Editor,

My name is Tim Hazelo and I am your candidate for Commissioner in Island County District 3. I am writing this letter in response to the article written by Jessie Stensland, regarding “Primary to winnow commissioner candidates,” written July 26.

First I would like to say that my experience talking with and interviewing with Jessie has been nothing short of professional. The Whidbey News-Times has a reputation of being a partisan paper and in this instance I can’t see any partisan bias and I thank her for reporting the news.

I would, however, like to make one clarification to the article. It was probably my fault for not being more concise on my answer to Jessie’s question about keeping my current job onboard NAS Whidbey Island. Yes, my goal is to keep my job, but on a very limited basis. I would work a day, maybe two every few weeks to maintain positional currency and my security clearance. As a clearance holder, you have to be extremely trustworthy, you get the most extensive background checks done every few years and are held to the highest of standards. I would never do anything to risk the clearance that I have had for most of my adult life. It is too difficult to get to just let it go.

With that being said, I want you to know that I will be your full time commissioner with all the hard work I am known for going to improving our county.

As for other opinion letters sent to the editor, if you have questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me or my team (TimHazelo4Commissioner@gmail.com or www.TimHazelo4Commissioner.com ) and we will answer any question you may have. Please do not rely on personal unproven accusations to make a decision. Do your own homework and then verify the results.

Remember even here in Washington state and especially at the local levels, your vote counts. So get out there and cast it.

Timothy S Hazelo

Oak Harbor