Editor,

This letter is to the following Port of Coupeville leaders: Mr. David Day, director; Mr. Mike Diamanti, commissioner; Mr. Marshall Bronson, commissioner; and Mr. John Carr.

As residents of Greenbank, Whidbey Island and Island County, as well as taxpayers, we are concerned about the financial condition of our port properties and their physical conditions. I am referring specifically to the Coupeville Wharf and the Greenbank Farm.

We feel that the recent action by the commissioners of the Port of Coupeville to suspend negotiations and “take over management” of Greenbank Farm in 2016 was and is not in the best interest of the taxpayers/constituents of the Port of Coupeville. This motion by Mr. Bronson and Mr. Carr represents the interests of a small, but, very vocal minority of constituents and will result in a calamitous and disastrous lack of continuity. Furthermore, an overthrow of the Greenbank Management Group was not on the agenda of the July 2015 Port Commission Meeting, nor was it open to public discussion as would be the public policy.

We also feel that the current Greenbank Farm Management Team has been doing a superb job, resulting in a decided “up-tick” in finances, thus deserve a vote of confidence and support.

We feel that, you, the port commissioners will find yourselves overwhelmed by what is entailed in assuming the management responsibilities of the Greenbank Farm.

We ask that you please rescind your action of July 8, resume and proceed with lease negotiations and “pass the torch” to the newly elected commissioners.

Thank you for your time,

KATRINA HUDE

Greenbank