LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | Port was never offered waterfront


November 2, 2012 · Updated 1:45 PM 

To the editor:

I realize that the Opinion editorial in the South Whidbey Record allows the editor to speculate but, after reading the Wednesday, Oct. 31 copy, I think it’s time for a few facts.

1) The Port of South Whidbey was not offered 300 feet of waterfront property at Mutiny Bay.

2) The port does not and has not ever had an obligation to help maintain the Mutiny Bay boat launch. Island County has sole responsibility for that.

3) Island County had been trying to acquire this same property for easement reasons for many years, even before it belonged to Frank Robinson.

4) At a regular meeting on Oct. 9, the port asked Commissioner Dennis Gregoire to confer with county commissioners to see what role the port might play in future development of the property.

5) My follow up conversation with a South Whidbey Parks & Recreation District commissioner revealed that parks was interested in possible involvement in the property as a shoreline park and that Bill Oakes had claimed that the smoothest transition to ownership would be to Island County, then development and management options could be discussed with other agencies.

Bill Oakes is probably one of the most capable and knowledgeable people with Island County and Helen Price Johnson has expressed eagerness to receive this gift, but really, the real hero here is Frank Robinson.

Oh and by the way, regarding the “pipe dream” of building a parking garage in Mukilteo, many folks thought Tim Scriven was pushing a pipe dream when he enlisted me to help him start building a park on Maxwelton Road back in the ’80s. Sure glad we chased that one.

CURT GORDON

president

South Whidbey Port Commission

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.