To the editor:

I read with considerable dismay Commissioner John Dean’s e-mail response to the results of the primary election. He believes that the “democratic process” failed when a clear majority of his district voted for his opponent.

In his opinion, verified by his apparent unbridled elitist ego, the voters are too lazy to vote, did not look at candidate qualifications and are too angry to think clearly.

Well John, consider this. Perhaps they did consider your qualifications. Were you not really a newspaper editor in your past life?

Perhaps they considered your record in office or have lost confidence in your handling of the ongoing budget crisis. Did the “democratic process” fail when it elected you? I don’t recall that claim being made by your opponent.

Maybe you should reexamine your strategy of discounting the tiny percentage of the total vote that your district citizens represent. Perhaps you should reflect on the resounding rejection of your budget solution as proposed in Prop 1. Are the 14,000 no votes an insignificant minority of wrong-thinking fools, or does it represent the actual thoughts of your constituents?

You sold Prop. 1 as your means of learning what the people wanted you to do. You promised that you would do what the people told you to do. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and reduce county expenses to fit the income and produce the best product that you can. It will be hard, but it is your job.

Forget your water conservation district slush fund. If there are “banked” levy-lid points left, forget them too. Island County taxpayers have sent you a clear message. No more taxes.

Just to set the record straight, your opponent, Kelly Emerson, is a Republican. That fact was clearly noted on the ballot.

The Tea Party is a non-partisan group of concerned citizens, not a political party. You should know that, since you were invited to and attended the Whidbey Island Tea Party candidate forum.

You should attend more of the meetings. You might learn what citizens are thinking. See you there.

Jeff Lauderdale

Coupeville