Editor,

The news of recent events on Whidbey Island seems to go from bad to worse. First we are bombarded with the whining of a small group calling itself Citizens of Ebey Reserve (COER), who audaciously filed a lawsuit and aim to force the closure of a U.S. Navy aircraft landing field that has existed since the 1940s.

Then we are shocked to learn of the gross mismanagement of Island Transit, resulting in the firing of top management due to the squandering of public funds. This happened shortly after completion of a multi-million dollar transit complex, complete with questionable amenities with expensive price tags. Then more recently we learned of management lapses at Whidbey General Hospital involving failure to file financial reports in violation of state law.

This happened after a passionate appeal by hospital management for a $50 million bond issue (loan) for new construction, in spite of continued deficit spending for their operating budget. After voter approval of the bond issue, one wonders if the public is getting its money’s worth?

What ever happened to accountability? It seems that some public officials are either so arrogant or irresponsible that they can no longer be trusted to do the right thing. The next question, of course, is where was the oversight from boards of directors and county commissioners? Is anyone minding the store?

DAVID HOWE

Greenbank