It was with amazement to pick up the paper to read that Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, is thinking of filing a lawsuit against Ed Barnes. How ridiculous of Benton to believe he can shut the mouths of Clark County residents by threatening legal action. Reviewing the situation, perhaps, he should remember the hundreds of people who crowded the county commissioners meeting in his appointment by David Madore and Tom Mielke.
Subsequent meetings were overflowing with residents upset at the cronyism of his appointment to a job he is not qualified or educated to perform. The process was not followed and Benton should have resigned.
Much more blame should be affixed to Commissioners Madore and Mielke, who did not follow due process. Now, we are being sued by a qualified candidate and county employee, Anita Largent. She deserved the opportunity to fill the position.
A grave error was made by the commissioners, but Benton’s repeated volatile behavior in threatening lawsuits and abusive behavior should no longer be tolerated. It is time for Benton to resign.
