Editor,
Beyond the fact that campaign signs legally posted in the public right-of-way are unsightly, my recent experience with them sheds light on something more profound and gives me another reason to vote for a candidate who works well with others.
I discovered some citizens cannot let a sign of an opposing candidate, or a candidate of a different party, remain posted or even stand next to the sign of their candidate of choice for Island County commissioner. How silly. Not only is it a violation of the law, but anonymously messing with legally posted campaign signs represents the inability of some citizens to intelligently engage in real conversation for the betterment of our communities, our country and our government.
Beyond having apparent sign “cooties,” I now hear something genuinely disturbing – that it’s considered a negative trait for local candidates to work through issues with members of another political party. This denigration of cooperation is a sign of our times and is a cause of much of our current political stalemate. It exhibits an absolute unwillingness to work together, a vilification of people who do, and fundamentally lacks understanding of how democracy actually works.
Having respect, knowledge, experience, intelligence and courage allows others to express their opinions (say nothing of just legally posting their campaign signs) and affords constructive dialogue, good citizenship and good governance.
Which brings me to the conclusion that the candidate running for Island County commissioner who possesses the necessary traits and abilities is Melanie Bacon. She is a proven listener, and a courageous and respectful communicator. She thinks creatively to find solutions. She is a strong advocate for and effectively supported the creation of transitional and workforce housing, firework limitation, emergency preparedness, and environmental and alternative sewer/septic studies to name only a few of her accomplishments.
She strongly supports local businesses, farmers and veterans having owned her own business, farm and is a veteran. She has the strength to stand steadfast in her beliefs and the intelligence to work past party lines which are her superpowers that benefit Island County. We all need to follow her lead and work harder to work together. Out of all of this, a glaring sign appears that we need Bacon. Endorsed by U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, I too support her and urge you to re-elect Melanie Bacon County Commissioner.
Susan Cohen
Langley
