Wondering why voters said no

Published 12:13 pm Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Congratulations to Beth Munns on her re-election to Oak Harbor City Council. This is her moment and I wish her well and success in her position. As I have said on many occasions, Beth, you are a very charming and personable individual. And the voters have decided to retain you. Alas, I’ll miss being a part of the important decision-making and direction this city will take.

Most important, I  would like to wish mayor-elect Scott Dudley the most heart-felt congratulations as well. Scott, those who supported you are well aware of just how much you have given of yourself to this community and how faithful you have been to your duties as councilman. Additionally, your family deserves a hearty thank you as well. And to this end I would like to recognize Christine’s contribution to your success with the words: a job well done.

For those of you who made the choice to support me, including the Whidbey News-Times, I thank you all so very much. I truly appreciate your support. I hope that my performance as candidate was not disappointing nor an embarrassment to you. I simply was not able to mount a major campaign, nor was I of the mind of following in the “rutted-path” of huge expenditures and election paraphernalia that, against my better judgment, is often the thing that makes the difference in elections.

My whole life as a teacher and instructor of the history of the United States, as well as my political life, has been one of promoting open government at all levels of government. That was basically my message to the community this time around as well. So, to those who voted against me, I pray that your objections to my candidacy were not in opposition to that great moral and ethical goal of democracy and honesty in government by virtue of transparency in the conduct and function of government!

Larry Eaton
Oak Harbor