Editorial: Homola makes a difference

Angie Homolo’s tenure as an Island County commissioner promised to be an interesting one, but she started making news earlier than expected — even before she’s sworn in to office.

Homola objected after the three incumbent commissioners made an appointment to the Planning Commission recommended by Mac McDowell, the man who Homola beat in the general election. Since the Planning Commission appointment would start after McDowell left office, Homola felt the appointment should have been hers to make.

Homola’s point is a good one. She’ll be the commissioner for District 1, so why shouldn’t she be making the Planning Commission appointments? McDowell, a conservative Republican, certainly would not pick the same type of person as the liberal Homola.

This seems obvious enough, but the thought apparently eluded John Dean and Helen Price Johnson, who endorsed McDowell’s choice without much debate. Since Dean and Price Johnson are both Democrats, it was a curious decision. They should have been looking out for the interests of those who elected them rather than assuaging the feelings of a once-powerful Republican. It’s a new day in Coupeville with Mac McDowell gone, but so far only Angie Homola seems to appreciate that fact.

The commissioners planned to meet early this week to reconsider their Planning Commission appointment in light of Homola’s objection. Whatever the outcome, Homola showed that there’s a new commissioner in office and she’ll be fighting for her rights and her philosophy, which focuses first on environmental protection and then on growth. That’s a turnaround from how business has always been done in Coupeville.

Homola sent a clear message even before she took office that she has the backbone to demand change. It does indeed look like we have an interesting four years ahead of us.

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