Editor,

Oak Harbor has been unfortunate in the last four years to be saddled with a mayoral administration which, despite some achievements, has suffered from what might be called “Washington, D.C. syndrome.”

It has been plagued with divisive, dysfunctional politics, aggravated by executive arrogance, secrecy, midnight massacres and habitual cost overruns. Our thriving, friendly community was turned into something akin to Oak Harbor on the Potomac.

I think we will all agree that this is something we should strive to avoid in the future, and the coming election is our chance.

Whether Jim Campbell, who is close to Mayor Dudley, would follow in the mayor’s unfortunate footsteps, if elected, is open to discussion.

I, for one, am not willing to take that risk and will therefore enthusiastically support Bob Severns.

I know Bob to be committed to our community. Not only does he care deeply about Oak Harbor, but he has demonstrated that he is a conciliator who will achieve his goals through communication and compromise. He will work together with his colleagues on the council, business interests, civic organizations, and  the community at large to allow Oak Harbor to achieve its full potential.

Let us avoid the possibility of another four years of “OH on the Potomac” and elect Bob Severns as mayor.

Dr. Bernd J. Fischer

Oak Harbor