Oak Harbor Resident Urges Council to Recognize Staff's Hard Work

A remark about "light agendas" from Councilman Stucky prompted Oak Harbor resident Cynthia Mason to push back in a letter published March 11 in the Whidbey News-Times, arguing that agenda length is a poor proxy for the depth of work happening inside City Hall.

Mason characterized Stucky's comment as "somewhat divisive and combative" and made the case that the most consequential work in local government rarely surfaces in the form of packed meeting dockets. "Much of the most important work in local government happens well before items reach the council dais," she wrote, "through months of staff analysis, coordination between departments, budget planning, community engagement, and council workshops where ideas are discussed and refined."

By the time a proposal reaches the council for a vote, Mason argued, the groundwork is already substantial. "A great deal of effort has already gone into making sure the decision is informed and responsible," she wrote.

The letter also offered a broader defense of the mayor and city staff's recent efforts. "Over the past few years, the mayor and city staff have been actively advancing a number of initiatives that strengthen Oak Harbor's infrastructure, economic vitality and long-term planning," Mason wrote, acknowledging that those efforts "don't always show up as lengthy meeting agendas, but they represent real and meaningful progress for the community."

Mason drew a clear distinction between productive disagreement and counterproductive criticism. "Healthy discussion about council processes is always welcome, and different perspectives can help improve how we work together," she wrote. "At the same time, it's important to recognize the significant work being carried out every day by the incredible city staff and leadership on behalf of Oak Harbor residents."

Her closing called for a shift in focus: "Our community benefits most when we acknowledge that progress, and continue focusing on collaboration, thoughtful planning, and shared goals for the future of Oak Harbor."

The letter appeared in the Whidbey News-Times' Letters to the Editor section and was also listed on the South Whidbey Record website. No response from Councilman Stucky had been published as of the letter's appearance.