Editor,

The newspaper has grossly understated the Coupeville anti-OLF group’s desire when the newspaper’s editorial states the group only wants a new Environmental Impact Statement from the Navy.

Looking at the website of the anti-OLF/Navy group, it clearly states: The Citizens Of Ebey’s Reserve For A Healthy, Safe and Peaceful Environment have hired a nationally-known law firm to further its goal of permanently closing OLF Coupeville to military flight training.

I believe they are now looking at extending the lawsuit to several surrounding counties. That means they are trying to pull in flights from Whidbey Island Naval Air Station. I believe hey are considering suing you, the reader, by looking at bringing a lawsuit claim against Island County under the State Environmental Policy Act.

Not only do I think they want to shut down the Navy, which provides 87 percent of all economic activity in Island County, they want part of your hard-earned tax dollars you pay to Island County.

If you, the readers, don’t want to shop at those businesses in Coupeville or elsewhere because they aren’t opposing this anti-Navy OLF group, that’s fine but unnecessary. That’s because if the Navy leaves because it can’t train its aircrews, those businesses will close along with most of the other businesses on Whidbey Island.

If you want your voice heard and to show the complainers are only a small group, many of whom want to enrich themselves at your expense, then find a business that has a petition stating that you, along with a majority of Whidbey Islanders, support the Navy and its mission.

If you can’t find a business nearby where you can sign a petition, call Mac McDowell at 360-675-4666 for a location.

David Sherman
Oak Harbor