Election time is upon us and the public is being asked to once again vote for mudslinging accusations and name familiarity.

Mudslinging is exciting and bitterly cruel. Name familiarity is not always the most knowledgeable form of information about a person. Our duty as citizens is to read, listen and discover who would best serve the needs of Clallam County, its security and safety.

Voting is a right and a duty; its duty is to determine who best fits the needs of the county. Our actions on a ballot speak louder than words. It is our duty to pay meticulous attention to past service, initiative and judgment.

The time has come to apply experience in public service as opposed to a need for high salary. We deserve a candidate that has a strong grasp on public safety and managerial experience in both criminal and civil law. Civil law presents as many challenges to our community as civil law. We need a candidate who will improve the quality of life for our citizens.

As a lifetime resident having served 34 years in public service (law enforcement and probation) I know Mark Nichols is this man. He has been a “ No Bull” Prosecutor and certainly never submits to “ Let’s Make A Deal.” He has worked for this county for 10 years and has the knowledge and skills to be a good prosecutor. Before the mudslinging starts lets familiarize ourselves with truth and accuracy, not half-truths and perceptions. Everything is public record and anyone can get records if they ask.

This man has a strong grasp of public safety. He will help us meet the critical challenges facing our county in the coming years both criminal and civil. He has critical knowledge of civil issues that have faced Clallam County in the past and will face in the future. Read, listen and get the public records. It is a matter of public safety.

Danetta Rutten

Port Angeles