As our elected state officials work through the current budget challenges, I hope they will pay special attention to the staffing at Deception Pass State Park, an exceptional treasure in our State Parks inventory.

Of note is the extraordinary value the Park Interpreter provides to the huge number of visitors to this park. Saving this position from the budget ax is one that makes a lot of sense: so much value from one employee.

The current Park Interpreter is Adam Lorio. The list of his stellar accomplishments is long, from his comprehensive, professional programs supporting children and adults to his outstanding newsletter, “The Bridge.” Last year he reached over 16,600 visitors face to face!

It’s easy to recognize a good deal when it’s so readily apparent. What we receive from Adam Lorio’s position is much more than what it costs in dollars and cents.

The Park Interpreter position at Deception Pass is a taxpayers’ bargain that should be preserved.

Rick Machin

Anacortes