Olympia has increased state spending 43 percent in the last five budget cycles. Our state population grew 11 percent in that time; inflation grew 19 percent.

How has this increased spending helped the citizens of Kitsap County? With this increased spending on new programs and existing ones we have yet to come up with a reliable funding source for the ferry system, except the fare box.

I do not understand why legislators such as State Rep. Sherry Appleton, who supported adding taxes and increased spending, can say they represent Kitsap County in Olympia while she is defending her party policies and supporting their party leadership that have let us all down. Special interest and party politics have left Kitsap paying more than their share. It’s time for a change. Vote For Pete Deboer in the 23rd District. He supports a government that works for us and we can afford.

Mick Sheldon

Kingston