Editor,

Currently there is a long term power outage on docks E, F and G at the Oak Harbor marina. This has been caused by failure to do preventive maintenance, ignoring the building codes, and pointedly ignoring the national standards for the construction, maintenance and operation of marinas. Following these standards would have prevented the estimated months-long power outage.

You do not save any money practicing deferred maintenance. Save a nickel, but loose a dollar is often quoted. The marina is very aggressive about raising the rates. There is a term for this. It is called being a “slum landlord.” Though the harbormaster qualifies as a slum landlord, it is with the tacit approval of the mayor and the city council.

It is aggravating being without power, especially since my moorage fee was not adjusted for the days without power.

The citizens of Oak Harbor should be very concerned that the marina is not following the fire code. The wood is so dry in the covered moorages that if ignited it will explosively burn both the cover and the boats below. Boats have fuel and many other flammable substances. The city will be liable for the damages. Which means the citizens will be on the hook.

I recommend the following: The city has a group of building inspectors. For virtually no cost they could conduct an inspection of the building, electrical and plumbing codes. The fire department could provide an assessment of the potential fire hazards.

Patrick Harman

Oak Harbor