Island County Commissioner District 1 residents choosing the Republican ballot in the primary election would be wise to advance Mike Shelton to the general election ballot.

Shelton is seeking his fourth term as an Island County Commissioner. Overall, he’s been an outstanding elected official. While staying true to his conservative principles, he has worked to maintain a strong Sheriff’s Office, has paid particular attention to health issues during trying financial times, and has helped save invaluable properties such as Greenbank Farm and Double Bluff for future generations.

His primary oppenent, Reece Rose, has failed to make her case that the county has fat in its budget. Her campaign theme may have worked in 1994, but a decade later her message is dated. The county is running leaner than it was and the issue today is maintaining existing services rather than cutting more services.

If Shelton has a perceived weakness it’s in not paying enough attention to the environment as the county continues its rapid growth. This is an issue for the general election when he will be running against a Democrat, not the primary when he is running against a more conservative Republican.