To the editor:

For the 15-plus years that I’ve known him, Dean Enell has been a tireless activist for the people and environment of South Whidbey.

More than most people, Dean “gets it.” Our local economy depends heavily on tourism, and the reason the tourists come is for our beautiful, peaceful environment. If we allow that to be destroyed by overdevelopment, strip malls and traffic jams, the tourists will go elsewhere.

At the same time, we need sensible development that can provide good jobs, and Dean has creative ideas for how the port commission can help. For example, many of our local farmers could find a wider market for their products if they had access to a certified kitchen to prepare and package their goods. Dean has proposed providing one that producers could lease. He’s also interested in office space for high-tech workers to bring jobs here and reduce commuting traffic and ferry congestion.

Dean has raised his family here and has deep roots on our island. He would make an ideal port commissioner.

Rob Lewis

Langley