Editor,

I have always supported our military forces. My mother served in the Marine Corps. And after my father emigrated from Poland, he worked on the design of the B-52 bomber while employed by Boeing.

My father-in-law served in the Army during the Korean War and on the ICBM and McDonnell Douglas Harrier programs afterward. My mother-in-law runs the VFW in her hometown. Many of my high school classmates served in Vietnam; I supported their choices and welcomed home the ones who survived.

I never protested against the war, and I always thank troops and veterans for their service to our country.

I have not changed my alliances — I support the U.S. Navy and its operations in Island County.

As an “October surprise,” information was planted related to my signature on an OLF petition requesting that the issue of continuing operations at OLF be submitted to the affected voters in an election.

My concern with flights over Ebey’s Reserve is directed at the release of jet fuel over farmlands where food crops are raised and areas of dense population.

I have never attended a COER meeting nor have I given this group any financial support. I “unsubscribed” from their communications when their tactics became extreme.

My opponent has posted this on her website:

“I strongly support the military and NAS Whidbey, unlike my opponent, who wants to close the base.”

I do not support closure of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station nor any other base in the state of Washington.

The economic impacts to Whidbey Island would be enormous.

I find it interesting that Ms. Ana Maria Nuñez says she strongly supports the local military yet is accepting campaign contributions from COER, the group sponsoring the petition that she is chastising me for signing.

Campaign contributions are gathered after personally meeting with supporters; the supporters want their candidate elected because their beliefs and standards align with those of the other.

Ms. Nuñez’s acceptance of these funds brings her claimed support of the military into question.

My opponent’s campaign manager posted this on the NASWI I Support OLF Facebook page: “Yes, I am Eileen King and resident of OH. I am also Ana Maria Nuñez’s campaign manager. Yes, Ana Maria, like most candidates, has accepted donations from people who are members or signed the petition for COER. She is a candidate and doesn’t turn down free money.”

I hope you can see through this latest “October surprise” and follow the money to determine who is telling you the truth here. Look to the one who is accepting COER’s money.

This is an election race for the Island County treasurer, whose duties are to care for the taxpayers’ money.

Why is it that the current treasurer wants to talk about anything except her performance in office, where it is so obvious that she has failed to do just that — care for the taxpayers’ money?

Wanda Grone

Candidate for Island County treasurer

Coupeville