Have you been reading the long, ranting letters by Jerry Vaughn? I seem to remember him doing the same thing when he was a “Vote No” spokesperson for the elected mayor initiative. His tactic: Call the other guy “angry” and “against everything,” and then attack. Smear the opponent, and bully those who oppose the “No Changes” group. And furthermore, how dare those who disagree with him point out the flaws in his candidate’s words and actions.

I must assume that Mr. Vaughn, et al, have momentarily forgotten the purpose, process and value of democracy. Fortunately for the voters in Federal Way, Vaughn’s group lost its last battle. The citizens of Federal Way now get to vote for their mayor. (Please do not forget that fact.) But of course this prompts the “No Changes” group to step up their attacks. And they’re doing what they did last time: Twisting the facts, and hoping no one notices. The real facts go back 20 years, when Skip Priest was on the Federal Way City Council with Mary Gates and others. When Jim Ferrell unseated Gates in 2002, he became their mortal enemy. To say that the old guard is ganging up now on Mr. Ferrell is an understatement.

And now Mr. Priest is back. First, he sided with the “Vote No” group, trying to keep you from being able to elect your mayor. Then he flip-flopped. (He’s been doing a lot of that lately.) He’s even talking now about his “vision” for Federal Way. How long has he had this vision? Since his “Vote No” position lost? He’s against term limits. Is that part of his vision?

Don’t be fooled. And do remember that there is one person who has had the best interests of Federal Way and all of its people all along. Jim Ferrell.

David McKenzie, Federal Way