When we post an article with strong criticism of a government agency, we better be right. Else the truth will come out soon enough and our credibility will be reduced.

Last night I posted a strongly critical article of how Whatcom County is mis-managing the Lummi Island ferry service. While there is still a lot more to this issue, I felt this article needed to be posted now as our time for acquiring the surplus state ferry Hiyu is quickly running out. 

I’ve been involved with news publications for over 50 years, and with civic and political involvement for even longer.  Yes, I’m an old man. And so I want to tell you, gentle reader, a truth that is important. You may know it, but many do not as evidenced by how excited they get when a hard hitting article is posted. 

The truth is this. When an article like this appears, the government bureaucrats and elected officials who are being criticized do one thing. Nothing. They wait to see if anyone cares and if anything is going to happen. More times than not, no other citizens put forth any effort on the issue and the article is soon forgotten. That is the truth of articles like this. They may be true and the issues important, but an article by itself rarely results with government agencies making needed changes.

Many people believe that if only an article will be written and read then there will be improvements. It just does not work that way.  Bringing the news to our community is only the start. Those in government who are mis-managing something already know it. The article does not tell them anything they do not know. And if others in the community - especially others with influence - do not take action then nothing changes. Until there is a tragedy.

Those in the strongest position to push an issue are our elected council members. That is why we elect them. I should not have to say more.