Letter: Can think of $86,000 worth of reasons to not vote for Hannold

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Editor,

In 2016, a severe winter storm hit Whidbey Island. The storm surge breeched the Sunlight Beach dike causing thousands of dollars in damage to multiple properties in Diking District #1 (DD1). The district declared an emergency and contacted Island County to allow DD1 to repair the dike and maintain its integrity to fulfill its role under the mandate of the State of Washington.

Following a delay for Fish and Wildlife to conduct a study to ensure that fish did not use that section of beach for breeding, work was set to begin. That was when Mr. Rick Hannold’s relative, Mr. Ray Gabelein, complained that the repair work was not appropriately permitted.

This occurred at an Island County commissioner’s meeting chaired by Commissioner Hannold.

Despite the obvious conflict of interest, Mr. Hannold refused to recuse himself. He intervened and had the necessary work to repair the dike stopped.

This forced DD1 to hire legal council to reverse his mandated work stoppage at a cost of $56,000 to DD1. This effort was successful in allowing the repair work to begin.

In addition, the contractor for the repair work indicated that the delay cost the district an estimated additional $30,000 because the change in tides decreased the time periods allowed for work on the dike.

Therefore, I can think of $86,000 worth of reasons not to re-elect Mr. Hannold.

John Shepard

Clinton