional boundaries to protect one's sensitive "inner core".</p><p><strong>Adaptability:</strong>&nbsp;As creatures that thrive in both land and water, crabs <u>represent versatility and the ability to navigate shifting environments with resourcefulness.</u></p><p><strong>Non-Linear Progress:</strong>&nbsp;Their unique sideways gait encourages <u>approaching goals from different angles.</u> It suggests that the most effective path is not always a direct one.</p><p><strong>Growth &amp; Renewal:</strong>&nbsp;Through the process of molting, crabs symbolize transformation and rebirth—shedding old, limiting "shells" to allow for a newer, stronger self.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Cultural &amp; Astrological Significance</strong></p><p><strong>Zodiac (Cancer):</strong>&nbsp;The crab is the symbol for the sign of&nbsp;<strong>Cancer</strong>, ruled by the Moon. It reflects qualities of nurturing, domesticity, and intense emotional depth.</p><p><strong>Chinese Culture:</strong>&nbsp;Crabs are often associated with&nbsp;<strong>success and high status</strong>, particularly in academic exams, because the Chinese word for a crab's shell (<em>jia</em>) also means "first" or "best". They can also represent harmony and good fortune.</p><p><strong>Native American Traditions:</strong>&nbsp;In some coastal tribes, the crab is viewed as a symbol of&nbsp;<strong>self-reliance</strong>&nbsp;and survival.</p><p><strong>Ancient Egypt:</strong>&nbsp;Crabs were occasionally linked to the goddess&nbsp;<strong>Isis</strong>, embodying her protective and nurturing nature.</p><p><strong>The "Crab" as a Spirit Animal</strong></p><p>When a crab appears as a spirit or power animal, it often brings these specific messages:</p><p><strong>Strategic Retreat:</strong>&nbsp;It may be a signal to step back into your "shell" for a period of introspection and self-care.</p><p><strong>Tenacity:</strong>&nbsp;It reminds you to <u>stay focused</u> and "pinch" onto your goals, <u>refusing to let go until they are achieved.</u></p><p><strong>Emotional Navigation:</strong>&nbsp;It encourages you <u>to trust your intuition</u> and flow with the natural "tides" of your life</p>

<h4>Why a crab logo? </h4>

<p>On an island, water isn't an unlimited resource. As our population grows, we need to protect our aquifers while recognizing the challenges facing homeowners and the many small water systems operating aging infrastructure. New development needs to account for available water and septic capacity, and the county should work with residents, water associations, and other partners to find practical, long-term solutions. Clean, reliable drinking water has to remain a priority.</p>

<h2>Protecting our water</h2>

<h4>Coffee with Candidates</h4>

Coffee with Candidates (Whidbey Coffee, Oak Harbor)

Grant Shaw is seeking election as Island County District 3 Commissioner.  He is 30 year resident of island county who understand life on the islands. Strong Leadership, Lister, Problem solver and Teamwork! 

Elect Grant Shaw - Island County Commissioner

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