To the editor:

This information regarding this issue is, in my opinion, critical to both the financial and safety of South Whidbey. Many of our residents lack the information to understand how critically important is this issue.

Here are the facts as I see them, and I invite others to verify my comments.

I have attended most of the port commission meetings. Early on in these discussions, Mr. Steven Berke, who is a site acquisition specialist for Goodman Network representing AT&T, spoke regarding what the installation of the tower would bring to our community. It would provide our citizens with the latest high tech access to the Internet, allowing many to work at home, and to drastically improve our cell phone access for both locals and tourists traveling through the area.

Also attending these meetings was Deputy Chief Jon Beck from Station 3, Fire District 3. He presented a photo map showing the blacked-out areas which demonstrate the lack of available emergency response due to this serious communication gap.

He further stated that if this tower were to be erected, the fire district could place its antennas onto the tower, something that the fire department could not afford to do otherwise.

The reason that both AT&T and Verizon are pushing into rural areas is that by agreement both these companies would be allowed to broadcast TV signals from the cell towers.

The installation of a cell tower at Possession Beach would be both a critical factor to both the economy and the safety of our community. The cherry on top of this is the high tech competition it will bring, as well as what AT&T will pay us to do it. I believe the current amount to be approximately $850 per month to the county coffers, with an additional percentile every five years.

The most outspoken opponents of the tower point to the idea that it would have a negative visual impact.

In response to this argument, I presented a photograph of an existing cell tower compound located on our property and built by T-Mobile approximately six years ago. The treed landscaping by that company has all but hidden the compound from the view of passing motorists on Highway 525. This photo is on file with Island County commissioners.

I urge all of our concerned citizens to make their feelings known to the port commissioners. I believe it is in the best interest of this community to not let this limited opportunity slip away, as it most likely will not be repeated in the foreseeable future.

Carl Robinson

Freeland