Norm Haverman’s letter to the editor on Nov. 24 begs a response.

Are Mrs. Schroeder and Mrs. Pape concerned that what has happened at NWPRD has hurt the swim team kids and hurt the community? Yes.

Is it shameful that they are courageously speaking out and seeking the truth? No.

The great public outcry over the recent events that have unfolded at the North Whidbey Parks and Recreation District is precisely due to the deafening silence in regard to what the “actual issue” is. What has happened just doesn’t add up.

Why would Neil Romney and Vikki Robinson be terminated so rapidly, severely, immediately and without notice?

These are two people who have poured their heart and soul into a program for several years and built it into a model of success. Common decency dictates that termination of this type of employee would include a transition period.

Good leadership understands that a transition of this magnitude be handled in a manner that is in the best interest of the swim kids and ensures minimal impact on the program and the community.

This didn’t happen. Why? These are questions that have not been answered. So, we are left with appearances.

It appears that Mr. Romney and Mrs. Robinson were issued a summary termination without valid reasons. It appears that this is a simple matter of a personality conflict that could have been resolved.

It appears that the director has been given full authority over the activities of the district, but is not being held responsible for the damage his hasty actions have created.

The turmoil that has plagued the board and the community appears to be a direct result of the director’s actions. The director speaks only of bringing the North Whidbey Aquatic Club into the future. Yet to many of us, the future of the club looks more like a giant leap backwards.

Clark Schroeder
Oak Harbor