Editor,

I am glad that the South Whidbey Record is covering the activities of the Port of South Whidbey so thoroughly.

A couple of recent articles may have left the impression that the Port is moving away from supporting its marine access facilities, which include the South Whidbey Harbor at Langley (SWH), Possession Beach, and Bush Point.

In fact, the Port remains committed to maintaining these facilities, and is currently expanding the SWH marina and actively planning improvements to the boat ramp at Possession. Speaking for myself as one of the Port Commissioners, I firmly believe that these facilities benefit the local economy and improve the quality of life on South Whidbey.

During our recent discussions around development of the Port’s Comprehensive Plan for the next six years, we have talked a lot about what ELSE the Port can do to enhance economic development. For example, should the Port invest even more of its limited resources into other marine access facilities, or would we get a better economic return on our investment through initiatives focused on other issues important to the District, such as transportation and entrepreneurship? It is in this context that the comments reported in recent articles arose.

I look forward to public input on this topic when we meet later this year to discuss our draft Comprehensive Plan.

CHRIS JEROME

commissioner

Port of South Whidbey