08/03/2006: "To Lichter & Ranker: Less Would Be Better!"

To the Editor:

My hat is off to Mr. Ranker and Mr. Lichter. They have managed to alienate their electorate, and their fellow elected officials.

With one phone call I have learned that Whatcom County does not supply their seven Council Members with a private office. I already knew that Friday Harbor does not supply each Council member with a private office. Why are our Council Members even discussing the matter?

Mr.. Lichter has now decided that he has heard enough "whining" from the people he is supposed to be listening to. He has claimed that he wishes to get on with a multi-million dollar project without reaching the slightest agreement with those that are most affected.

Further more Mr. Ranker and Mr. Lichter have chosen, more than once, to ignore the advice of their legal council. That is the legal council that we, the voters, have duly elected to represent them. They have even attempted to instruct that legal council to do something that the legal council has deemed illegal.

It is apparent that these guys are working very hard attempting to get their selfish agendas accomplished.

I would suggest that Mr.. Ranker, and Mr.. Lichter, do nothing until such time that we, the people, are represented on the Council. I am sure the voters of all political parties in San Juan County would be happier, and would benefit.

Bill LaPorte
Friday Harbor

(Bill LaPorte is a former SJ County Commissioner and Mayor of Friday Harbor)