Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow stopped in our office Monday morning to ask that we print something prominent that stated he is a candidate for office.

In last week's edition, we accidentally omitted the name off a letter to the editor from Heidi Heywood, who stated that although she had received enough votes in the primary election to qualify as write-in candidate, she wouldn't be a candidate for the office.

Bigelow told us that since the print edition appeared, several people had asked him why he wasn’t running. He wants everyone to know that he is.

We’ve reprinted Heywood’s letter in its entirety below.

Attorney not running

To the Eagle:

While honored to have been written in by a number of Wahkiakum voters, I am not seeking the office of Wahkiakum County Prosecuting Attorney at this time.

I loved working as Wahkiakum’s Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the 1990s, and left that position due to family obligations. Those family obligations continue with my daughters still in high school. My commitment to my family, together with current service and professional obligations, prevent me from serving as Prosecutor even if I were to be elected this year. The Prosecuting Attorney has a crucial role which must be effectively executed: crime victims, the accused, public policy and overall community safety deserve the highest attention to detail out of both respect for the people affected and for the law itself.

I am not enamored of the write-in process for candidates, unless, of course, they run a campaign and bring issues to public debate. My advice for anyone who has specific concerns or frustrations with any elected official is to meet directly with the incumbent to discuss your concerns.

Democracy functions best through open dialogue, and finally through the ballot box. Our county will be stronger when those with opinions express them, and those elected listen and consider the wishes of the people. Elected officials cannot know what you think if you don't tell them. Make the time to get involved, and help Wahkiakum move forward to a bright and promising future!

Sincerely,

Heidi L. Heywood, Skamokawa