Editor,

Decades ago, Island County located Devries Road right on top of the Devries Lake outlet. They raised the flood level of the lake such that nearby parcels were impacted. They allowed homes and septic systems to be built within the new higher flood zone. In 2020, the fire department had to evacuate residents by boat. Great repair expense was incurred with higher flood level damage to these homes. Again, caused by the county’s initial mistakes.

A group of neighbors attended an Island County commissioner hearing on June 7 with the hopes of providing input to correct this problem. “Our own” Commissioner St. Clair had failed us. But I think the county is too interested in protecting themselves from past errors to even listen to and contemplate the neighbors’ proposed solution.

As a constituent, you’re given three minutes precisely to offer your comments at the commissioners hearing to address what could be a complex problem. The commissioners may or may not respond to your comment, and you do not have the opportunity of dialogue with them to correct their misunderstandings if they do respond. There is no opportunity to display data or graphics such that the audience or the public online can follow information presented.

Our North Whidbey neighborhood has St. Clair (running for reelection this November) to interact with concerning this flooding issue. But after an initial meeting with her, whereby we were blamed for contacting KING 5 News before the county (which is absolutely not true), St. Clair has done almost nothing to resolve the problem. She has even refused to meet with us after we did a survey at our own expense that confirmed our proposed solution.

As a citizen, one is expected to understand county procedures, financing, ordinances and statutes. Some commissions don’t seem to know all that. The process should be more citizen friendly, with a little latitude of understanding for those who don’t work with the process frequently.

The process of problem resolution needs refinement in Island County. Not voting for Janet St. Clair this fall would be a great place to begin. She must do some good things for Island County, but she refused to listen to our low cost, environmentally friendly solution. Inexcusable.

Tim Verschuyl

Oak Harbor