Oak Harbor’s municipal marina is a valuable asset that should be preserved and maintained, not treated as a “problem” as Jerry Jones suggests in his recent “Sound Off” commentary. Although Mr. Jones’ comments had some “truthiness” (truthiness – n. 1. the truth unencumbered by facts) to them, a number of his statements were flat out wrong and misleading.

Firstly, Mr. Jones is not a “die hard marina advocate” as he portrays himself in the letter. Storing some boxes at the marina storage units for a couple of months does not an advocate make. Clearly, this statement was made to create the false impression of objectivity. A genuine “advocate” on this subject would appreciate the importance of maintaining an existing municipal asset that is both irreplaceable and which contributes to the special quality of life that we enjoy as residents of the city of Oak Harbor. Cities like Oak Harbor, Bellingham, Edmonds, and Anacortes are unique and desirable places to live. This is due, in large part, to the presence of water related uses such as marina facilities. A true advocate would understand this as a fundamental concept.

The Oak Harbor marina has not been managed to a “bankrupt condition” as Mr. Jones alleges in his letter. Since its construction in 1974, the marina has been totally self supporting. The original bond issued for construction was recently paid in full (from tenant revenue) and all maintenance and operation costs continue to be fully funded by marina tenants. No taxpayer money was used for the initial construction of the marina or the substantial improvements that have been made within the last ten years. The marina is owned “free and clear” and has been one of the few, self supporting assets the city possesses. Not surprisingly, after 32 years of continuous operation, our marina needs some taxpayer help to preserve its value.

In furtherance of this goal, the city council retained the services of a well qualified and respected consulting firm to make recommendations about how Oak Harbor could best utilize and improve the existing marina. After months of research, including input from a wide variety of marina users and tenants, the consultants prepared a “Marina Master Plan” in which they recommended a package of improvements that would upgrade the marina for continued use over the next 30 to 50 years. The cost to provide the recommended improvements was approximately $18 million. (In his letter, Mr. Jones arbitrarily added $2 million to the cost.) In addition, the city’s consulting firm projected that at least 50 percent of the $18 million in upgrade costs could be paid from future tenant revenue. This projection was neither biased nor speculative as Mr. Jones suggests in his letter.

When the consultants’ report was provided to the city council several weeks ago, the entire council applauded the work of the consulting firm and each member endorsed the recommendations and agreed that upgrading the marina in the manner proposed was essential to the City’s future, best interests.

For 32 years, Oak Harbor residents have enjoyed the benefit of a municipal marina that has been described by many as a “jewel” in the city’s crown of achievements. Not only are 70 percent of the slips occupied by local residents, the Oak Harbor Marina has been host to thousands of visiting boaters, an annual sailing regatta that is considered among the best in the country, and many diverse activities that benefit the youth in our community. In the last year, 120 youngsters participated in Oak Harbor Youth Sailing, a “learn-to-sail” program that has been in place for over ten years. Many non-boating, city residents flock to the marina facilities each year to try their luck at angling for everything from herring to silver salmon. Obviously, the marina generates considerable economic benefit to many businesses that provide goods and services to the tourist industry.

The city council has a difficult job ahead. The costs of meritorious projects exceed available funds and revenue by a wide margin. Let’s not allow a small group of “don’t tax me” naysayers to paralyze our common sense. The municipal marina is a unique asset with proven benefit. Please don’t squander it.

Christon Skinner, an attorney, lives in Oak Harbor.