Editor,

I do not understand why the Island County commissioners have to be told this, but when someone steals something valuable from you, you do not negotiate with them to return a part of what they stole. You prosecute them for their illegal action, require them to make full restitution and then add on a penalty for the harm they have done. This is common sense … stuff you should have learned in kindergarten, for goodness sake.

The Montgomerys stole the tidelands and uplands from the public and built a wall to keep us out. They should be required to remove the wall — at their expense — and publicly acknowledge the public ownership of the Wonn Road easement as stated in the 1940s platting document.

In addition, they should be required to pay a penalty of, at least, the amount they received from their title insurance company for the title insurance company’s admitted error.

It is difficult to understand the motivation of elected officials who submit to the rich and powerful at the expense of the people who elected them.

I urge you to prosecute the Montgomerys to the fullest extent of the law and send a message that public lands and especially public beach access will not be allowed to be compromised in Island County.

Art Huffine

Oak Harbor