To the editor:

Normally, I vote for the person I feel is best qualified, regardless of party. Often that favors the incumbent.

This year is not normal. I’m frustrated with a government that lies to us, spies on us, tortures, and ignores habeas corpus. I believe that the only way to end these practices is to “clean house” by voting a straight ticket.  

Part of the problem lies closer to the grassroots. When moderate and otherwise-sensible officeholders allow their party to be hijacked by ideological extremists, they need to take some responsibility for the results. When their colleagues promote policies that degrade women, or disregard science, or promote pre-emptive violence, or build outrageous debt in “good” times, or use the power of government, not to level the playing field for business, but to tilt it for their cronies, I want these silent moderates to worry about their own re-election chances.

Sadly, even on our island, people in power too long have forgotten for whom they work. Our commissioners have become too cozy with developers and have taken shortcuts with public disclosure. The good people of Island County deserve better. It’s time for change.

Send a message: Vote straight ticket this year!

David P. Cauffman

Clinton