A recent Whidbey News-Times article stated that Paul Brewer was “Once known as the council gadfly.” Not being an expert in etymology, I looked up the word “gadfly” to find out what it is. According to Wikipedia, “a gadfly is a person who upsets the status quo by posing upsetting or novel questions, or just being an irritant. The term has been used to describe many politicians and social commentators.” It further states, “In modern and local politics, gadfly is a term used to describe someone who persistently challenges people in positions of power, the status quo or a popular position.” I heard recently that “if no one challenges the status quo, the earth will still be flat and empires will rule forever.”

I just want to applaud the Whidbey News-Times for accurately portraying Mr. Brewer as a gadfly. We desperately need a gadfly amongst a few bubbleheads so the city won’t be led down a primrose path; or more appropriately, down an Indian burial site. I really appreciate Mr. Brewer’s willingness once again run for city council and be my gadfly amongst a few goodfellas.

Pat Rivera
Oak Harbor