To the editor:

Two years ago, after budget cuts, then-Commissioner John Dean declared, “everything that remains are equally high priorities.” This proved that he didn’t understand what the word meant. The present incumbents who are up for re-election concurred with Dean. They have since shown no improvement in their understanding.

It doesn’t mean to retain all programs at ineffectual levels. It means that the most important programs, such as public safety, are funded adequately in order. When the money runs out (or even sooner), a prudent administration would give people in the island’s many communities a chance to perform on a more local level.

Instead of raising taxes, put services up for contract or sale. Clear away the regulatory fences that keep community-based initiative out —- the restrictions, taxes, permits, fees, licensing, filings, delays, etc. Get out of the way of the community-activated rule of “customer satisfaction.” This means less spending, less intrusion into community affairs, less domination of civil society.

Services would be tailored to what customers want, not to a bureaucratic one-size-fits-none. Stop obstructing communities’ natural incentives for mutual aid (aka trade and business), and people will go to work instead of waiting for government to transfer other peoples’ money. As a side benefit, people will become tax producers instead of tax consumers.

Jeff Lauderdale understands that Island County government needs to change direction. Reflecting on his experience as a retired submarine commander, he has said, “Moving forward is not enough. Ships that go aground are invariably moving forward.” He always brought his ship safely into port; the present incumbents’ ship of government is still taking on water.

I’m voting for Jeff.

Meldon Acheson

Freeland