The Devil You Know

The phrase "the devil you know" comes from the proverb "better the devil you know than the devil you don’t." It can sometimes be wiser—or at least safer—to deal with a familiar problem, person, or situation, even if it’s unpleasant, than to gamble on an unfamiliar alternative that might turn out to be worse

It conveys the idea that uncertainty often carries greater hidden dangers than what is already understood, even if what is known is flawed or harmful.

Voters sometimes re-elect a flawed incumbent out of fear the challenger could be less capable or more disruptive.

But many times “the devil you know" comes with real costs for the community.

For instance, when politicians feel compelled to proclaim their transparency with a claim to “Trust us” it often has the opposite effect—sparking skepticism rather than confidence. True public trust is built through actions: sharing information openly, explaining decisions honestly, and consistently demonstrating accountability—never through self-congratulatory assurances or appeals for blind trust.

When residents are met with dismissive treatment for expressing unpopular views at Town Council meetings—cut off under selectively applied time limits or see their written comments go unanswered—it’s a sign that it may be time to change elected officials.

WHAT IF the Town Council was immediately responsive when residents ask questions during open meetings; perhaps attendance and participation and unsolicited ‘trust’ would increase?

WHAT IF Town Council put real priorities first? In 2023, Council ranked a new 4,000 sq-ft Medical Center (with a physical therapy section and a full pharmacy), a new Post Office (though the owner is willing to remodel the current one to meet our concerns), and a new Town Hall, above all else. At the very bottom: Public Works. That means just seven public works staff juggle every infrastructure issue in town while costly equipment decays outdoors and water treatment sediment accumulates on site with no actionable plan for its removal. WHAT IF we flipped those priorities—putting basic services and real needs first?

WHAT IF our town partnered with the business community and Visitor Bureau to support small businesses, recruit the kinds we want in Springdale, and help resolve long-standing disputes among our anchor businesses?

WHAT IF town officials actually worked on the issue of workforce housing and stopped “hoping” for a demonstrably failed code to accomplish something?

WHAT IF our town created a real disaster response plan instead of crossing fingers; because while Emergency Fairs are informative and even enjoyable, they don’t give residents the clear, practical steps they need to help one another in a true crisis

As Mayor, I’ll turn ‘WHAT IF’ into ‘WE WILL.’ I won’t ignore you—or let Council members do so. Your concerns will be answered publicly, not buried in staff emails. And as Mayor I’ll always vote last in Council meetings, so you’ll know exactly where the buck stops

I know some of you are hesitant to ‘trust’ me. Public trust must be earned through verifiable actions, not demanded by declaration. Listen to what is said, observe what is done, and decide for yourselves whether trust in me is warranted.

Ultimately, my pledge to you is to act with integrity—to do the right thing, in the right way, for the right reason, at the right time. While perfection isn’t always possible, accountability is, and I will always take responsibility when I fall short.

I would be honored to earn your vote.

Thank you,

Pat Campbell Candidate for Mayor of Springdale PatCampbell4Mayor@gmail.com 503-793-6536 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/935386078796768