Every now and then we have an example of government working as it should. Western Washington Growth Management Board’s rejection of Oak Harbor’s request to expand their UGA is one of these.

Their 16-0 vote supports the earlier decision of county commissioners Angie Homola and Helen Price Johnson to reject this unnecessary and ill-advised expansion. Approval of this plan would have only lined the pockets of a select few at the expense of the 99 percent of citizens of Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island in general.

This decision has also prevented the endangering of a very precious wildlife habitat that attracts tourists and money to our island. At a time when money and influence seem to override what is logical and just, the defense of this decision by Angie Homola and Helen Price Johnson and the invaluable assistance of Bob Pederson, county planner, and Whidbey Environmental Action Network, created a case that could not be disputed.

We can only hope that the city of Oak Harbor will recognize this ill-conceived plan for what it is and finally put this matter to rest.

Carole Dawes

Coupeville