To the editor:

As noted by Brian Kelly in his article published on July 5: “Growth is shaping up to be a big issue in both races for county commissioner this year.”

Mr. Kelly’s observation would have been applicable, I believe, to every commissioner election held in Island County since I moved to Whidbey Island in 1978. And with good reason: Unrestrained growth is antithetical to the physical environment and quality of life which Island County residents enjoy.

During my 27 years of law practice on Whidbey, I participated in numerous cases involving land use and environmental issues. In some cases, I represented proponents of development, and in others I represented opponents. In many of those cases, my clients and I interacted with the Island County Department of Planning and Community Development.

Through these experiences, I became well acquainted with Phil Bakke, the current District I county commissioner.

From the time Mr. Bakke was hired as an assistant planner in the late 1990s, through his subsequent service as code enforcement officer, and after his appointment as planning director in 1999, I worked with him on a regular basis. Over the year, my clients’ concerns raised issues under the comprehensive plan, the zoning code and other development regulations which implement that plan, the Shoreline Management Act, SEPA, and the Growth Management Act. Many of these issues were conceptually complex, and important to the environment.

As I was advocating the positions of my clients, I did not always agree with Mr. Bakke’s decisions. However, I always respected the manner in which he reached those decisions.

Through his education in planning and environmental science, and his subsequent work at Planning and Community Development, Mr. Bakke has acquired an impressive understanding of environmental science and law. He applies this knowledge to a particular issue in a manner that is both efficient and effective.

In land-use matters – which frequently attract public interest – the decision-making process is critical. I have often seen Mr. Bakke “take the extra step” to insure that all opinions are heard and concerned before a decision is made. Moreover, he has demonstrated the ability to help opposing parties reach agreement through negotiation.

Finally, and importantly, Mr. Bakke possesses common sense (a quality which should be added to the list of endangered species).

Although land use is only one of many areas which must be addressed by the county commissioners, I believe that the qualities discussed above – experience, preparation, knowledge, good judgment, fairness – serve Mr. Bakke equally well in other areas.

As I have recently moved to Walla Walla, I am no longer qualified to vote for Island County commissioner.

However, if I could vote, my vote for District 1 commissioner would be cast for Mr. Bakke.

G. Tim Martin

Walla Walla