Kelly Emerson has proposed having a public vote prior to all future county tax and fee increases. (“Put new taxes before the public,” Whidbey News- Times, April 11).

This proposal is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It shows an alarming lack of faith in our American way of representational government. Our duly elected commissioners (including Ms. Emerson) were put into office to represent us and to administer existing county government. That means maintaining services to citizens and prudently raising revenue as necessary.

Ms. Emerson’s proposal would paralyze county government while we wait for new costly and unnecessary advisory ballots. Perhaps an ineffectual, paralyzed government is Ms. Emerson’s goal. In that case we would destroy the county’s ability to maintain our islands’ infrastructure of necessary roads, services and public safety.

Rather than risk this by implementing a misguided proposal, we need thoughtful leadership and a well reasoned approach to building the future of Island County. Thankfully Angie Homola and Helen Price Johnson are on the job.

Art Huffine

Oak Harbor