To the editor:

If the qualities you seek in county commissioner are someone who is fair, willing to listen before drawing conclusions, and not afraid of making tough decisions your vote for Phil Bakke is the right vote.

I have watched Phil in action and am amazed at his ability to see all perspectives and to find common solutions that work for many competing interests. His ability to find a balance between social and fiscal responsibility, growth and protection of the environment, and keeping our property tax rates stable in the face of ever increasing unfunded mandates are the qualities we need in our local elected officials.

We have tough economic times ahead of us that will challenge every sector of the economy, including local government. And while it is difficult to sometimes see what we get out of federal and state taxes, our local county taxes are collected and spent in our own backyard. We are lucky that our county commissioners have put us in such a healthy financial position to weather these kinds of storms.

While policies at the federal and state level have left us with tremendous challenges and many questions, our local policies are strong. Now is not the time to change direction. We need someone like Phil who has the experience necessary to make sure we get through these tough times.

Dan and Isidra MacIndoe

Oak Harbor