A few years ago, while serving on the Centralia City Council, I publicly expressed concern about an incident involving our mayor confronting a downtown business owner based on what she had heard about his religious beliefs. The business, which had not caused any disruption or legal issue, was suddenly the focus of intense media attention after that confrontation.
I spoke out then — and I stand by what I said now: religious freedom is non-negotiable, even when the beliefs in question are ones I personally oppose. That principle is not about supporting hate — it’s about upholding the Constitution.
Let me be abundantly clear: I oppose all hate groups. Period. I also oppose elected officials using their office to act on rumors or assumptions, especially in a way that intimidates or targets private citizens. That kind of conduct, regardless of who it’s aimed at, erodes public trust and blurs the lines of appropriate governance.
In my role as a city councilor, I believed — and still believe — that it is not the job of elected officials to act as enforcers of ideological purity. We are here to conduct city business, protect civil liberties, and uphold the law. When there are legitimate concerns about extremism, those should be investigated and addressed through proper legal and community channels — not through personal confrontation or public shaming.
I understand that some people misunderstood my position or disagreed with how I expressed it. That’s fair. But let me assure you: defending due process and constitutional rights should never be mistaken for condoning hateful ideologies. They are not the same thing — and we cannot afford to confuse the two.
We live in a constitutional republic, where freedoms are protected even when they make us uncomfortable. If we start deciding whose rights “deserve” protection, based on public opinion or political trends, we lose the very foundation that holds us together.
I’ve dedicated my life to serving this community with honesty and accountability. That includes having hard conversations and standing firm on principle — even when it’s unpopular.
Let’s continue to work toward a community where hate has no place, truth matters, and government respects its boundaries. We can do all three.
Leah Sisemore
Centralia
