Country needs an independent commissioner

I could dwell on the truly horrible, awful, and rancid choices that we are being given at the presidential level, but I prefer to look further down the ballot here in Thurston County.

The reward for looking down the ballot is finding the county commissioner races. We are fortunate to have the opportunity to vote for a remarkable individual who represents all that is good and decent in our country and community.

John Hutchings is a man of integrity, intelligence, and independence.

John understands that problems get solved by working together. John understands that like a plane, which needs a left wing and a right wing to fly, there is an important role for left wing Democrats and right wing Republicans to play in our political process. But just like with a plane, the most important work gets done in the center.

The problems and opportunities that our county faces are not Democratic or Republican and neither are the solutions. John Hutchings as an independent is truly committed to solving problems not simply scoring political points or engaging in endless debate.

This story was originally published September 20, 2016 at 9:19 AM with the headline "Country needs an independent commissioner."