(Editor’s Note: This letter was sent to SeaTac City Councilmember Dave Bush with a copy to the Highline Times.)

Dear Council member Bush,

Your off record comments at the end of the RCM on 07/10/12 calling me a racist were inappropriate. Your comments were witnessed by others and let this serve as notice that this behavior will not be tolerated on my part.

My comment to you was only meant to clarify who I was talking about in my own PUBLIC comments regarding a committee applicant whom I showed the decency of not calling them by name regarding their integrity.

Nothing I have said past, present, and future can be construed as racist and if you take a close look at me it is obvious why. I have endured lots of racism from all sides of the fence and it has become routine but I can cope and ignore it. Its called growing up and playing the cards you are dealt.

Your “blow-up” suggests you may have anger management issues and I have observed this previously. I can relate. In my past I have too so do not think I am unsympathetic. Your face turned beet red and I thought you might explode.

Explode somewhere else besides the Council Chambers and I may suggest you seek help if you cannot control yourself. Transcendental Meditation worked for me three decades ago (I no longer need/use it) and it probably saved my life at the time. You should explore whatever might work for you.

You do great work in the community and please do not let your apparent volatility get the best of you and negate that.

This letter is so that you understand my position, that you not repeat your actions of the post RCM 07/10/12, and that you and other public officials (some witnessing our exchange) are served notice this behavior was documented.

Still, thank you for service to our community and while stressful at times do not let it hurt your own health.

Earl Gipson
SeaTac