Commissioner Sean Swope Channels Zacchaeus After Sacrificing Raise He Hasn’t Received Yet
LEWIS COUNTY, WA — In a powerful act of generosity not seen since the early church, Commissioner Sean Swope has reportedly likened himself to Zacchaeus after bravely giving up a raise that had not yet reached his bank account, wallet, or general vicinity.
The stunning act of almost-sacrifice came in the form of an official letter to the Lewis County Citizens’ Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials, where Swope asked that his commissioner salary be frozen at its current level due to “substantial budget concerns,” rising energy costs, and the financial struggles of everyday Lewis County residents. The letter immediately drew comparisons to Zacchaeus, the biblical tax collector who gave half his possessions to the poor, except in this case no possessions were given away, no poor people received anything, and the sacrifice involved a possible future pay bump.
“Some men climb a sycamore tree to see Jesus,” said one local resident. “Others climb onto official letterhead to make sure everyone sees them not taking an extra three grand.”
According to sources, the approximately $3,000 salary freeze is expected to have a dramatic impact on the county budget, possibly covering several printer cartridges, one emergency office chair, or nearly enough gas for a county vehicle to drive past a problem and monitor it. County accountants were reportedly seen placing the savings into the budget spreadsheet, where it vanished instantly and was never heard from again.
Residents across Lewis County were said to be deeply moved by the gesture, especially those who already believe commissioners are paid plenty to attend meetings, explain that things are complicated, and form committees to discuss whether another committee should look into it.
“This really puts things in perspective,” said one taxpayer. “While I’m trying to figure out how to afford groceries and electricity, it’s comforting to know my commissioner is willing to continue making the same amount of money he already makes.”
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