Island County Assessor Mary Engle deserves a big “thank you” for her invaluable contribution toward resolving the per acre fee problem in conservation districts. Hopefully, the assessor office’s methodology to calculate acreage and classify same correctly will be acceptable to the state and support to vital forest and farm management plans will continue.

Engle’s display of bipartisanship serves as an excellent example to the Republican county commissioner that cooperation without rancor or personal agenda is the only way to find real and lasting solutions to current issues. Not only will such help solve future problems but current programs will receive the attention necessary to maintain the quality of county life for all residents, old and young, rich and poor, military and civilian.

I sincerely hope this marks the beginning of greater cooperation on the parts of both Republicans and Democrats to find the best possible approaches to the challenges the County will face in the future. Once again, Ms. Engle please accept our heartfelt “thank you.”

John Voet

Coupeville