The hit against Island County Commissioner candidate Dean Enell (“Candidate accused of favoring base closure, News-Times, Oct. 13) should have been matched with a similar story against his opponent: “Shelton accused of favoring illegal logging of heron nests.”

It would have been more accurate and at least as relevant. Mike Shelton’s campaign manager illegally logged a heron rookery near Freeland in 1995. The county and state wildlife agency had worked for months to prevent the destruction. The violation was so blatant criminal prosecution was requested. Shelton never opened his mouth about the environmental law breaking by his campaign manager.

But that was Shelton’s campaign manager, not him. And while silent, he didn’t endorse the crime. He just never repudiated it, though he had to be aware of it, since it was front page news.

Which is precisely the situation with the Republican attack on Dean Enell, except that Enell had no connection with or knowledge of the letter allegedly sent in 1991. Enell became a member of WEAN six years later — in 1997. He served on the organization’s Board of Directors 13 years later — in 2003 to spring 2004.

Is this the best Shelton can come up with? Why can’t he just discuss his record? Mike Shelton and Mac MacDowell continue to oppose environmental protection.They’re still appealing a 1999 legal ruling requiring protection of wetlands, streams, and wildlife habitat on all rural zoned land — all the way to the state Supreme Court.

Hmmm. . . maybe illegal logging of a heron rookery in 1995 by Shelton’s campaign manager is relevant after all. It was front page news, it happened on his watch, he knew about it, he never said or did anything then, and he’s currently opposing wetland, stream, and wildlife habitat protection. It’s kind of funny how Shelton only cares about the environment when election time rolls around.

Steve Erickson

Langle