I read with interest Jessie Stensland’s well-researched story, “Island County deputies push for more help.” This has been an ongoing problem in Island County. The previous sheriff asked several times that I know of for more manpower so he could fight drugs and crime. I remember Commissioner McDowell saying that the Island was safe and more deputies were not needed. His statement, “If you ask the average person, ‘Do you feel unsafe in Island County?’ the answer is no,” misses the entire point of the ad paid for by the deputies.

The fact is, the deputies do not feel safe! If the deputies do not feel safe, neither should the citizens. Deputies need to have a backup deputy available. For instance, if they respond to a domestic violence call (one of the most dangerous), do they wait for their backup before entering the scene and will their back-up need to travel the length of the Island? For the welfare of the citizens I hope this is not the case.

Unlike McDowell and Phil Bakke, I have made felony arrests without a backup near; it is no fun, dangerous, and most likely the cause of my premature gray hair! We have an obligation to our deputies to provide for the the best we can with our available resources.

After reading the article I called Angie Homola and Helen Price Johnson (they are in the phone book and both answered the first ring) to get their take on the deputies. They both had positive ideas and potential solutions to pursue.

Bakke was quoted as questioning whether the Sheriff’s Office was “top-heavy” and what kind of calls they respond to. Well, he has been in office for a while, why has he not looked into this? This situation is not new and I doubt the office is top-heavy.

Now is the time to act, not after, God forbid, a tragic incident involving one of our brave deputies.

Angie Homola showed her leadership in having a solution; she did not try to deflect the point of the ad paid for by the deputies, unlike the incumbents. I welcome her straight talk and obvious grasp of the issues here in Island County.

I am supporting Angie Homola and Helen Price Johnson for county commissioner, and I urge others to join me. Today I am sending both a check for their campaigns. It is time for a change in Island County!

Jay Brand

Oak Harbor