To the editor:

I feel compelled to write this to my fellow Bainbridge Islanders. More than 80 percent of you will be voting differently than I will.

I have no illusions that my words of wisdom will sway any voters.

This letter is an urgent warning!

I care too much about you, our island, our county, our state and our country than to sit on the sidelines and say nothing.

An overwhelming majority of us voted no on the Bainbridge Island School District Tech Levy 1 (2007). We saw the excesses and won a more reasonable levy.

In a similar way, I urge us to consider the excesses of our federal government. We have elected representatives who are rapidly spending this great country of ours into financial ruin. Do we manage our personal finances this way?

Folks, the sooner we act (spend within our means), the less the “pain.” Conversely, the longer we wait, the worse the “pain.” Millions of Americans and the whole world will be hurt if we fail.

Don’t take just my word for it. You all are intelligent and informed. Listen to the many experts who are warning us.

This coming election will have a huge impact on our financial future. Eighty percent of you will be voting to re-elect the present administration. The most compelling reason I urge you to re-consider your vote is the financial health issue. The present administration has a four-year track record — overspending and huge debt increases. The challenger has pledged a very different direction for our country — one a lot closer to fiscal sanity. I wish we could unite on this supremely important issue.

So, as we move closer and closer to the financial “cliff,” remember that I cared enough to warn you. If (when) such an unwelcome event happens, we have no one to blame but ourselves.

THOMAS W. HEMPHILL

Pleasant Beach