Editor,

In a recent guest editorial, Rick Hannold claimed that I wanted to close down Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. His statement is simply not true. According to his own comment, the claim is hearsay and certainly was never verified.

I come from a Navy family. My father served on the USS Gilbert Islands. He was a civilian engineer on the USS Enterprise. We have a strong history of military service in our family. My grandfather served in WWI, my father in WWII and my cousins in Vietnam and the Gulf War. This winter I attended the funeral of my Uncle Hank who served with the Navy in the Marshall Islands. He was buried with full military honors.

In my family, we honor those who served and their families.

Active duty military, military families and veterans are an important part of our community. The base is one of the economic engines that helps drive our local economy. I have not stated any intention to close the base and find it curious to think my opponent even believes that Island County commissioners have that authority.

The job of a county commissioner is to listen to the concerns of our residents and to work with the military to ensure that the Navy and the community can co-exist as good neighbors. It is about working to find solutions to the problems we face together. These are my commitments to all the families of Island County. It will be the leadership I will bring to the Board of Island County Commissioners.

Janet St. Clair

Camano Island