To the editor:

Congratulations to Larry Cort and to Oak Harbor. That city has some interesting challenges ahead, and now has a terrific person to help with those.

In 2009, I moved from Langley to Coupeville, so I’ve been following Langley’s recent ups and downs from afar, though not too far. I’ve been particularly concerned about some of the cavalier treatment of Larry. Larry is one of the best and brightest, and Langley has been fortunate to have him. I think Langley will miss Larry even more than they know now.

But speaking as someone who spends most of her time these days in Coupeville and — yes — Oak Harbor, I’m delighted to welcome Larry to the north end of the island.

I still get to Langley now and then, have friends there and connections. I hope things turn some kind of corner before long, and that Langley can find its place on the map, which may be different from what many folks there want. From my more distant perspective, I’d suggest a lot less ego and a lot more generosity of spirit toward that end.

Molly Larson Cook

Coupeville