I grew up in Kent — this information usually gets a smirk from people who know present day Kent. But, when I grew up there, it was a small town surrounded by lush farm lands and large enough forests for a kid to go on great expeditions in. Before you vote for county commissioner take a drive to Kent, see what it is now.

All of this came about not because of large sweeping decision but incrementally one development, one less farm, one more shopping mall at a time. There will always be someone with the money and the drive to make a business opportunity from our forests, farmlands and creeks. It takes a commitment to the land and the values of the whole community to resist this constant pressure to pave over, cut down and confine our rural lifestyle. Let-the-market-sort-it-out libertarian values will not protect the quality of our future, nor will unchecked and unbalanced Republicanism.

Dean Enell has shown that he has the character and commitment to make decisions that represent the broader concerns of us all, while respecting individual rights. He has been a hard working volunteer and citizen for many years now and has shown that he is dedicated to the long term interests of Island County. He will be thinking about our children’s future as he makes the decisions of today. Dean Enell is our best choice for County commissioner.

David Iles

Freeland