On Dec. 28, our county commissioners decided that service programs were more important than law and justice or even emergency services. This resulted, in part, in losing one deputy sheriff. Ms. Homola wanted to dump two, but was overruled by the other two commissioners.

I find it highly ironic that exactly one week later, Linds Pharmacy of Coupeville was robbed at gunpoint. Despite a response by nearly every on-duty deputy from Deception Pass to Clinton, all the Coupeville marshals and two Washington state troopers, the robber got away.

That very night, with only one deputy on duty on Camano Island, there was a domestic incident involving, or all things, a machete. Back-up assistance “only” took 20 minutes to get from Stanwood.

Thanks, commissioners, for your help in making possible another uneventful day in “safe” Island County.

Bill Simons

Oak Harbor