I usually don’t really care about party affiliation and typically vote for the best candidate (in my opinion), regardless of what party they belong to. But recent events both at the governor’s level and on the County Council’s have pretty much got me scratching my head and asking why would I ever vote Democrat again.

There have to be others in the rural areas of King County asking the same thing, so here is some food for thought. I will go out on a political limb. (It won’t be the first time, nor the last and usually the limb gets cut off with me on it.)

I think it’s outrageous that Christine Gregoire has asked for a third recount when even elections officials aren’t sure if a hand recount will be any more accurate than the last machine recount. Hey Christine (or is it Chris?), let the state move on and quit whining each time you lose a recount. As far as most of us are concerned, the election is over and we have turned to other, more important things. Would the Republicans bow out if they were down by 42 votes? I would hope so, but the election has become less about a real number and more about manipulation of the voting system. I think you solidified my next vote for governor (Republican) unless the Democrats pull out a candidate who understands what’s best for the whole, not just their own party.

But more important is the battle going on at the county level. Our pages are overflowing with rebuttals to a recent CAO proponent and the opinion reflected seems to say that a Democrat will never get elected as a county representative for our district. East King County is tired of being the scapegoat for the urban areas. Oh sure, you will get some proponents responding to this editorial saying the CAO is the best thing since sliced bread, but chances are they have nothing at stake, no property affected. The only thing we can hope for is that other districts within the county realize the thinking of their elected officials and ask tougher questions about property rights.

Finally, can we hope that King County Executive Ron Sims will find something better to do than run for re-election in King County? We need some new thinking where all parts of the county are considered, not just the urban masses. Who will the Republicans put forth to battle the takers of property?

The John L. Scott Real Estate offices in North Bend have a petition to sign if you are interested in overturning the Critical Areas Ordinance portion of the Comprehensive Plan. It’s time we take back some of our rights that the Democrats are so eager to take away.