Editor,

“The economic well-being blood of Oak Harbor and surrounding communities was, and is still, dependent on the Navy base.”

The presence of a military base has been proven to be detrimental to communities. Noise and toxic pollution are a health threat. Sprawl destroying wildlife habitat is not welcome.

Traffic congestion is hazardous. Military discounts only benefit the military causing resentment from the public. Military preference in hiring is discrimination illustrated with hiring Mike Nortier as the Island Transit director.

Why is military preference still in place, there is no longer a draft?

Rising costs for infrastructure and services are a result of military sprawl.

The Navy’s JPAT 7 Installation and Activity Reports from April 20, 2005, during the last BRAC reports on page 273 that water and sewer systems on Whidbey Island had the ability to receive 1,000 additional people.

Why is the City of Oak Harbor expecting to increase these rates it is charging the public to expand services? Why has the Navy weaseled out of any responsibility for expansion? Why should Joe and Jane Public bear the burden of this expansion when they may not find employment due to military preference?

The public is not given a discount or even a housing allowance; many do not have health care provided through their employment. That report listed China Lake, Calif., as the preferred Growler location with 1.2 million acres for training.

Put Naval Air Station Whidbey back on the BRAC list to preserve our quality of life. Patrick Air Force Base in Florida has no aircraft — none, zilch. Patrick is an active base serving military retirees with no disruption by aircraft.

There are 15 pharmacists on duty to distribute medications. Why wouldn’t military retirees served by NAS Whidbey prefer to have no aircraft?

Consider surrounding areas similar to Whidbey Island. The San Juan Islands with no military base enjoy prosperity and quality of life.

Mari Anderson

Oak Harbor