Opinion Page A6
write to uS:
The South Whidbey Record welcomes letters from its readers. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters should be typewritten and not exceed 350 words. They must be signed and include a daytime phone number. Send letters to South Whidbey Record Editor, P.O. Box 1200, Coupeville WA 98239, or email to editor@southwhidbeyrecord.com www.SouthwhidbeyreCord.Com
wednesday, August 14, 2013 • the South whidbey record
Editorial Whidbey Island Fair is a must-attend The Whidbey Island Area Fair has something for everyone. It is, quite simply, a must-not-miss. The nostalgia runs thick as molasses at the communityrun fair, which takes place Aug. 15-18 in Langley. Grab your kids or grandkids and spend an afternoon exploring. Or grab your sweetheart for a special day in the land of cotton candy and lemonade. This is the 89th year of the fair, which once upon a time was called the Island County Fair. This year’s theme is “Blossoms to Awesome.” The memory-making opportunities are impressive. Egg-in-spoon races and pole climbing. Chicken and goat olympics. Hula hoop and pie-eating contests. Pony rides. A straw maze. Log rolling demonstrations. Deano the Clown. Something billed mysteriously as an “Over-the-hill swine contest.” Of course, there are plenty of animals to meet, thanks to 4-H. Learn about the animals that are being raised on the island, from traditional barnyard critters to alpacas, bunnies and even guinea pigs. Make sure to check out the chicken house, where children crowd around a giant incubator to watch chicks emerging from eggs. As always, there will be plenty of great music from some awesome local talent. This year Oak Harbor’s Tambourine Sky will raise the metaphorical and melodic roof. Away from the barns, the air is perfumed with the sentimental mixture of funnel-cake sweetness, burgers on the grill and barbecue smoke. A cornucopia of fair food and ethnic fare is available at affordable prices. No fair is complete without rides on the Midway — the Ferris wheel at night is spectacular — and contests involving darts and balloons. The annual parade starts in downtown Langley at 10 a.m. Saturday and hits the Midway about 15 minutes later. For those who aren’t big spenders, there’s some great free events, including a Lego contest and a veggie critter workshop. Children ages 12 and under can take part in the passport program, which is a non-judged educational journey through the fairgrounds. Those who present a completed passport receive a special prize. Those who can’t get enough of the fair can even camp nearby, on a first-come basis. Whether you’re a fair regular or neophyte, visit the community get-together and have a great time. Just remember to wear sunscreen because it’s always sunny at the fair. For a schedule of events and highlights of this year’s event, check out our special section on page 11.
The souThwhidbey record SWR code
Scan the code with your phone and look us up online! Keep the app and look us up anytime!
Published each Wednesday and Saturday from the office of The South Whidbey Record 107 S. Main St., Ste E101 PO Box 1200 Coupeville, WA 98239 (877) 316-7276 (888) 478-2126 fax On the Internet at www.southwhidbeyrecord.com
Letters Greenbank Farm
Commissioners erred with contract extension Editor, With a surprise vote and no public discussion, the Port of Coupeville extended yet another contract with the private Greenbank Farm Management Group. The motion to extend the contract, at a yearly cost to taxpayers of $49,950, was made by Commissioner Marshall Bronson and seconded by Commissioner Michael Diamanti. Commissioner Benye Weber and members of the public were blind-sided by the move. Nothing on the agenda indicated a motion or vote would take place and both occurred after the opportunity for public comment had passed. Diamanti is filling out the term of Commissioner Laura Blankenship who resigned from the port after accusing Bronson and the port’s executive director, Jim Patton, of “backroom scheming” to benefit the management group. The $49,950 agreement was the
second contract with the management group to be extended past its expiration date. The first was the lease, which required no payment to the port and allowed the management group to keep the money from rentals of port property — the café, offices and shops. Had the lease been allowed to expire, a holdover clause provided for the port to collect $10,000 in “monthly rent” from the management group. By extending the lease, the port passed on the option of collecting this money. Bronson’s and Diamanti’s recent move to extend the management services agreement, in addition to the lease, was the final thumbing of the nose at an eight-member Executive Planning Group that unanimously recommended against renewal of the two contracts. Those eight citizens, including myself as chairperson, were appointed by the port to evaluate the management group and make recommendations for transitioning to a new arrangement for management of Greenbank Farm. After six months of interviews and research, all of us, including the three members appointed by Bronson, recommended against
StAFF
publisher ..................................................................................Keven Graves editor ........................................................................................ Justin Burnett Associate publisher.................................................... Kimberlly Winjum Reporters ............................................. Celeste Erickson, Ben Watanabe Columnists.......................................... Margaret Walton, Frances Wood Administrative Coordinator ........................................ Renee Midgett production Manager ............................................................ Connie Ross Creative Artist....................................................................Rebecca Collins Circulation Manager .......................................................... Gregg Travers
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENTS: FRED MEYER • PROBUILD
renewal of the two contracts. We felt that the contracts did not serve the interests of taxpayers. Both would not have expired until March 31, 2014. Now they have been extended until June 2015. Bronson and Diamanti have locked the port and taxpayers into a contract with the management group well into the future and conveniently, before this next election. RICHARD ABRAHAM Greenbank
Freeland fuel spill
Coverage earns applause from commissioner Editor, A very well researched and modulated article. You balanced my tendency to react strongly to the potential danger with the officials’ carefully measured reaction. Good job. MARILYNN ABRAHAMSON Freeland Water and Sewer District commissioner
IDeNtIFICAtION StAteMeNt AND SuBSCRIptION RAteS The South Whidbey Record (USPS 682-200) is published semiweekly by Sound Publishing on Wednesdays and Saturdays for $19 for 3 months, $29 for 6 months, $45 per year and $75 for 2 years delivered by carrier in Island County from Coupeville to Clinton; $20 for 3 months, $32 for 6 months, $52 per year and $94 for two years in county mailed from Coupeville to North Whidbey Island. Out of county mail $35 for 3 months, $65 for 6 months, $105 per year. Payment in advance is required. It is published by The South Whidbey Record, PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239. Periodicals rate postage paid at Coupeville, WA and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The South Whidbey Record, PO Box 1200, Coupeville, WA 98239.