Editor,

Watching the District No. 3 commissioners race from afar, I was baffled by the recent article on the candidates that addressed only one issue pertinent to them and two that weren’t.

The pertinent issue was Island Transit, but the article went on to address their stance on legal marijuana and the Navy base/Outlying Field. These two issues are totally out of their realm.

As far as legalized pot goes, this was the result of a statewide voter mandate. There is nothing the commission can do individually or collectively to change that, so why is this even being addressed?

Likewise, the status of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and OLF Coupeville is in the hands of the U.S. Defense Department. The county commission has no control or jurisdiction over it. Some letters, including one from a losing Republican candidate, and blogs are suggesting the commission has a say-so over its fate.

This is ridiculous and naive.

Those concerned with the status of the base should direct their concerns to the District 2 Congressional candidates since Navy base decisions are made in the other Washington, not Coupeville.

We know where these candidates stand on Island Transit, but where do they stand on taxation? On public safety? On budget priorities? On land use and planning? On water/sewer districts? On the fairgrounds?

The voters should be informed of their stand on matters that pertain to the commission and not on matters that don’t.

The two candidates and this publication can help keep this race in its right perspective by addressing only those issues that concern the office they seek.

Bob Prasch

Former Dog House Bartender

Lakewood, NJ

Editor’s note: The county and county commissioners make decisions regarding zoning for marijuana businesses and on issuing necessary permits. Commissioners are also sometimes tasked with making decisions on property surrounding Ault Field and OLF Coupeville.