To the editor:

A short note suggesting voters consider Jim Palmer for the county auditor position.

His administrative and business skills helped create two successful businesses in Oak Harbor and Freeland, and a very successful term as president of a large service club, and election to city council.

Jim’s thoughtful, analytical approach and interpersonal skills will be a good match for the auditor’s office.

Richard Davis

Freeland

Tourism will grow after marina redo

To the editor:

I have been a tour operator, planning and operating tours to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest for more than 25 years, including 18 years based on Whidbey Island in Freeland and Langley.

Upgrading the South Whidbey boat harbor can provide a real shot in the arm for tourism on South Whidbey, without the incident increase in ferry congestion. Hundreds of people arrive on private tour boats in Friday Harbor daily May through October and on weekends in the winter.

“If we build it, they will come here.”

This will benefit Langley’s economy for sure. But with creative development of local tours, the rest of South Whidbey will benefit as well. For example, several tour boats have contacted me regarding stopping at Langley if we could arrange for van or minibus tours to local artist studios, local farms and farmers markets, or country wine and food tastings.

Friday Harbor has developed these sorts of tours, and thereby spread the economic benefits beyond the town to the rest of the island. Let’s follow their example.

Marty Behr

Langley