I noticed that some of Kelly Barlean’s campaign signs on South Whidbey were taken down and damaged. I plan to run a vigorous campaign for my re-election to the office of Island County Prosecutor, but can only condemn in the harshest terms the willful destruction of Mr. Barlean’s campaign signs. If the person who destroyed his signs think he or she is supporting me by such vandalism, let me assure you that you are not, and that I do not want or need that kind of help.

Further, if an appropriate criminal charge is presented to me regarding that malicious mischief, my office will prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest.

One of my legally placed yard signs was also broken in half and thrown aside. I am confident that Mr. Barlean’s campaign had no involvement in that act of vandalism. It is a tragic comment on our democracy that citizens would seek to infringe upon any candidate’s right to campaign for election.

Greg Banks

Freeland