Editor,

I am writing in response to the Whidbey News-Times article on June 27, “Pharmacy leaving Kens Korner.”

The owner of Island Drug didn’t fully tell the real story of their departure from Ken’s Korner shopping center.

I have conducted a few businesses here since Jan 2000 and have been a small part of management, so I know for a fact that Island Drug did not want to sign a lease for the past five years and decided to leave for reasons which are public record.

The owner cast a dark shadow on the owners and, especially, the management.

In my time here, I have seen the Ken’s Korner management bend over backwards for people who were having hard times,

In fact, in 2008, when we were in the great recession, Sue, the mall’s manager, deferred rent for a number of tenants who were affected the worst in order to help keep them afloat. She often allows new businesses to move into their space rent free until they were ready to open their doors.

Ken’s Korner is a great place to conduct business because of the management.

John W Auburn, owner

Whidbey Island Bagel Factory

Formerly J.W.Desserts & Kens Korner Commercial Kitchen