I would like to first off say that I am a proponent of Island Transit. I think that the service it provides is a valuable one, especially the paratransit transportation. I just feel that the regular services need to be brought in line with the current economic situation.

Island Transit is projecting a $662,000 surplus for 2010 for 2010. Since their increase in expenditures has increased an average of $789,000 per year since 2007, how long do you think they will be running a surplus even with the 0.3 percent increase?

I believe a “fear factor” has been brought into this discussion with the paratransit buses. If you look at Island Transit figures you will see they show a $481,000 expenditure to a 2010 projected $623,000. Since this is the second lowest expenditure listed by Island Transit, next to the $181,000 for the van pool, there is no justifiable reason to reduce the paratransit services.

What will surprise most people is that the administration cost for Island Transit has increased from $968,000 in 2007 to a projected $1.3 million in 2010. Why? Has staff increased that much, and if so, why?

According to Island Transit figures, the sales tax was down 8 percent in 2008 and 2009. Since “historically we received a 10 percent increase each year, this adds up to 36 percent less anticipated sales tax” (their words, not mine). This reminds me of people who bought homes then when out and purchased big ticket items assuming their home value was going to continue to skyrocket. Island Transit did not prepare for a downsize economy but just kept expanding with the assumption that everything was just going to continue going up.

I would ask the citizens of Island County to look at this levy with an open eye and not an emotional one. Island Transit will not perish if the levy fails but they will have to do what we have to do, and that is to live within our budget.

James Pace

Oak Harbor