Island County Commissioner John Dean cares deeply about our community and the needs of each of his constituents. As a long-time resident, John strives to preserve the quality of our lives amidst the many difficult budget cuts he has made. His aim is to preserve, maintain and support our community, not to cut services with no regard for those less fortunate.

When I review my 2010 Island County tax statement, I find that schools, fire and rescue, library, and mosquito protection receive $850 out of every $1,000, while the county receives only $150. With that $150, we receive roads, drainage projects, public health services; banking and investment services for our school districts, fire districts, and other special purpose districts; police protection, courts, jails, parks, assistance for folks with developmental disabilities, land use enforcement, senior services, administrative staff, buildings and personnel. That looks, to me, like a frugal county government that does not warrant people’s anger, simply because it collects the majority of taxes we the people approved.

And we were right to approve those taxes. Our quality of life is better than that of my grandparents and parents, and it is important that quality of life is also better for my neighbors, those with less, and everyone who follows after us.

Alan S. Hall

Camano Island