David Dehlendorf never disappoints.
He is always willing to assert his particular view (last week’s Journal, “Poster-child for conflict of interest,” April 2, pg. 7) of how islanders should be allowed to live, think and act.
David’s wife once served on the planning commission so he apparently feels entitled to express his dismay that not everyone on the commission shares his view of the universe.
Mr. Dehlendorf has been told by the county prosecutor, more than once, that being associated with an organization that supports island property owners does not disqualify a citizen from serving on the planning commission.
David’s skewed view doesn’t get much public support. It seems most islanders recognize a loaf of baloney when they see it.
Even being head of the local Democratic Party doesn’t give his viewpoint much credibility with islanders.
Not discouraged by a lack of public support, Mr. Dehlendorf and friends plod on, trying to use local government to impose their emotional, half-baked notions of a tightly regulated community on their neighbors.
In the past, David and the folks who play his tune have had an influence on local politics and policies far beyond their numbers. Lately their control of local events, politics and committees has eroded.
Homeowners have come together to say enough is enough. The local citizens, many who support Common Sense Alliance, are pushing back.
The result of people standing up for themselves is that now there are several people serving on the planning commission who are looking for rational, common sense solutions to planning for the future of our islands; a welcome change Mr. Dehlendorf opposes.
There are other changes as well. David’s hand-picked candidates did not win the last council elections. There is a ways to go, but positive change seems to be gaining.
For the average county citizen who wants to live and work in a community that is neighborly and not subject to the foggy logic of David’s environmental and political extremism, the change is welcome.
John Evans/Orcas Island
— Editor’s note: A former three-term county commissioner, John Evans is executive director of San Juan Builders Association
