Editor,

The members, friends and supporters of the Citizens of the Reserve, urge the Island County Commissioners to resist any unnecessary and provocative votes on the status of the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station’s Outlying Field in Coupeville.

We urge a course of moderation while the United States Navy responds to litigation that would have them complete an Environmental Impact Statement and a study of the impacts of transitioning from one aircraft to another at the Outlying Field in Coupeville.

There is a probability that an EIS will be conducted and data collected.

This process includes public comment.

We urge the commissioners, as elected local leaders, to chart a course of moderation until facts and data are assembled.

Votes that support one position over another at this time will be considered divisive and serve only to make divisions in our communities wider.

Additionally, Island County is a legal entity.

Commissioner votes based on emotional sentiment during an active legal case that does not include the county must be considered carefully so the county and taxpayers are not put in current or future legal or financial jeopardy.

We appreciate that this issue is difficult for all of us.

We urge a higher standard for dialog and action from our leaders.

Steering Committee for Citizens of the Ebey’s Reserve

Cate Andrews, Maryon Attwood, Richard Abraham, Marianne Brabanski, Liz Gerritsen, Isobel Kameros, Michael Monson, Ken Pickard, Cheryl Sato, Paula Spina and Bob Wilbur