I now feel compelled to write a letter, after months of reading about all the ongoing problems with Oak Harbor School District proposals and bond measures.

First let me state that I retired from the Navy two years ago and have lived going through three part time jobs to support my family. One of which was as an employee of the district. I do not agree with the editor blaming residents for the no vote on the school bond.

Why? First of all I attended a meeting with the contractor and the PTA about the lay out, and asked the question about any new job positions proposed to meet the new expansions. The response I received was, “The systems are automated, require less manpower to maintain, and the district has not covered any new positions at this time.” For myself, wrong answer, Mr. Contractor!

Jobs are needed in this community. This is what I told the lady who called me at home asking how I was going to vote. The school board needs to predict new building, grounds maintainers, more security personnel and measures for upkeep of a new school.

Don’t just ask for my money and not plan for the 30 years of school survivability. This was pertinent in the following weeks of the Whidbey News- Times, when the maintenance department asked for more dollars for upkeep. To those wanting to do away with Officer Little’s position, I feel my daughter’s safety is worth more than a $38,000 savings, and I have worked closely with him. This would be a big mistake to ever let someone of his caliber be away from the school grounds.

I had a new house built here and received my new tax statement, $498.34 for state schools and $379.42 for local schools. Now $200 more taxes on a guy who finds no full time employment in this town. Let’s get real. Though I would gladly try to squeeze out this sum next year, if you would just show me the big picture.

David McCloskey

Oak Harbor