Oak Harbor’s City Council decision to appeal the recent 16-0 ruling on their quest to expand the city’s Urban Growth Area flies in the face of reasonability. Each and every review and hearing on the city’s requests has produced the same conclusions: There was ample room within the current UGA for future business growth and increased numbers of new homes would have the very real potential to decrease current property values for existing Oak Harbor homeowners.

This latest appeal demonstrates to the rest of Island County the intransigent stubbornness of a few who continue to work for their own vested interests without regard for the general public.

This action is particularly disquieting since a sitting member of this council has announced his candidacy for Island County commissioner. Jim Campbell has said he wants to bring the benefit of his experience and insight to county government.  How can experience and insight that disregards the additional financial burden placed on Island County be of any value?

Taken in conjunction with the appeal is Mr. Campbell’s recommendation to utilize executive session to select the finalists for the vacant council seat. This decision, which has subsequently been determined to be illegal, demonstrates a preference to reduce transparency in government despite what large numbers of city and county residents have advocated. Mr. Campbell’s decision to support this approach must call into question just what he would bring to Island County government in the way of improvement.

John Voet

Coupeville