Whidbey Environmental Action Network applauds the withdrawal of Paul Pazooki’s proposal for 33 acres of big box sprawl south of Oak Harbor. We’re sorry that Mr. Pazooki had to suffer rejection, but the social, economic, and environmental wellbeing of the people of Oak Harbor and all of Whidbey Island must come first.

Let us consider this an opportunity to do some serious planning for genuine, locally-based economic development. The kinds of businesses which WEAN would like to see the Economic Development Council sponsor and nurture are organic truck farms near the city, organic produce distributors to work with the truck farmers, a food co-op, an expanded farmers market, and other infrastructure to provide jobs for people on the land and wholesome healthy food for people in the city.

While we’re discussing health – WEAN has received many requests for non-toxic structural pest control. The technology is very simple and its safe. With startup help from EDC a group of people could begin such a business and provide a very necessary service.

Instead of fighting over big-box stores which export our cash while exploiting our people, let’s work together to identify real needs in the community and how we can help local people start new businesses to meet those needs.

Marianne Edain

Whidbey Environmental Action Network, Langley