To the editor:

We first came to know about Ron Peltier when he led the campaign against the Visconsi development. We were impressed by the commitment, inclusiveness and leadership he demonstrated throughout that process, pulling together significant numbers of citizens to oppose the development and taking pains to educate all of us about all the relevant issues.

The eventual decision to permit the project to go ahead was disappointing, but it taught Ron — and the rest of us who treasure the island — an important lesson. If we want thoughtful development that is consistent with our vision of the Bainbridge Island community, we have to ensure that the updated comprehensive plan outlines our values and that regulations are in place to underpin the goals of that document.

Ron has taken the comprehensive plan process seriously, reading every document, attending meetings, and encouraging citizens to participate. This effort is just the most recent example of his decades of encouraging us to make appropriate decisions about growth and its impact on other critical island concerns, including traffic management and access to fresh water. He recognizes that we need a successful economic plan as well as careful, long-term stewardship of our natural resources and citizen involvement at every step. These are the pillars of our unique environment.

Having attended a number of city council meetings over the years, we understand that council members have to deal with a myriad of issues and that it is easy to get distracted. We believe Ron will be engaged across the wide range of civic issues but will stay focused the key issues of environment, community, and wise, managed growth.

OMIE AND LARRY KERRY

Bainbridge Island