Edwards, Hutchings equal right-wing Freedom Foundation

Thanks to Kevin O’Sullivan for pointing out (Olympian, Oct. 12) that electing Gary Edwards and John Hutchings as Thurston County Commissioners will bring about change in our county. Sadly, he’s correct.

Kevin says Edwards and Hutchings are “independents,” just like sitting Commissioner Bud Blake. These three may not declare a major political party preferences, but their actions and statements align clearly with the Freedom Foundation, a “political party” that wants to take us back to the 1950s.

But it’s 2016; we face a future of unprecedented growth that could overwhelm us. Edwards and Hutchings want to throw the baby out with the bath water by repealing the Critical Areas Ordinance and other regulations that protect all residents of Thurston County. Gary Edwards said during a recent debate he wants to get rid of regulations. He didn’t say he wants to look carefully at current regulations and use facts and science to make decisions.

No. Instead, Edwards employs mockery of the gopher as his campaign theme. Some people may cheer him for that, but I hope the majority of voters will see the ploy to elect Hutchings and Edwards for what it is: An attempt by the Freedom Foundation to take over Thurston County. If either Edwards or Hutchings wins, the Freedom Foundation will have a majority on the County Commission; heaven help us if that happens.

Please vote for reason and science and looking carefully at details; Jim Cooper and Kelsey Hulse should be our new commissioners.

This story was originally published November 1, 2016 at 8:01 PM with the headline "Edwards, Hutchings equal right-wing Freedom Foundation."