Editor,

As a resident of Greenbank, Whidbey Island and Island County, as well as a taxpayer of Island County, I am concerned about the financial condition of our Port of Coupeville properties and their physical conditions.

I am referring specifically to the Coupeville Wharf and Greenbank Farm.

I think that the recent action by the port commissioners to suspend negotiations and “take over management” of Greenbank Farm in 2016 was not, and is not, in the best interest of the taxpayers/constituents of the Port of Coupeville.

This motion, made by Commissioners Marshall Bronson and John Carr, represents the interests of a small, but very vocal, minority of constituents and will result in a calamitous and disastrous lack of continuity.

Furthermore, an overthrow of the Greenbank Management Group was not on the agenda of the July 2015 port commission meeting, nor was it open to public discussion as would be the public policy.

I also believe that the current Greenbank Farm Management Group has done a superb job, resulting in a decided “up-tick” in finances — thus, they deserve a vote of confidence and support.

We think that the port commissioners will find themselves overwhelmed by what is entailed in assuming the management responsibilities of the Greenbank Farm.

I ask that the board please rescind its action of July 8, resume and proceed with lease negotiations and “pass the torch” to the newly elected commissioners.

Katrina Hude

Greenbank