To the editor:

The recent Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce candidate meet-and-greet event was very revealing. While it became obvious that Angie Homola has the diplomacy, skills, and experience to remain as our District 2 commissioner, the contrast with her opponent was startling. Candidate and Chamber Director Jill Johnson spent most of her three minutes telling us how she has failed to get along with people, burned bridges, and permanently destroyed relationships. Then she tried to assure us that she has changed her ways. The rest of her time was used to criticize county employees and the sign ordinance.

The employees she criticized are the very ones who have gone three years without a pay raise and have often taken on additional duties as co-workers were laid off due to budget cuts. Our county employees are doing a great job during very difficult times.

Jill forgets that the sign ordinance she ridiculed was adopted by the previous conservative commissioners who, to their credit, had the foresight to keep the rural areas rural. Incidentally, tourism has improved in all of Island County except Oak Harbor, Jill’s chamber territory.

I’m sticking with someone who is experienced, trusted and who works well with others. I’m voting to re-elect Angie Homola.

Pamela Fick

Island County