‘Independents’ govern county? Follow the money

I am very concerned that voters will see two “independents” on their ballots in the races County Commissioner seats (Districts 1 and 2).

That label provides us no information about what to expect, especially on land use and resource protection issues.

We would all be well advised to check their major sources of funding and support (and of their opponents).

Go to the PDC (Public Disclosure Commission) website; but fortunately for us, the radio station KUOW has made it even easier. (Go to influence.KUOW.org, enter your address, and scroll to the end). It shows, in a nutshell, that the two “independents” are sustained largely by the same deep pockets that usually feed Republican — developers and advocates for stripping away environmental rules. Hmmmm.

We should be mindful that the two newly elected commissioners will join remaining commissioner Bud Blake, also an “independent,” who has been strongly resisting efforts to protect our waterways and the other vital resources that keep our county viable and beautiful. Electing either of the “Independents” – both veteran law officers – on the ballot would create a voting majority for eliminating land-use protections — and possibly allocating an even greater share of the county budget — presently at 77 percent — to law enforcement – leaving other pressing needs insufficiently funded.

We must not be deceived by a label — a label that may be intended for precisely this purpose. Fellow voters, we need to elect Jim Cooper and Kelsey Hulse – upstanding, proud, bona fide Democrats.

This story was originally published October 18, 2016 at 5:17 PM with the headline "‘Independents’ govern county? Follow the money."