Editor,

I recently read the article a few issues back about Mark Calim and two other business owners being forced to relocate because the greedy property owner tripled their rent, figuring he could make more money renting the property as drug emporiums.

Even though the property is not zoned for this undertaking, I’m sure it’s nothing a little back door bargaining with the city council can’t fix, and when — not if — the property is rezoned, perhaps the remaining vacant units can be rented to brothels.

We don’t have any of those in Oak Harbor either.

Since I moved here seven years ago, the Oak Harbor City Council has done some serious damage to Oak Harbor’s financial situation by some very stupid decisions, among them Pioneer Way, despite opposition by the people.

This government, being a democracy, I would like any future decisions being considered by the council — whether it be rezoning, large expenditures, raising taxes and utility rates or the like — to be put to a vote by the people.

It is, after all, our town, and you, our elected officials, were chosen to put the best interest of the people ahead of whatever it is you want.

We don’t need these businesses in our town, we have enough people on drugs running loose.

Just read the police blotter every week.

Richard Ays

Oak Harbor