Add two commissioners

I support your Jan. 20 editorial supporting the legislative bill to increase the Spokane County Board of Commissioners by two members.

Since inception, Spokane County has had three commissioners. Today, as the fourth-largest county in Washington, and with a population nearing 500,000, we still have three commissioners. I believe we need more representation of our varied neighborhoods and communities within Spokane County. With three commissioners, elected by the entire county, I don’t believe this representation can happen.

I voted against the measure last fall to add two commissioners because it did not improve our representation. The reason this legislation is so much better is that the commissioners would be elected by districts instead of being elected countywide.

In addition, the provision for drawing district lines by a bipartisan committee is more fair than having those commissioners who are running for office draw the lines.

This is exactly the updated government I’ve been waiting for and that Spokane County needs.

Tom Brattebo

Liberty Lake