In response to the Sharon Embleton and Michael Gartner letters to the editor, “Oak Harbor has lost its charm,” I also grew up in Oak Harbor and have greatly enjoyed my lifestyle here, and while you are more than entitled to your opinions I must strongly disagree with your views.

Oak Harbor is a very diverse community, from people who grew up here to people who willingly moved here to the ever broadened military community. And yet with this many people moving here and taking up residence some people wonder how come we have to grow up as a town.

I don’t think people realize that most of the buildings downtown are not owned locally, but by big shots in another city who obviously put the price range out of sight for a small business to profitably operate. I do agree with you in one area, it saddens me to see places like Kow Korner and Mastens Variety go by the wayside, but unless people like you and me step up and keep these kind of places running then we have nobody to blame but ourselves.

I say to you, if you don’t like the way things are going in this community then do something about it. Buy the old theater, or open up a business that you feel would have an impact here, or maybe run for mayor since you don’t believe Al Koetje was good enough (which is way off base).

Otherwise pack your bags. I’m sure that Coupeville, Langley or Anacortes has plenty of space to accommodate your lifestyle, and provide the so called “charm” that you are looking for.

Troy Crossley

Oak Harbor