The “new” Island County commissioners did more than shake up the county planning commission, they have rocked the boat for many of us: Businesses, vets and military retirees.

What are they thinking? How can someone without Mac McDowell’s experience with the Navy department, as well as the Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island population, be successful as a representative of our interests, as well as our country’s defense interests?

I believe he contributed greatly keeping the Navy here for defense of our country, as well as the well being of businesses, vets and military retirees. Without the Navy here, it would be like the time the Air Force moved the Strategic Air Command so far into our country’s interior that their aircraft could not reach their objectives and return. Moving the Navy Air to a congested area as well as far away from their objectives, could invite disasters no matter what other forms of defense we have. Such a move could lead to other closures as well, ie: Naval Station Everett, Navy Shipyard Puget Sound, Naval Hospital Bremerton.

Alameda, San Francisco and Long Beach, Calif., would certainly want our Navy. Such a move would also bring economic failure to many here. Who wants to shop out-of-county as would become necessary with businesses folding or relocating elsewhere? How many of your friends and neighbors would have to move as well? When they leave, city dwellers will move in and change your peaceful, pretty island into something else.

I, like Oak Harbor city, cannot afford to contribute $300 to keep retired Navy Capt. McDowell as a representative, but I can afford the $1, where do I send it?

I bet with all the vets and military retirees on Whidbey, at $1 each we could raise the $300 plus. Business owners can and should contribute also. I Bet the VFW, NRA and American Legion would be willing to collect the donations and send them to Mac McDowell to keep him as our rep.

Rod Barnes

Coupeville