We speak best when we speak from experience. So, let me tell you about my experiences with each of our candidates for mayor — as they all had a part in one of the biggest issues my neighborhood has faced. I’ve described the case in previous letters. Suffice it to say that it was about a “group home” for substance abusers moving into Twin Lakes in 2001, whether we wanted it or not.

“Our hands are tied” said the city manager when we came to the city asking how they let this happen. We didn’t accept their excuses of course, and spoke for several months at city council meetings. We were ignored by some council members, tolerated by others. Two of them had the audacity to tell us that they “had heard enough” from us.

As for our four candidates? Mike Park may have had an opinion on the matter, but I never knew what it was. Linda Kochmar seemed sympathetic to our plight. And she later admitted to me that the city had let us down. That was better than nothing I guess, but not by much. As for Skip Priest, well, Jim Ferrell (not on the city council at that time) arranged for me to meet with Skip over coffee. The three of us sat down together and I explained the situation. Priest’s input: “That’s incredible.” And I never heard from him on the matter again.

Let’s go back to Ferrell now. Not only was he also outraged, he met with the neighbors most affected by this issue. He took notes. He even spoke passionately on our behalf at a city council meeting. I have not seen Prosecutor Ferrell in court. But I saw what he brings to the table when he sees wrong and knows that he must act for those wronged.

(By the way, we homeowners finally did prevail, at a great expense, and with no thanks to the city. It took a while, but we refused to accept that our “hands were tied.” And kudos to the Federal Way police during that trying time. They were great.)

So, there you have our candidates. Two basically smiled and nodded, one acted concerned, and one actively took our side. Jim Ferrell will tell you what he can and can’t do. And he will offer what ideas he thinks are feasible.

I’ve had a lot of chances since to observe each of these people, and my opinion hasn’t changed. Voters, if you really do want a mayor who cares about the people, and who will fight for them, this is a no-brainer if there ever was one. It’s Ferrell all the way. Or, as I saw on an informational piece, “A new day for Federal Way.”

Dave McKenzie, Federal Way