Editor,

This is my first personal letter to the editor that I have submitted in the last 15 years. There was a time I shared my opinion frequently, then I took a position in the community where I served as a spokesperson for a nonprofit. I always felt while I was the face of Good Cheer my opinion may offend someone and have a negative impact on the non-profit in which I was serving. One of the perks in retiring is that I now have the freedom to speak from the heart about matters that don’t sit well with me.

As I read Saturday’s letters to the editor I was surprised and disappointed to see a letter to the editor from Mayor Tim Callison with the headline “The current council is great, lets keep it that way.” In reading the contents of the letter it appears the headline was misleading, which is unfortunate.

Burt Beusch was appointed to position 1 in June of this year. I was a bit surprised at the time as Christy Korrow, who also submitted her name into the running, wasn’t chosen. I have personally worked with Korrow as her leadership brought together four strongly opinionated women in finding common ground and putting together a highly successful fundraising event.

I have closely followed Korrow’s work in developing a permanently affordable subdivision under Langley’s affordable and innovative housing ordinance. This is a critical issue which needs addressing and Korrow took a leadership role in working with the city in identifying possibilities. She then carried her experience forward as chairwoman of the planning advisory board where she gained familiarity with Langley’s code, comprehensive plan, zoning, and the sewer and water systems.

Korrow has been endorsed by South Whidbey Record and by community members who have helped to make Langley what it is today such as Rene Neff, Jim Sundberg, Lynn Hayes, Nancy Nordhoff, Clyde Monma and Mark Wahl just to name a few. There is no match in comparing Beusch and Korrow’s history of civic engagement.

The quality I appreciate the most is how Korrow listens and works towards solutions. She has proven by her actions how much she cares about her community. She didn’t win the race when determined by appointment, so it is Langley’s opportunity to have her win the race in an election.

KATHY MCCABE

Langley

Editor’s note: The referenced letter from the mayor contained an inaccurate headline. The mayor has not endorsed any of the candidates for city council.