Skip Priest’s record has been favorable to performance art. His many friends in the art community reward him for that, they’re his perpetual supporters, know they’ll benefit if he’s elected mayor, regardless of the popular regard for their demands.

On the other hand, Jim Ferrell has the courage of his sensible convictions. He has outright stated “no” to a big capital expense in this poor economic climate for a performance art venue, even after our spendthrift legislators teased them with a $5 million start-up gift offer (a mere fraction of the capital cost).

Mr. Priest has not been definitive when asked about his supporting this new plan. His allegiance to performance art is evidenced in his record, even in recent legislative votes as well as his egregious ballot reversal vote of 14 years ago.

In seven years of council votes, there’s never been a question of motive in any of Jim Ferrell’s votes. Zero suspicion that he’s beholden to any group or commission or any other self-serving motive to sway his decisions.

The Mirror’s Oct. 9 endorsement of candidate Ferrell pointed out the difference precisely.

Jim makes the tough decisions, guided solely by his determination of what is right for the city as a whole — not just for a group. He hears citizen input but is not influenced by clamoring special interests. His judgements are based on need, priority and affordability, never pandering to a few special interest groups.

There’s a definite contrast. Jim Ferrell is a leader, not a follower.

We can show the “no strong mayor” bunch that we are smart enough to get it right. We have history/public record to tell us who’s the right and honest man for this job, to do the will of all the people, not just a few. Let’s do it right.

Marie Adair, Federal Way