The best thing John Dean has going for him is that he can make approximately half the population of Island County feel that it finally has a voice in Coupeville.

That would be the half that seriously wants to protect the environment we should all cherish; the half that wants growth to be well planned and properly situated; the half that wants to make Island County an even better place in which to live and work; the half that realizes this isn’t the Wild West any more, and that we all have a responsibility to make this a better community rather than just watching out for number one.

Dean, a Democrat, has a long history of community involvement on Camano Island. As a veteran reporter, editor and assistant publisher for the Stanwood/Camano News he knows the issues, their background, and how to work comfortably with all sides. He’s a good listener, he’s got a lot of support on both Whidbey and Camano Island, and he’s willing to work hard for the betterment Island County.

The three-member Board of Island County Commissioners has the collective vision of Mr. Magoo. It’s sad that all three could support Initiative 933, the so-called property rights initiative that would make taxpayers foot the bill for any sensible land use regulation that might restrict someone’s right to do with his property as he darn well pleases. The fact that it could also financially devastate county government should have given at least one of the commissioners pause. That it did not reinforces the need for some fresh thinking in the county seat.

County residents need someone who’s open minded, who can work effectively with this district’s powerful state senator on transportation and land use issues, and someone who can bring a positive outlook to local government. It’s possible for government, working with private citizens and businesses, to help forge a better future for all of us. Elect John Dean and help set a positive new course for county government.