Editor;

Regarding your editorial of 15 December, I am somewhat in agreement. But I believe NAS Whidbey is also at grave risk.

In my former high school wrestling manager days, without an opposing athlete the judge holds up the winner’s hand automatically to reward persistence. Such happened when the Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve and Attorney General Bob Ferguson won an interim victory in Judge J. Richard Creatura’s court by some qualifying arguments.

Whether the Judge’s ruling turns into a permanent victory is still up to us. We need to remember one of the key lessons of 1991 when Congressman Al Swift told the Everett Herald that, “You have to look at this in a 28 year context of being assured… that NAS Whidbey is such a jewel in the air Navy crown they would never want to abandon it.” Until the Pentagon tired of COER’s predecessors led partially by COER founder Ken Pickard almost closed the base.

These kinds of disruptive antics place a big “KEEP OUT” sign not just to national security, but regional economic growth. The honorable court needs to understand this; that’s why we locals need legal representation and quickly to retain both quality training and a strong economy.

This newspaper also says, “We want the truth. We can handle the truth. Once the truth is known, people can make fully informed decisions and look for possible solutions.” Sure, let’s look at land use solutions to put the onus on those who consciously choose to live next to a Naval Air Station and demand that new Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) I keep hearing about finally sees the light of day to help build back better.

One last thing: I deeply appreciate standing 525 feet away or closer to OLF Coupeville flight operations. Keep ‘em Growling.

Joe A. Kunzler

Skagit County, WA