I am sitting here ready for bed and I can’t stop my brain from analyzing and considering the words of all of the concerned members of our community. I need this outlet in order to have a settled mind. The only direct response I have is, wow! As I’m sure you realize, this is apparently a very big deal. In no way are my intentions to “ruin” our great community.

The questions I have to ask are these.

How is it that these faithful community lovers believe so fully that the adult entertainment business could compromise the integrity of this great town?

Why is it that everyone opposing this idea doesn’t have any confidence in the beloved foundation they helped to create here?

Why is it that these great people do not believe in the choices their loved ones and fellow community members make?

Is it so obscure to say that people really are capable of making their own decisions and have the right to do so?

Break up a family? No outside source has that power. If they do then the outside source is not the problem.

Why is this so taboo? Nudity? No. We were born naked. Sex? No. We all do it, or want to. Fear? Sure. Lack of confidence in our community’s integrity? Probably? Wow. Once again.

While these older and religious people see this as a big uprising event I think everyone is missing the reality of all of this. This community is safe? Or quiet? Quiet about its insufficient ability to handle crime and drugs. I’m not sure how much of this “negative” activity already exist in your mind, but from a first-hand vantage point, I assure you there are way bigger issues that need all of those voices on their side.

How about drugs? What happened to the war on drugs? I know a long list of people who are a part of our community that continue to use, deal, make and condone a drug lifestyle. I personally know children and mothers that no longer get to have each other because of meth. But yet it continues every day.

Where are the voices to bring opportunity to them?

So many moms on welfare going nowhere. Been to school paid by our government, who have no ambition to succeed.

Where is the uprising for those causes?

Well in the words of our Mayor Jim Slowik, “let’s wrap it up.”

Again I want to say that regulation and licensing are necessary and the only opposition I have is the zoning. There has not been enough thought put into those overlay zones; you should consider the existing owners, renters, lease opinions and points-of-view.

Just like every body else, I hope you consider all aspects and make the right decision.

Michelle O’Kelley

Oak Harbor