To the editor:

A recent letter asserting Commissioner Helen Price Johnson betrayed the best interests of Freeland around the sewer issues couldn’t be further from the truth. Helen, at the request of the Freeland sewer commissioners, made a quick trip to D.C. to feel out what, if any, money was available to help with funding, in an attempt to lessen the cost to individuals in her district. Many Freeland businesses have felt there needs to be sewer infrastructure in the commercial core. Finding out about grants, etc., would seem like a logical early step for a proactive elected official (Helen) to help the sewer commissioners and the public decide if the sewer idea was in the realm of the possible.

Helen is very sensitive to the economic realities of typical families in Island County and it is inaccurate to say she was pushing the overly expensive $40 million sewer plan, when she was trying to find out about funding aid for any future plan.

I have been impressed how Helen shows up and listens to citizens and attends every seminar, forum or gathering she can. The letter writer says she is voting for Lauderdale because of her perception that Helen was pushing an unwanted sewer plan on Freeland, an accusation I believe is unfounded.

I have never met Mr. Lauderdale, Helen’s Republican opponent, but understand that his wife worked hard on Commissioner Emerson’s campaign, so I assume he is on the same page with Emerson. I know many (even those who voted for Emerson) have been disillusioned with her response (rather lack of) to their concerns, her demeanor and inflammatory proclamations. It would be a tragedy to replace Helen with an Emerson clone, remembering that two is a majority for commissioner decisions. I urge you to re-elect Helen, who always has a ready ear and is sincerely looking to do the right thing, even if you may not agree with every single decision she has made.

Dave Anderson

Freeland