Published: June 05, 2008 10:13 am      

Candidate wants to clear air about past arrests

There has been some discussion as to an event in my past that I would like to clear up.

I was arrested for three OWIs (operating while intoxicated charges).

Even though this happened many years ago, I feel it is important that I bring this mistake out in the open prior to the beginning of my campaign. I was a young kid with problems. I had lost a friend to cancer and my job within a short period of time. I used alcohol as a vice to get through a difficult time in my life. It is a decision that I regret.

I am, however, glad that God tapped me on the shoulder and shoved me down the right path. In hindsight, I am glad that these events unfolded. These events created an awareness of the mistakes I was making in my life that I may not have realized until it was too late to turn my life around.

Since turning my path in life around, I now have a loving family, friends who support me and have realized the importance of giving back. I have given back not only by speaking on the dangers of drinking and driving but also served in many capacities in community events and organizations. I believe the trials that I have been through give me a unique perspective in representing this community. I can understand that people have bad times in their lives and sometimes feel like there is no way out. I have been there — I can relate. I will work harder than most to right the wrongs and at the very least have a unique understanding and compassion for the causes of hardship in life.

I bring this issue out in the open because it is not something that I am ashamed of, but rather embrace as a learning experience.

This experience I can put to use representing this community. I believe that to represent this community, you must be honest and understanding. I bring this issue forward as a showing of my honesty and intentions to represent this community honestly and with the integrity it deserves.

Jonathan H. Van Roekel,

House District 26 candidate