To the editor:

I have known Mary Abrahamson for approximately 20 years and am aware of her efforts to bring “light” on the Freeland incorporation process in stopping the proposed sewer district.

That doesn’t qualify her to be an expert on South Whidbey politics nor follow her ridiculous attack (a personal rant) on the most respected and qualified incumbent county commissioner that I have observed in my 40-plus years of service to the South Whidbey community as its full-time attorney and in public service to the city of Langley, Island County District Court as a judge pro-tem, and in numerous opportunities as a leader in many civic activities.

As a moderate Republican all my life I intend to vote for the incumbent, Helen Price Johnson, a Democrat, not only because I have known her mother and grandmother, both well-known civic activists and much admired, but also for the reason stated by my long-term friend and fellow golfer Dave Anderson (Letters, June 2). The Republican candidate is apparently a crony of District 3 County Commissioner Kelly Emerson (Republican from Camano Island and based on past issues of the Record a political joke and embarrassment to the Island County Republican Party).

Only South Whidbeyites can vote in the primary election for South Whidbey commissioner of all parties with the two highest vote totals going to the final election in November, which means if an independent gets more votes than the Republican with Helen Price Johnson coming in first, South Whidbey will really win and maintain control of the Island County commissioners.

I submit that every independent and moderate Republican should review the public record, talk with those involved citizens in valued community activities and who are leaders whom you respect, and if you can’t vote for Helen because you don’t want to vote for a Democrat, then please vote for the involved independent and my second choice, Port of South Whidbey Commissioner Curt Gordon.

The incumbent county commissioners from District 2 and 1 (Helen) have done a remarkable job under tough economic circumstances and deserve your support. I will not only cancel Marilyn’s vote but intend to do everything I can to assure that South Whidbey reelects Helen Price Johnson. I’m asking my many friends and acquaintances to do the same!

John Watson

Clinton