A local blog referenced a letter to the editor by Dale R. Smith of Camano Island, which was published in the Whidbey News-Times an Aug. 20. I found a similar letter published in the Skagit Valley Herald on Aug. 14. They blame our Island County Commissioner John Dean for doubling Smith’s property taxes during the time Dean has been in office.

The blog listed a response from Dean that on checking, the reason for the increase in property taxes was essentially due to the building of a home on the initially vacant land, increasing the value and thus the taxes.

When I checked, the property taxes on the lot we built our house on increased over three times from before Dean started serving to this year (now with house). Compare this to property taxes on our vacant lot across the street that went down 17.4 percent over the same time period. Although I know other factors enter into the picture, maybe this person should blame John Dean for lowering his taxes by 17 percent! In fairness the involved papers should print a statement giving the facts, and should ask Mr. Smith for an apology for his distortion.

At the very least, this should remind thinking citizens that some people have political reasons to offer distortions or untruths for their own reasons. This seems unfortunately common in national politics, and I am sorry to see that it is becoming more common locally. Remember to check other people’s facts, and that speaking the truth reflects well on you and your arguments.

Peter C. Sodt

Camano Island