Judge rejects nusiance lawsuit over Whidbey growlers

Published 1:30 am Sunday, September 10, 2023

We’ve repeatedly seen courts used to solve differences in America that can be solved either via thoughtful mediation, better politics or more research. Sometimes, our courts have had to address lawsuits filed for the sake of flinging lawsuits; also known as lawfare. I submit to you that State of Washington et. al. v. U.S. Department of the Navy et. al. is one of those lawsuits serving as lawfare.

If the Cambridge Dictionary is correct that lawfare is, “the use of legal action to cause problems for an opponent,” then this is what Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s lawsuit sought. Luckily, last Friday, Sept. 1, U.S. District Judge Richard Jones basically told Ferguson and his Citizens of Ebey’s Reserve buddies their lawfare failed; there will be no study of moving part or all of NAS Whidbey Island to NAF El Centro in Southern California nor a pause in critical Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) at Outlying Field Coupeville in Central Whidbey.

One of the reasons why I endorse Hilary Franz for Governor is that she has a clear grasp of the climate emergency and has been working in partnership with the Navy instead of engaging in counterproductive and divisive lawfare. We do not need prolonged studies; we need prompt solutions.

Perhaps I can suggest removing the encroachment on OLF Coupeville to protect both Ebey’s Reserve and OLF Coupeville through both free market and regulatory measures from incompatible housing development is the best solution. Thank you for hearing me out.

Joe A. Kunzler

Sedro-Woolley