To the editor:

The updated Island County website is now showing pictures our assessor has taken throughout the years to decide the valuation of property taxes.

Here is the concern: Showing pictures of our individual homes online can attract all types of viewers, both good and bad. Pictures which show the locations of our windows, doors, decks, outside staircases and closed shades, and whether an owner has an alarm system sign in the front yard, are not safe.

These pictures were added to the current owner information the county website provides. This information includes showing single owners and owners who have mailing addresses off-island. Adding pictures of our homes to this other information could create the perfect platform for people looking to do harm to the residents within our county.

Posting pictures is necessary when selling a home, but not presented on a county website, especially without owner approval. These pictures are taken for assessments and should be used for that purpose only. They should be kept private, between the county and the individual owner, and not published for general viewing. Safety should be the focus here. The pictures make it even easier for criminals.

We are concerned with our safety. Island County should remove pictures from the website.

Nancy McClain

Clinton