Kelly Emerson (R)

Commissioner from District Number Three which encompasses Whidbey Island area north of Oak Harbor and all of Camano Island.

Term of office:
January 2011 - December 2014

E-mail: district3@co.island.wa.us

Cell Phone: (360) 544-2958

Office phone: 360-679-7356

Newsletter Archive

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island turns Seventy Years Young!

With the usual Navy fanfare and on a fine Navy day, the ceremony marking the 70th year of operation was enjoyed by all in attendance. Former Commissioner Mac McDowell, Navy League President Jim Slowik, and Oak Harbor City Councilwoman Beth Munns were among those.

Captain Jay Johnston's speech told of the long and valuable military history. Dr. Allyson Brooks, of the WA State Historic Preservation Society, spoke jubilantly about how ideally compliant NASWI is with state and federal regulations. And Mayor Scott Dudley graciously acknowledged Island County for its part in creating the Accident Potential Zone standards that are now the US model.

One evening that week I wrote a proclamation which my colleagues were willing to approve without too many changes. As we went inside for the cake cutting, I initiated that portion of the ceremony by presenting the proclamation. I first spoke of the deeply entwined roots of NASWI and Island County. You can view the proclamation by clicking on this link: NASWI 70th. As the only county commissioner in attendance, I proudly exchanged gifts with the Captain.

The POW/MIA ceremony with the Patriot Guard Riders followed this celebration.