Well, here we go with the off-year elections. While some may

say they are “only” primary elections, the decision you

make – or don’t make – next Tuesday will have an immediate

bearing on the Snoqualmie Valley and its communities.

As a review, there are several offices up for grabs. The

county-wide races include two Port of Seattle commissioner

positions, a contest for King County Assessor, one Court of

Appeals judgeship, and two Superior Court judge positions. Also

being considered is a major statewide initiative, I-695.

Closer to home are the council race in Snoqualmie – three are

on the ballot, with the top two going on to the general election

in November – the King County District 12 race, and propositions

concerning police services in Carnation and a fire service levy

for District 38.

Beyond I-695 – which we commented on last week – perhaps the

most “colorful” race has been the one between Brian

Derdowski and David W. Irons Jr., for King County Council,

District 12.

If you look past the Irons and Derdowski signs plastered all

over this end of the county, the campaign has had some

interesting aspects.

Councilman Derdowski effectively has run on his record as

someone who’s accessible, caring, and willing to hold the line on

rampaging development. Irons, for his part, has also run on

Derdowski’s record, terming him ineffective, out of touch, and

unwilling to tackle the issues of traffic, congestion and

overcrowded schools.

One surprising aspect of this race has been some of the radio

spots. Some of the commercials have sounded as if they were

scripted by James Carville and the other usual suspects from

Washington on the Potomac. We even ran a letter from an Irons’

supporter last week that referred to Derdowski’s supporters as a

“little band of brownshirts.”

It’s unfortunate – and sad – that even county council races

are now being operated to “national standards.” There

is no place for slash and burn tactics and character

assassination at the local level, but hey, it works in

Presidential races, so why not try it here?

Fortunately for the Snoqualmie council race – and other than

regular bushel loads of mail coming in for one of the candidates

– the whole thing has been pretty low key. Time will tell if the

election in November is as cordial.

On all the issues, the key point remains to vote. Under our

representative form of government, you have the right to vote on

certain issues directly, such as initiatives and propositions.

Otherwise, you elect representatives to do the voting for you.

If you don’t like what you see happening in the Valley, region

or state – or if you do like what you’re seeing, and want it to

continue – make sure you get down to the polling place Tuesday.

There is an old saying, something to the effect that “not

making a decision is making a decision.” If you fail

to vote, you have made your decision as strongly as anyone else.

If you don’t like the outcome, but failed to do your part to

direct the outcome, you have no one but yourself to blame.

But feel free to keep writing letters to the editor.

Mark Morgan, Editor