To the editor:

In the Aug. 18 election, Island County voters will have an opportunity to show other Washingtonians whether they are “penny wise or pound foolish.”

Island Transit has served our community well since 1999, and currently provides transportation for almost 1.4 million riders. To sustain this level of service, Island Transit is asking that we pay an additional three-tenths of 1 percent on every taxable purchase, equal to 3 cents on 10 dollars. Without this additional revenue, Island Transit will be forced cut its level of service by a whopping 33 percent.

Public transportation is an investment in our community. For every dollar spent, at least four are returned in the form of job creation, congestion relief and business sales. Additional environmental and transportation costs are also averted.

Just as noteworthy, the money saved by public transportation is money available for purchasing more goods and services in Island County.

With so much at stake, let’s vote yes for Island Transit on Aug. 18 and make our efficient, fare-free and eco-friendly public transportation the envy of every community.

Marshall Goldberg

Oak Harbor