Editor and citizens of Island County,

My opponent claims I was absent from my office 50 percent of the year.

Untrue. I was gone from my office to care for my sister, who was fighting breast cancer for three months, time allowed under the Family Medical Leave Act.

However, as agreed with the Board of Island County Commissioners, I did telecommute from her home, completing the work for which I am responsible.

I conducted weekly teleconferences with the chief deputy and accountant, staying apprised of issues in my office.

I will not apologize for allowing myself what I would not have begrudged anyone,  Wanda Grone included — time needed to care for a family member.

My attendance, asked and answered.

How could my opponent claim to advise me on work she herself had never performed?

To state or imply her advice was ignored and errors occurred because of this is another of her untrue allegations.

According to the Whidbey News-Times/South Whidbey Record, my opponent said, “Everyone should be able to come in every day, know what they have to do, do their work and go home.”

Ms. Grone is stating, as chief deputy, she was still unable to discern her duties and responsibilities without direct instructions after 3-1/4 years.

Would you keep an employee who was supposed to manage the office and now admits she could not even do her job without direct supervision?

I look forward to debating real issues concerning the treasurer’s office.

Ana Maria d Nuñez
Island County Treasurer