To the editor:

The reason that Commissioner John Dean polled so horribly in the primary is because while in office he has refused to make the responsible decisions needed to keep our local government financially sound.

The primary was a perfect example of the democratic process and Commissioner Dean’s negative perspective on the primary, and his reluctance to give voters credit for selecting a fiscally conservative candidate over an elected official who has been unable to prioritize county expenditures. It’s a perfect example of why voters are so frustrated with our current commissioners.

For the past two years, voters have pleaded with the commissioners to curb spending, yet they have forged ahead and spent precious tax dollars for “feel-good programs,” raised the cost of building permits and endorsed new assessments/taxes on taxpayers — further compromising the voters’ ability to keep a roof over their heads and pay their bills during a recession and downturn in our local economy.

Even now they are attempting to put in place a clean water district, or a utility tax for collection of yet another assessment on taxpayers.

Come November, Commissioner Dean might find that criticizing his opponent on his Web site because she is involved in the Tea Party will backfire on him when Tea Party members throughout Island County vote alongside other concerned citizens to put the more qualified candidate in office.

Commissioner Dean is right about one thing: The future of Island County depends on it.

Charlona Sawyer

Greenbank