Just blame somebody!

It seems that a president, now George W. Bush and his administration, gets blamed for the last eight years for all the “bad” (how about the good?). The old expression “the buck stops here” certainly is applicable, but ... has our apparent economic failure been the administration’s fault?

I tried to add up and guess at the number of our elected officials in 50 states representing state government and I would guess that might account for several hundred plus (or more) legislators. Add that to the 600 plus in congress in Washington and here is the picture.

All of these lawmakers and people who help run our governments seemingly never saw a sign of today’s dilemma or other current issues. All of them just let it happen without even a mention with the exception maybe of a handful. Those that might have seen the urgency probably spoke up, but didn’t use their platform to be outspoken and raise such a ruckus, that maybe, maybe, someone might have listened. Aren’t there a very large number of elected officials across this nation that could have yelled loud enough about the subject and issues before we got where we are today?

Sad when the oversight and “blind-eye” is used to pass over problems and issues until it becomes political and affects someone’s re-election, then look for someone to blame. Might as well blame the highest up official as they can’t “pass the buck” any further. Why do we all find it easier to blame someone else and not assume and carry the burden responsibly or now use the “I told you so” excuse.

Where have our values, morals and integrity, along with accountability, gone or do we have any left?

At least you can’t blame me (sic)!

Dan Arola

Sedro-Woolley

Verifying campaign claims is a good idea

Dino Rossi is flooding the airwaves with misinformation about Governor Gregoire’s financial relationship with Washington State’s tribes. He knows these allegations are untrue, but relies on the political ploy that if you say something often enough, people believe it regardless of its veracity. Here are the true facts.

In 2005, the Spokane Tribe offered a revenue sharing proposal in exchange for a massive expansion of gambling in our state, something that 62 percent of our voters had already opposed by defeating I-892 in 2004. Governor Gregoire, along with the late King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng, law enforcement and a bipartisan coalition of legislators, respected the will of the people and rejected the deal. The Spokane Tribe did indeed offer $140 million in exchange for “more convenient gambling in every neighborhood” and “more slot machines in Washington than are currently in Las Vegas.” Would you have accepted that offer? Thank goodness Governor Gregoire didn’t.

And as far as the absurd claim that the governor took a $650,000 payoff from the tribes, that’s just plain wrong. The various tribes have contributed approximately $40,000 to her campaign. This can be checked out with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission.

Under Gov. Gregoire Washington State is rated the third best state in the union to do business by Fortune Magazine, and one of the best managed states in the union by the Pugh Institute of Philadelphia. Is this something you would change? Please re-elect Governor Gregoire to keep our state moving in the right direction.

Gail Nicolls

Anacortes

Re-elect Al Littlefield for PUD Commissioner

Al Littlefield has shown his ability over many years — he is capable, experienced, knowledgeable and qualified for the PUD commissioner’s position. His top priority is to provide safe drinking water in Skagit County with sound management and skill. We respect Al as a PUD commissioner because he has shown us over the years what an outstanding PUD commissioner he is. His best interests are in our family’s future, businesses and our environment. He strives to make things happen in a positive way, tough when he needs to be and represents all of Skagit County citizens with respect and understanding.  

Al is a lifetime resident of Skagit County and is dedicated to his family, friends and our community. Many in Anacortes knew him when he was a Texaco dealer for more than 30 years. You could always get excellent customer service, a good cup of coffee and great conversation while filling up your gas tank. Well it’s been a lot of years since then and Al, you still provide us with a good cup of coffee with excellent PUD service.  

Please join us in voting yes for Al Littlefield PUD Commissioner.

Susie Harvey

Anacortes

Gordon supports agriculture in the county

It appears Commissioner Dahlstedt does not support preserving agriculture in Skagit County. Dahlstedt has no stand on all issues that deeply effect Skagit County.

Dahlstedt flip-flops around in his reasoning trying to be politically correct with his non-agriculture agenda. Behind the scenes he shows his true colors. Under Dahlstedt’s watch the Farmland Legacy Program has lost its director to consolidation of programs, weakening all the natural resource programs. The Legacy Board has been denied efforts to hire a full-time director. Now, the Farmland Legacy program must share a county employee who does not have the time to devote to the needs of the program.

We need a change in the County Commissioners’ office and stop Dahlstedt’s eight years of flip-flopping.

Vote for Don Gordon County Commissioner. Don Gordon has leadership skills, supports preserving farmland, which included the riverbend and south Mount Vernon, wants to keep growth within existing urban growth areas, supports agriculture and opportunities for preserving farmers, stands up for property rights and knows how to manage a budget.

Don Gordon has been endorsed by the Skagit County Farm Bureau.

Aileen Good

Sedro-Woolley