To the editor:

As a longtime supporter and board member of the South Whidbey Commons, I was very disappointed to read the communication by Maureen Cooke, owner of Mo’s Pub & Eatery, that was recently sent to Langley’s mayor. Here is an excerpt:

“It is with great consternation that I have found you unilaterally changed the unloading area for all the semi-trailer delivery trucks in front of the South Whidbey Commons to regular parking spots … The SW Commons has no business being in the central business district as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the first place competing against regular tax-paying retailers, so, to go to these lengths to provide more parking for them is absurd and ridiculous.”

I believe that nonprofit organizations in the core of Langley are of benefit to our community. The South Whidbey Commons provides valuable employment skills training to youth and adults. We are working with the South Whidbey School District to provide school credit for internships. We help displaced homemakers prepare for rejoining the workforce.

Other nonprofit organizations in Langley’s “commercial business” zone, like Good Cheer and the Whidbey Children’s Theater, are also providing the South Whidbey community with quality programs and services. In addition, the South Whidbey Commons pays business license fees, sales tax, excise and business and occupation taxes, Labor and Industries coverage for employees, etc.

I like to think that we are all in this together. I shop and support Langley businesses every day. I volunteer and make financial contributions to the nonprofit organizations. Langley is a special place, and I think we are well served by working together to create a vibrant, healthy community.

CAROL MCNEIL

Langley