Editor,

During my tenure on the city council, and increasingly during my conversations regarding my mayoral run, it has come to my attention that many Oak Harbor residents are concerned about the current state of our local infrastructure. Rather selfishly, I love these conversations. With my nearly two decades in both public and private construction I am well-versed in how to improve our sidewalks, roads and subgrade utilities. I know from firsthand experience that quality critical infrastructure provides direct positive impacts including, but not limited to, higher efficiency and increased safety.

As I have said again and again, my campaign is focused on intentional economic development. My construction background gives me the authority to state with 100% certainty that high-quality infrastructure is a big step towards intentional economic development, even if indirectly!

It is often missed that proper scheduling of infrastructure projects and appropriate scope can actually save the public a massive amount of money. The City of Oak Harbor is fortunate to have incredible engineering staff, but their ability to work effectively and efficient is often based on how projects are both drafted and submitted.

We are currently on the cusp of some big upcoming projects (and huge wins, let’s be honest!) due to the experience of both the staff and support of the City Council. Not only are we in various stages of water main and sewer projects in the northeast and southeast parts of town but we have other projects close on the horizon.

On June 26 we will be beginning to pave the neighborhoods in the northwest part of the city. On July 5 we will begin our long awaited and multilayered West Whidbey Avenue project which will both replace the water main and storm water line and overlay the pavement. The spring will usher in a total reconstruction project of Northeast Seventh that will feature a multi-use path and additional lighting. The project has been in the works for nearly two decades and seeing it come to fruition is so exciting.

The rate that we tackle these critical infrastructure projects needs to be accelerated. While I am eager to see these projects start, I am equally eager to assist in making them even more timely and more cost effective. I am proud to say that my construction experience within government positions renders me uniquely qualified to direct staff and to hold contractors accountable as we continue to upgrade our city’s critical infrastructure.

Shane Hoffmire

Oak Harbor