Editor,

We feel compelled to comment on the April 8 front page article “Winery debate ferments into complaint.” Thus far coverage of the topic has highlighted the concerns of a small, but very vocal group. Carl and Rita Comfort have been portrayed as having little regard for neighbors or the quality of life on Whidbey. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Comforts have worked tirelessly to establish a business that keeps the land agricultural while generating income, much of the latter coming from off island. Wineries and other “agritourism” businesses have a major role to play in maintaining the rural character of South Whidbey while contributing to our island economy. Anyone who drives Wilkinson Road can see how the Comfort vineyard enhances the natural beauty of the area. Less visible is the revenue a successful winery can generate for our island bed and breakfasts, restaurants and retailers.

A review of the websites for other wineries on the island confirms that tastings and events are integral to the business of selling wine. It’s hyperbole to suggest that the Comforts want to host major events every weekend, and it’s unrealistic to think that a winery on Whidbey can achieve success without bringing consumers on site. The reality is somewhere in the middle. This is where the county comes in. Code updates are sorely needed to address a segment of the island economy that most of us want to see flourish. It’s our hope that the county will take this into account in the 2016 comprehensive plan and make every effort to support these businesses in the interim.

In the absence of code, the Comforts have worked with neighbors and with the county throughout the planning and building process. When concern was raised about potential event traffic on View Road, the Comforts built a road that bisects their own farm field to minimize the impact. To address noise concerns, the building itself was sited so that outside event areas would face away from View Road and toward a high bluff area.

If the county were to survey the majority of neighbors who have not elected to join NICE (Neighbors Interested in Commonsense Economics) — many of whom work beside us at the Comforts’ annual harvest — a different story would be heard. NICE might translate to a little bit of NIMBY.

BARB and JEFF EWING

Freeland