To the editor:

Diking District 1 is experiencing a novel event, a genuine election for one of the three positions on the district’s board.

Until now commissioners have simply appointed each other. Ray Gabelein Jr. is finally up for election and is being challenged by Tom Kraft.

Commissioners Gabelein and Steve Arnold have taken actions which have been declared illegal by Superior Court Judge Churchill. They have arranged assessments so they personally pay very little and the residents of Sunlight Beach pay a lot. They have spent district funds improperly, which is why Judge Churchill has impounded the district’s funds. The Court of Appeals has now upheld that action.

Gabelein and Arnold claim they are unable to find the taxing resolutions they adopted in 2007. It is a basic responsibility of elected officials to maintain records of the laws and resolutions they adopt. Not doing so is either mismanagement or incompetence.

Gabelein and Arnold have not been willing to work with their fellow commissioner who disagreed with their actions. They excluded Commissioner Shepard from meetings with other government agencies and failed to notify him (or district landowners) of important meetings.

Owners of property within the district finally have the opportunity to make a major change and end the mismanagement of Diking District 1. Tom Kraft is running for Ray’s hereditary position. Kraft has an understanding of the basics of democracy and the responsibilities of elected officials.

Ballots have been mailed and must be returned by Feb. 7. I strongly encourage residents of Diking District 1 to vote for Tom Kraft for commissioner.

MARIANNE EDAIN

Clinton