If you don't try...

Shawn Seeger

Legend
Forum Supporter
So, while raising our son's a couple of lessons I continually tried to instill were "If you don't try, you will never know if you can!" and the second was "Put up or Shut up". I try and live this and encourage other to do the same. One example I used to give the boys and still use with some adults was "If you saw Heidi Klum out someplace and you wanted to go out with her, just ask her what is the worst that could happen, she could say No, but she might say Yes. So just ask/try!"

In our little town there has been some things going on, that I saw and didn't like and then others asked me if I would be willing to make some changes. I finally at one of the last meetings had had enough, so decide to "Put up". I decided to run for office in the last cycle, and it appears that I have won! I should be notified after Nov. 25th when elections are certified. Now I might be able to make some positive changes while keeping things what the community want.

Election Results.jpg

Then a while back I was having coffee with some of the "Old Boys" here in Mineral, and the conversation was regarding WDFW and why Mineral Lake closed earlier than other lakes (Currently the lake closes on September 30th). So, I decided to try and make a positive change for our Fishing Community and the Mineral Community (Lion's Club Campground, Tavern, Store, VRBO's and AirBnB's) and put in the work to petition the WDFW for a Rules Change. (I had been successful for several other lakes in the past). Again, "If you don't try, you will never know if you can." So, I worked with the local hatchery managers to understand the raising and planting cycles for the lake, I have taken weekly water temperatures from June through Oct 21st, and I have talked with WDFW Staff. I gathered letters for community members, fishermen/women from across the state (thanks to those on this forum that supported me), and local businesses that will also benefit, and campers at the Lion's Den who were camping but couldn't fish. Then followed the state process and submitted all the paperwork and supporting documents.

Today I received a great email with the attached note....
Mineral Petition letter from WDFW 1.jpg

Mineral Petition Summary WDFW 1.jpgMineral Petition Summary WDFW 2.jpg

So needless to say I am VERY Happy today!

I will encourage all of you, if you see something that you want changed, give it a TRY.

(This is not meant to brag or be pushy it is just my excitement with some wins in my life!)

P.S. @Bambooflyguy and @BigSplashTom next year you should have some great fall days!

Tight Lines to all...!
 
thx for posting shawn.
i have a friend group, with a couple guys that are always bitching about the gov, and elected reps, etc. i keep tellng them, to quit writng us, and write the reps !! u dont always have to run for office - just being a common sense voice - is a good thing.
keep up the good work.
the wdfw, odfw, etc, need to hear from rational folks.
 
That guy Write In didn't stand a chance!

Good on ya for getting involved locally to make a difference. I did that right before we had a kid and it burned me out. Starting to get the itch again.
 
So, while raising our son's a couple of lessons I continually tried to instill were "If you don't try, you will never know if you can!" and the second was "Put up or Shut up". I try and live this and encourage other to do the same. One example I used to give the boys and still use with some adults was "If you saw Heidi Klum out someplace and you wanted to go out with her, just ask her what is the worst that could happen, she could say No, but she might say Yes. So just ask/try!"

In our little town there has been some things going on, that I saw and didn't like and then others asked me if I would be willing to make some changes. I finally at one of the last meetings had had enough, so decide to "Put up". I decided to run for office in the last cycle, and it appears that I have won! I should be notified after Nov. 25th when elections are certified. Now I might be able to make some positive changes while keeping things what the community want.

View attachment 172507

Then a while back I was having coffee with some of the "Old Boys" here in Mineral, and the conversation was regarding WDFW and why Mineral Lake closed earlier than other lakes (Currently the lake closes on September 30th). So, I decided to try and make a positive change for our Fishing Community and the Mineral Community (Lion's Club Campground, Tavern, Store, VRBO's and AirBnB's) and put in the work to petition the WDFW for a Rules Change. (I had been successful for several other lakes in the past). Again, "If you don't try, you will never know if you can." So, I worked with the local hatchery managers to understand the raising and planting cycles for the lake, I have taken weekly water temperatures from June through Oct 21st, and I have talked with WDFW Staff. I gathered letters for community members, fishermen/women from across the state (thanks to those on this forum that supported me), and local businesses that will also benefit, and campers at the Lion's Den who were camping but couldn't fish. Then followed the state process and submitted all the paperwork and supporting documents.

Today I received a great email with the attached note....
View attachment 172511

View attachment 172509View attachment 172510

So needless to say I am VERY Happy today!

I will encourage all of you, if you see something that you want changed, give it a TRY.

(This is not meant to brag or be pushy it is just my excitement with some wins in my life!)

P.S. @Bambooflyguy and @BigSplashTom next year you should have some great fall days!

Tight Lines to all...!
Congratulations on your electoral win and the successful interaction with WDFW! That's very inspiring!
 
Congratulations on the election win and WDFW win.
I think it's awesome that you followed through on the WDFW process. And won!!!
And yes, Steve and I will definitely be one of many individuals who benefit from the extra month of Mineral lake fishing thanks to your efforts.
2026 More Browns - WoOt!!!
 
Shawn's electoral win is a great example of having strong beliefs and putting into action supporting the backing them. It takes a commitment to them, taking ownership of them, and a belief that there is a better way. The WDFW is a response to those convictions - pure and simple but not easily achieved. Gotta feeling there are more to come too.

Way to go Shawn!
 
Way to go Shawn! I am a little curious about the meaning of Cemetery District 10?
 
Great effort Shawn. Set a great example for the kids, neighbors, & community.

I also am wondering about the “Cemetery District”. Thought for a moment you had been elected to a …. well a Groundskeeper position of sorts.
 
Very well done!
 
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