I don't kid myself that these have much affect, as most who check this blog have their own strong opinions. But, for the record, and for those who ask me each election, here are some issues and candidates that I think best serve fair and open government.

City of Bellingham
Vote No to Proposition No. 1
The EMS levy is a shell game of put money under one shell and guess where it is. The mayor moves money between dozens of accounts to allow saying there is either plenty of money or not enough money, depending on what he wants to do. The EMS levy will benefit frivilous programs, not the EMS services.

Vote No on Charter Amendment No. 1
Former city finance director Lynn Carpenter has urged us all to vote NO on this. This amendment will weaken public oversight of the mayor's spending.

Whatcom County
Chuck Snyder for Superior Court Judge
He is fair and has shown a great ability as a court commissioner. He is a person of integrity - and that is what we need on the bench.

I'll probably vote Yes for the Proposition No. 1 - jail levy
But the problem is who we put in jail - not the need for more jail cells. However, we should provide humane conditions for those in jail. We put mental patients in jail, minor drug users, and people who are not violent. We have a broken crime and punishment system, not a jail problem.

Washington State
Yes on Initiative 872 - the primary election reform
While this may not be perfect, it will sure be better than the crazy primary process our state government foisted on us this year.

Robin Bailey for State Legislature to replace Doug Ericksen
Robin is intelligent and experienced in local issues. Doug quietly served corporate masters with the commerce corridor study, tried to deny any involvement and has lied repeatedly on the issue. Besides, he's lazy.

Sam Reed for Secretary of State - a Republican, Sam has done an outstanding job these past four years. He is a great public servant.

Mike Cooper for Public Lands Commissioner to replace Doug Sutherland. Mike is very well qualified to run our state lands and he actually cares about the environment. Sutherland has ignored state laws in his pursuit of a closed agency grand plan of some sort.

Governor - either will be a good governor. We are lucky.

Mary Kay Becker for State Supreme Court. I've known her going back over 30 years. She is an exceptional person who will provide common sense on the court. Conservatives and Liberals can support her.

No need to go further. You are either for Kerry or Bush, for Murray or against her, etc. See you on the other side of the election.