When demands exceed the will of the citizens to bear the expense and those in power define the common good to favor themselves, the social contract between governing and governed is breached. The good standing of the contract is further repudiated when performance is also lacking. The events of Sept. 11 in concert with a struggling economy have made a poorly managed, self-serving and coercive government intolerable.
The only remedy is to elect members of intelligence and integrity to the governing body in question. As a voter in Snohomish County Council District 4, I must make such a decision. I am provided the choice between two candidates, both currently holding other elective positions in this county. Both are counting on that great misconception that a permanent elective elite can best conduct the peoples’ business. With good wisdom, the Founding Fathers were skeptical of this concept and we should be too. Their previous public service allows the slovenly voter to assume name recognition equates to skill and virtue. Both candidates are strongly affiliated with their respective party. This affiliation guarantees the right of the majority to coerce the minority, undermining the common good. Both candidates’ campaigns are encumbered by special interests, which will only perpetuate self-serving government. One candidate comes with a legislative resume, which will give us the opportunity to import Olympia’s morass into the courthouse. The other candidate comes from a party with a history of fiscal irresponsibility that will only widen the breach.
I must ask myself which candidate is able to overcome the impediments I have described? I am very familiar with Dave Schmidt and have concluded that he lacks sufficient character to succeed. I am very familiar with Dave Gosset’s party and must conclude it won’t allow him the flexibility to succeed. Therefore I will write in a name of my choosing resulting in none of the above.
Republican PCO, Misty Precinct
Bothell
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