Be willing to fight, but

"When you have done the research and believe you are right, you must be willing to stand your ground and make your voice heard, especially when you represent others.  You must, however, be willing to reassess, and even change, your position when a better answer is presented, regardless of its source."

During my 40+ years as a Hospital Commissioner, I have frequently found myself defending the minority position because the information I had gathered supported it.  Taking a tough stand against superior odds takes courage and conviction.  I have, from time to time, lost the battle yet I had still contributed to the decision making process, offering a different viewpoint.

During other situations, the points raised by the other side have been so logical, compelling and filled with fact that I have changed my vote, not due to their pressure, but because they were right.  Sometimes the solution or position before the board is so obviously the correct one that all agree from the start..

Regardless of what may be before the board, courtesy and respect for your colleagues is imperative.  You need to discuss the issue, speaking for or against it, not against those you work with. Whatever the decision, you must remember that those sitting next to you today will be the ones you must work with next time.

What really matters is that the outcome is best for those you serve.  After the vote has been taken, you must support the decision made by the board, for the good of the organization.  Dissension, after the action has been taken, compromises the confidence in the board and can undermine the authority of it. 

Getting late, need to rest up, looks like some good garage sales in the morning,
Tony

PS  The Jefferson County on-line election pamphlet can be viewed at:
https://wei.sos.wa.gov/county/jefferson/en/pages/onlinevotersguide.aspx