05/16/2006: "Cowboy Council"

No matter what your political persuasion, it is clear that we have a county council problem. From the wage issues to the hiring practices, to the rejection of the advice of counsel, to the unformed, waffling and half-baked positions on ADU's and the rejection of the advisory vote. These are not the actions of an accountable representative government, these are three men attempting to implement their own personal agendas.

So where is the outrage? Where are the feminist women? Where are the accusations that this local government is a "boy's club"?

Just because you voted for these county council cowboys does not mean that you can't have a change of heart. A change of conscience. Make an effort to rope them in. Become a voice for adult, rational, responsible behavior. Show that you are not as naïve and uninformed as they think you are.

It is time for everyone to stand up and be a little "d" democrat, even if you are a big "D" and these are "your cowboys". They are off the ranch, they are punch drunk with power and they are acting like they are pretty sure you can't stop them.

Alex Gavora

( Alex Gavora is an attorney, and a longtime resident on San Juan Island)