The old saw, "With friends like these, who needs enemies," certainly comes to mind in light of the recent recall petition against the Kittitas Board of County Commissioners. I would imagine that Horizon and EnXco are doing a bit of navel gazing about this time wondering exactly what sort of monster they have created and set loose in the countryside.

Prior to each public hearing on the wind farm siting issue, Horizon called the faithful to meeting with the promise of a catered dinner and presented their latest case and position. The congregants were then force fed a bit of courage and urged to give verbal testimony in support of the Horizon efforts to gain approval for their Kittitas Valley Wind Power Project along Highway 97. Bringing to mind the ceremonial sake and scarf presented to kamikaze pilots before flight, all participants were fitted with windmill stickers and spooled up to advocate for the project.

After the county commissioners unanimously denied the KVWWP and Horizon took their demands to EFSEC, the governor granted their wish and approved the project. The county commissioners of course had no real alternative but to challenge the order which appears to go far beyond any legitimate state authority and glaringly conflicts with the state Growth Management Act.

It is beginning to appear that someone at Horizon may be guilty of over serving the Kool Aid. A petition was just filed demanding the recall of all three county commissioners in part stating that they are guilty of malice, malfeasance, and violation of their oaths of office. This is entertainment at its best.

Blind advocacy can quickly degenerate into narcissistic buffoonery if the activist cannot accomplish his goals through normal channels. The recent and continuing implosion of Dan Rather is a prime example. At some point, which I believe has been reached, the advocate begins to damage his own cause more seriously than his opposition.

Surely Horizon and EnXco know that no matter which way the commissioners' challenge to the governor's order goes in the Supreme Court, they will still have to deal with the Board of County Commissioners in the future. Right now there is a loose cannon traversing their decks during a pretty stormy time. If they know what is good for them they will dispatch some sailors to tie it down at the earliest opportunity.

Jeffrey S. Howard

Cle Elum