Don’t bet on it. It won’t be long until the mud starts flying again. It’s too bad because this seems to be becoming an irreversible — not to mention irresponsible — trend here in Kitsap County. Folks decry the integrity of our elected officials and then take a scoop of mud and fling it at the nearest one.

Questioning their decisions is one thing. That is the right of the voters after all, but when the scope of the character assassin’s gun starts seeking targets of those we are looking to for leadership, we all suffer.

Neither political parties’ hands are clean, mind you, but the most recent burst of bullets should not simply be ignored either. Those who serve the public and are elected to do so shouldn’t be expected to immediately don bull’s-eye jackets and dodge their way through their jobs.

Should they be scrutinized? Absolutely. Criticized? When called for. Demonized? That’s pushing it, but so often those whose candidate didn’t win take this latter tack.

It’s a shame because deep down it sends a message that they lack faith in the government charged to serve them. Or worse yet, that Commissioner X, is indeed out to get them.

Is the belief that our elected officials are trying to do what’s best for the common good of Kitsap County such a naive concept? Are we all so jaded and used to looking through mud-speckled glasses that we sincerely believe local government doesn’t care and trudges blindly down a path led by its own self-serving agenda?

The cases brought against Commissioner Josh Brown seem to indicate this as his residency and integrity were questioned twice. And twice upheld. But is the muddy road over for Brown? Not likely. It’s just beginning.

The political thoroughfare is truly a very, very messy business in this county after all. It is all too easy to forget that the decisions that may benefit some, won’t benefit all.

They must be made, nonetheless.

Our elected officials know this and they also know their jobs, their very livelihoods, hinge on whether or not they accurately echo the will of those who put them in office. But, they can’t always do so. Making everyone happy is an impossibility.

Giving them the chance to prove themselves is another thing entirely.

After being assailed so early on, Commissioner Brown now must be afforded this opportunity to do his job. If he doesn’t pass muster, voters can respond appropriately in four years.