Editor,

On behalf of the members of Whidbey Island Local Lending (WILL), I would like to thank you for your excellent article and editorial. You captured the essence of what we are trying to accomplish.

For people who are thinking about applying for a loan through WILL, it is worth emphasizing that we do not make grants and that all but the smallest loans so far have carried interest rates of between 4 and 6 percent. A business plan with realistic financial projections is usually required. Application materials and information on the process for obtaining a loan may be requested by sending an email to me at shapiro@whidbey.com.

STEVE SHAPIRO

Langley