Why is it that in August, when many people are away on vacations, etc., Island County holds a primary election? This seems like a very sly way to get a proposition passed.

Proposition 1 will not be on the ballot in the general election in November. If it passes, it will remain in effect for five years. Up, up and up our real estate taxes will go. Sort of like giving Island County a blank check, don’t you think?

In Island County there appears to be so much wasted money. For example the new guard rail along Highway 20, between Madrona Way and Coupeville. That guard rail cost over $150,000, a guard rail of equal strength could have been constructed for about $50,000. And to add insult to injury, the wood used in construction was not even local wood, it came from New York!

We all have to live within our means. I can’t phone Social Security and tell them I need a raise because I have run out of money. I must supply all of my needs with a set amount of money every month. Yes, I have had to make drastic lifestyle changes to stay within my budget, but I live within my means. Why can’t Island County do the same? Put all except the most basic of programs on hold until such a time that there is money in the budget to bring a program back into operation.

Take a stand. I urge you to vote no on Proposition 1.

John Muszynski

Oak Harbor