Like so many people, I was disappointed when I first read that the Vashon quilt shop was leaving the Robinson Building on Vashon Highway.

Understandably, people are sorry to see the shop go. Yet, is it right to vilify the buyers? There are facts about the real estate agreement that reveal that they have shown nothing but respect for the quilt shop owners. When the buyers,  both well known for their community involvement, entered into the agreement, they wanted it to be a win win. Their offer was characteristically generous. It included financial help to the renters and extra time to help them find a new spot —  hopefully on the island.

Little did they know, when they made the offer, they were jumping into an inflammatory community debate. They and the sellers are feeling emotionally drained by all the negative noise resulting from their purchase, and they have not been fairly represented in the discussion.

Can we please put the public debate to rest?

— Anne Atwell