Thank you, everyone, for your interest and support in the 2010 campaign to re-elect Island County Commissioner John Dean.

We have a new commissioner-elect as of Wednesday evening. With only 50 votes left to verify and count, Kelly Emerson has won with what, tonight, is a 275-vote lead: 17,366 (50.4 percent) to 17,091 (49.6 percent).

“We The People,” defined by the majority of voters, have spoken, canceling this chapter of my public service contract and supporting a new voice in government. I respect and celebrate that decision as a successful exercise in democracy.

It has been an honor to serve. I hope everyone will join me in continuing to participate in local government, not as angry critics, protesters, and adversaries, but as respected partners with different points of view. There is a seat at the table for everyone to engage in civil discourse. I urge Commissioner-elect Kelly Emerson to offer it, and I urge everyone to take it.

Looking forward to continue working with you to make our islands better places to live.

Island County Commissioner

John Dean