LETTER: Chapman votes with his conscience, not the status quo

A recent letter writer mischaracterized his not supporting Port Angeles city water fluoridation.

How should one interpret the language of a recent letter to the editor, “Against Chapman” (Aug. 25 PDN), referring to Clallam County Commissioner Mike Chapman?

The writer refers to “the sirens of deceit and misrepresentation have become his guide posts” and “due to political pressure, he would rather deny all the children the easy and cost-effective way to get the benefits of fluoride.”

The letter continues with innuendos and allegations regarding Chapman’s “fiduciary” neglect and lack of personal integrity.

Does not following the surgeon general’s “support of fluoridation” imply this is federal law or mandate or a military order?’

Is one never to question federal guidelines (or even the Supreme Court’s rulings) in response to the expressed concerns of local voters?

I’ve always believed that healthy debate without slavish bowing to the status quo long held by entrenched political and bureaucratic authorities was the mark of equal representation of all the ­voters.

I support Mike Chapman for his openness, his willingness to listen to “ordinary” citizens and his record of compromise and conciliation in a sometimes contentious and polarized board of commissioners.

My impression of him is that he is a man of honest principles and decent conscience.

His abilities are needed in the state Legislature.

Sylvia Marshall Meyer,

Port Angeles

EDITOR’S NOTE: Chapman is a candidate for a 24th Legislative District Position 1 seat in the Nov. 8 general election.

More in Opinion

PAT NEAL: A short history of fishing

TOURISM IS A hazardous industry, just ask our Native American friends. When… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: A short history of history

SOMETIMES, I MISS the good old days. The really old good old… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: Birdwatching with a chainsaw

BIRD WATCHING IS my life. Most of my best bird watching has… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: Bringing back the dodo

THESE DAYS, SCIENTISTS are saying we are living through the sixth mass… Continue reading

Ellen Menshew
POINT OF VIEW: Gun laws effective as means to curb relentless violence

I WAS BORN and raised in Alaska. My family homesteaded there. It… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: My funny Valentine

HELLO YOUNG LOVERS, whoever you are. I hope your troubles are few.… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: The victory of ‘Our Land: Quileute Territory’

READ ANY GOOD books lately? There’s a new one out that should… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: ‘The Big Blowdown’

THERE’S A SAYING around here: If you don’t like the weather, wait… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: Celebrating Robbie Burns Day

a celebration of literature, music and… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: The tale of the 100-pound salmon

Who says there’s no good news? A new world-record Chinook salmon weighing… Continue reading

PAT NEAL: What happened to Dollie?

IN LAST WEEK’S episode, the Press Expedition of 1889-90, a motley collection… Continue reading