As the sponsor of Referendum 2008-2, (non-) attorney of record of the lawsuit that overturned the 2009 election result, and head of the current RejectTheBan.com campaign, it is somewhat an understatement to say that I’ve had recent dealings with County Auditor Milene Henley and Prosecuting Attorney Randy Gaylord.

Both are up for election this cycle, and both are running unopposed. Why might that be? I say it bespeaks the quality, professionalism, and commitment to service that these fine public servants bring to the table. Simply put, they are so good at their jobs that we can’t do any better. That’s why nobody’s running against them. They would have nothing more to offer, no alternatives better than what we already have.

Milene has been the consummate professional, receiving and processing my initial referendum challenge with aplomb, working steadily to help me secure proper form and substance to the petitions, and then certifying the result. Faced with re-running the question against on this year’s ballot, she didn’t even blink. Milene is someone you want in this position. My “safe and sane” fireworks odyssey began with her in July 2008, and will end with her office in a short few weeks. She’s the best.

If anyone had a right to take something personally, it would be Randy Gaylord and the Prosecutor’s Office. And yet that simply has not been the case. Randy and his staff were very professional and courteous every step of the way, and actually were quite helpful to me, all the while we were duking it out in court. This is the attorney who may very well be charged with the task of bringing Colton Harris-Moore to justice in San Juan County. His integrity is without question, and I can’t think of better man to hold the office of Prosecuting Attorney.

I ask you to join me in expressing our appreciation to these two individuals for their good work on our behalf. Please resist the urge to write in “Someone else” or “Sparky my dog” or “Bozo the Clown.” While that’s tempting and easy to be flippant in an unopposed election, these fine and quality individuals deserve our gratitude for their service and the respect of our affirmative vote.

And while you are filling out your ballot, please vote to reject Referendum 2008-2, the ban on “safe and sane” fireworks in San Juan County.

Don Burkhart
Blakely Island