In October's editorial you inform your readers “KAPO honestly believes it's primarily responsible for Lent's election and is livid she has refused to dance exclusively to its tune.” (emphasis added).You didn't preface that with “I believe” or “It has been rumored.” It is stated as a fact. Not only does KAPO believe it - but we “honestly” believe it (emphasis added) Are you speaking of KAPO as an organization perhaps having issued such a proclamation? If so, I don't recall such a position ever being taken or stated.

I have never said such a thing even among small groups of our members and I have never heard any of our leadership or members make such irresponsible remarks.

KAPO has never given a cent to any political campaign nor have we ever endorsed a political candidate for a public office. Do we have members who have personally contributed to campaigns and supported candidates for public office? Of course! Many of our members are very politically active. KAPO leadership does not know nor do we care who our members support politically. That is OK, isn't it?

Have I ever heard one of our members make such statements on behalf of KAPO? No, I have not. Perhaps you have. Did they actually state that their opinion was an official KAPO position? Or did you just interpret any remarks they may have made as official knowing they were a KAPO member?

I have always said and hold to this day that there is only one person responsible for Patty Lent's election and that person is former county commissioner Tim Botkin. Any voter, whether they are a KAPO member or not who expects an elected official “…to dance exclusively to its tune” is extremely naïve.

I know your journalistic ethic takes you above such contrivance. I'm just going to consider this a temporary lapse in what is usually your very good judgment.

Vivian Henderson, Executive Director
Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners
Port Orchard

(Editor's Note: I owe KAPO an apology, As an organization, it has not taken a position on that issue. However, in spite of Ms. Henderson’s assertions, more than few KAPO members have taken the time to express to me personally — some at great length and with more than just a little enthusiasm — the point of view presented. The error is in assuming that position accurately reflects the majority opinion of the membership, and/or of the organization itself. In spite of this clarification, we stand by the balance of that particular commentary.).