Here's an excerpt from Logan's statement:
"My decision to leave is based on several factors:
First, as I have said, this is an extraordinary professional opportunity.
Second, my family is at a unique time where a decision to re-locate and seek new horizons is a good fit for us. Establishing ourselves in a new community and in a new professional setting during the summer months allows for a positive family transition.
Third, a change in leadership at this time allows for a transition period to occur before the fall election cycle. I am committed to assisting with that transition in whatever manner will most benefit the staff and operations of the Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division.
Finally, the continuing struggle to manage the Records, Elections and Licensing Services Division in what remains a highly politicized and divided structure has led me to question my ability to play a positive leadership role in King County government. My personal and professional disappointment in the recent incivility and disrespectful nature of proceedings with the County Council related to the vote-by-mail proposal has further exaggerated that dynamic."
"I am most proud of resisting the natural urge to abandon things in the heat of controversy and intense scrutiny..."
--Dean Logan statement, June 13, 2006
At about 2:04 (give or take a minute) of the Metropolitan King County Council KCTV posting is when things flamed up.
Dean Logan had to go.
The link is http://www.metrokc.gov/CTV/Archive/index.htm to KCTV streaming video.
It was a surprise that Dean Logan lasted this long after the fiasco of the last election. He was brought in to fix an already serious problem and failed miserably. Now he blames the political atmosphere for leaving. It is a sad commentary but not a suprising display of buck passing that is typcial when someone fails and refuses to accept responsiblity.
As a Democrat I was glad with the outcome of the last election but the way the elections department in King County only allowed Republicans to do what Logan is doing now and that is blame someone else for their problem. For the record I still believe that the significant number of mistakes in King County Elections were not made out of malice but can be attributable to incompetence.
Finally, while not successful, Logan is also being made the scapegoat by the Democratic as well as the Republican party because to do otherwise would assume the buck would stop at the executive branch of King County government.
Maybe it is time to do what 38 other counties due and elect and auditor who is repsonsible to the voters and not to political bosses. Just a thought.
Mike said "Finally, while not successful, Logan is also being made the scapegoat by the Democratic as well as the Republican party because to do otherwise would assume the buck would stop at the executive branch of King County government." The voters will make the choice if they want progress or the 'good old boy' menthod of goverment.
Way to go Dean, you have my five votes for a job well done!