To the editor:

There are a number of reasons why we are supporting Phil Bakke.

Reason number one is, he is not a tax-and-spend commissioner.

He realizes that government should not be a “Christmas list” of goodies. He wants to provide the best possible services with the least possible costs. He does not balance the budget by raising taxes, as his opponent does.

While Phil has been in office, he has streamlined the county operations to hold down the line on the costs and deliver improved services, plus he has more plans in the works. During this time of economic uncertainty, we need someone who is looking out for our tax dollars.

Reason number two, Phil has a proven record as a steward of the environment. In fact, he has a network of contacts throughout other counties and within the state departments that he has built over his years of public service. Leaders from around the state look to Island County for examples of innovative and effective programs, like the water- quality monitoring program that Phil initiated while serving as our county planning director.

Reason number three, Phil has roots here in Island County; he truly cares about what happens here. Phil was one of my former students when I taught at South Whidbey High School, and I can tell you he has integrity and is honest — when he says he will do something, you can count on his word.

Let’s keep Phil in office. Now is not the time for “on the job training.”

Jim and Char Henderson

Freeland