To the editor:

We want to thank the South Whidbey Record for your continuing coverage of the aftermath of the collision, which resulted in the tragic death of our daughter, Karen Gervais Boone on Jan. 22, 2007.

It has served to inform the community of the dangers of drunk and irresponsible driving. It was particularly gratifying that the article pertaining to the guilty plea by Randi Shelton on May 20 was on the same page as the story regarding the creative project by South Whidbey High School students “putting the face” on the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

We especially want to extend our sincere thanks to County Prosecutor Greg Banks and his staff for the professional and highly competent work on this case. Mr. Banks’ tough and unrelenting position of no compromise with a plea bargain was undoubtedly key to this defendant’s guilty admission. And, he was well-prepared to argue the complex issues of the admission of the blood sample in the hearing that was cancelled.

We can only take at face value the defendant’s statement that she “wanted to avoid additional stress or agony for the victim’s family.”

We find it somewhat ironic that it took her a year and a half to develop these compassionate feelings. We also believe that the defendant realized that the case built against her did not augur well for anything other than a guilty verdict with or without the blood sample.

Greg Banks is a capable, able and valuable prosecutor. Island County is fortunate to have him at the helm of this critical office.

Jim and Jean Gervais

Greenbank