Court’s future should be on Bainbridge | Letters | Oct. 29

Published 1:53 pm Friday, October 29, 2010

Moving the Bainbridge Municipal Court to Poulsbo is short-sighted and wrong-headed. It’s akin to throwing out the baby with the bath water.

The court serves a variety of island constituencies and is a lifeline of support for citizens who may be victims of domestic violence.

It is also the third leg of government and should be convenient to its citizenry.

Bainbridge is a sophisticated, semi-urban community with nearly 24,000 people. We are an island, and as such, our government should be making it easier, not more difficult, in providing us with essential services.

If the savings were significant – $250,000 or more – one could possibly rationalize a move to Little Norway, but a savings of only $15,000 makes no sense, even in the face of a growing budget crisis.

If not the existing Rolling Bay court site, surely, there are other buildings on the island where the court could relocate.

Has the city explored other venues besides those in Poulsbo? We would be happy to provide assistance, if need be.

Come to think of it, has the city even considered its own City Hall?

There are many times during week days when that wonderful, taxpayer-supported space is empty, with plenty of parking available outside.

We urge the City Council to think creatively and locally as it considers the next move for the court. They owe it to the community to do the right and proper thing.

Kevin Dwyer, executive director

BI Chamber of Commerce