Library

Dismissing survey doesn’t bode well

I have heard a lot of grumbling lately that the main reason the K2 developers want the library to relocate there is to immediately increase the value of the investment property by solidifying it as a commercial destination for other businesses, that the public’s interests are second to developing the property.

I, personally, have taken a wait-and-see approach, listening to arguments on both sides of the matter.

That said, I find it disturbing that the opinion of 70 percent of Islanders responding to a recent survey on the matter — people who did not want the library relocated there — was dismissed out-of-hand by K2 co-developer Truman O’Brien.

Calling the results of the survey results “meaningless” and “not worth anything” is certainly not the way to convince those of us who are trying to be objective that the naysayers are wrong.

— Michael FitzPatrick

Don’t vilify K2

In our community’s rush to praise or criticize a possible relocation of the library here, I’ve sensed an undercurrent of vilification of the proposed K2 Commons project. This is both unfair and counter to the interests of positive potential outcomes here.

It’s rare to have the opportunity to repurpose a parcel in a way that embraces such a wide variety of needs and interests, and the developers involved have made a tremendous effort to propose a facility that empowers local entrepreneurism, creates bold community space, and builds opportunities for collaboration amongst a number of potential tenants.

This is such a small Island and a source of inspiration for many who have chosen to call it their home.

It would be a sad statement if divisive mindsets diminish the efforts of those working to create synergies here, especially in light of a economic horizon that nearly mandates our coming together to foster enduring solutions.

— Kyle Cruver

Move to K2 could hurt businesses

Truman O’Brien claims the results of the recent library survey are “meaningless” because it targeted all registered voters on the Island instead of a small random sampling, and the opinions of the 2,269 Islanders who responded are “not worth anything.”

Surprisingly, O’Brien would rather use an opinion polling firm instead of the democratic process we celebrate in this country.

But wasn’t it the result of a vote (not a randomly selected poll) a couple years ago to expand the library the basis that K2 developers frequently use to justify moving the library?

I think Mr. O’Brien should listen to our community. I’m sure if he hires a polling firm to interrupt our dinners he’ll hear the same result. We don’t want to move the library. That’s not what we voted for.

I believe the library should answer to the people it serves — e.g. the thousands who responded to that survey.

Others have presented many good reasons to keep the library where it is, but my primary concern hasn’t been a big part of the conversation.

I’ve heard from Island merchants numerous times that they need more feet on the street to survive. What will happen to businesses in the town core if K2 Commons sucks everyone away? Can Vashon sustain two business districts? We’re losing businesses at an alarming rate as it is.

Dividing and conquering the town is not good for the Island. The library draws many of us to town on a regular basis, and the businesses in close proximity see us a lot more often than they would otherwise.

So, put the high school in the K2 building, or some light industry that will bring jobs to Vashon. Keep the town core intact and vibrant. Listen to the people who feel passionately enough about our community to register their vote. You won’t succeed by saying our opinions are meaningless and ignoring us.

— Bob Moses

Schools

Support fundraising

With a $850,000 projected deficit for the coming school year, Islanders should rally behind school board member Laura Wishik’s fundraising idea to save some of the eight or more staff members slated for lay-offs. Such effort could generate a $200,000 or more as an emergency measure to save at least a few teaching positions. Please attend the school board meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 16, at McMurray Middle School and tell the board to support a community drive to raise funds for teachers. And tell your friends, neighbors and civic organizations that we won’t let our teachers down and that when the time comes, we should all dig in our pockets to help them keep their jobs.

Certainly, this kind of fundraising is not the answer to the grave problem of inadequate school funding. In no way will it diminish our advocacy work in Olympia. It’s only a palliative. But rather than argue what’s the best long-term treatment for the patient while he’s bleeding, let’s deal first with the crisis at hand locally.  

What’s at stake is not only a large increase in class size but the elimination of any number of electives as well as co-curricular activities. In essence it’s what distinguishes the Vashon Schools as above average from those struggling at the bottom of the heap.

— Ken Pritchard

Teen substance use

Intelligent column

 I’d like to make a quick observation about the commentary on April 8 written by Joe Sutton-Holcomb.

What a refreshing, frank, intelligent commentary by one of our Island’s teens. Not that I agree with all of his conclusions, but I am impressed with his thought process and with his willingness to take an unpopular position.

I have always believed that preaching abstinence is a good way to make something seem even more glamorous and exciting. I agree with Joe that it’s an untenable position.

Like most people, I’m very concerned about drug use among teens as well as adults but as a society we seem powerless to deal with it in any kind of sane and reasonable way. Let’s hope that Joe’s generation can do better.

— Emma Amiad

Another viewpoint

In his article on what he sees as the uselessness of trying to prevent teen substance use, Joe mentions using “common sense.” Well, common sense should tell us that trying to make a risky situation less risky should be an admired community activity, not one that is seen as hopeless, misplaced or wasteful.

To be honest, no one who cares about the risks of teen drug and alcohol use and abuse thinks that the goal is to get all youth to never try or use substances. The goal is to reduce risk, educate about the risks and hope that making informed decisions with limit-setting is better than abdicating responsibility.

Those of us who do this prevention work try never to “preach” to youth. We use brain research, neurochemistry and respectful dialogue to reach youth and their parents. The goal is abstinence, but we all understand that even while that may not possible, that does not mean that we promote “moderation.” Most teens lack the emotional and physical maturity to moderate use of addicting substances.

Does the Island need more activities for youth? Of course. But explain why even those who actively participate in sports and other activities sometimes find time to fit in risky patterns of substance abuse. Having more to do can be a positive factor, but “keeping busy” is not by itself going to reduce abuse.

I respect the opinions of youth on the Island, including Joe’s, but in this case, I respectfully and strongly disagree. I hope that the Island’s youth and adults can support positive prevention efforts that will pay off in the future. It is an effort worth spending time on.

— Stephen Bogan