Debbie Vann is a long-standing proponent of good government. She deserves recognition for her service to the city as a council member from 2002 to 2006.

More recently, and much to our disappointment, she has also been a shrill voice in the continuing us-versus-them environment enveloping city hall.

Vann has repeatedly and very publicly attacked those with whom she does not agree, be they elected council members or Bainbridge Island employees.

Sadly, she seldom sticks to the issues at hand. Many of the missives we’ve seen her fire in recent months are highly personal attacks and simply just not true.

It’s for this, her caustic comments of late, that islanders should be relieved that the city council did not appoint her to the city’s planning commission as expected this week.

Vann would have likely been one of the city’s newest planning commissioners, save for a three-three tie vote on her appointment.

The planning commission, by all accounts, is a well-functioning body that addresses its work thoroughly and without  the drama we’ve seen at the city council level.

Bainbridge Island does not need another group of officials torn asunder by those who speak fast and furious and without the facts.

To those who voted for Vann, please examine your motives to determine if you truly want a team-orientated, well-functioning body of volunteers, electeds and employees serving the citizens of Bainbridge Island.