This almost could be labeled ‘how I’m voting’ except I would vote for Seth Fleetwood if I were in the 42nd district. Seth is running against long time state Senator Doug Ericksen - and Doug does not serve his district nor the people of Washington state. Where Seth has shown he actually represents people, Doug has shown that he serves his own interests to a degree that is disappointing. This primary is a meaningless contest because they will face each other in the November general election - and that is when one of them will be elected. Still, the primary serves as a super poll and helps a challenger and his supporters have confidence in the general campaign.

Bob Burr for PUD. The most important vote Whatcom County can make is for the PUD - the Public Utility District. This is a real primary, with three candidates. Only two will advance to the general election in November. The PUD has been a good old boys bastion for decades - and has served special interests only. I am voting for Bob Burr because he will open the process in the PUD and look for ways it can best serve more of Whatcom County. Conservative or liberal, Bob is the best choice.

Satpal Sidhu for 42nd District Representative. The other 42nd District contest is for state Representative replacing Overstreet. Without question, the best person by qualifications and experience is Satpal Sidhu. He is everything conservatives say they want in a candidate. He is also progressive and very intelligent. Gee - we might be going against our county traditions to vote him into public office to represent us. Actually, for conservatives who cannot bring themselves to vote for Satpal, they would do better to vote for Nicholas Kunkel, who is running as a Libertarian, than either Luanne VanWerven or Bill Knutzen. Nicholas probably represents conservative values in the rural county much better than either of the other two.

As a liberal, I could recommend Joy Monjure against Vincent Buys in the 42nd, except Vincent does a good job representing his conservative district. He talks with people and listens. He is a good representative.

Finally, I will be joining Riley Sweeney and writing in “Nyima” for Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney. Dave McEachran is the worst elected politician in our county. He is unchallenged because any local lawyer would have serious reprisals if they dared to run against him. More on him in the coming months. For now, Nyima has my vote.

Aug 1 update: When I did mail my ballot a couple days ago, I left the prosecutor entry blank. I did not vote for the dog. Just felt it was wrong to misuse out secret voting process in this way. And I now regret my earlier flippant recommendation. To show my disapproval of McEachran, we can just not vote for the office. Same as we can show approval for someone - like Jeff Morris - who is running unopposed in we can give him our vote.

- John Servais