To the editor:

Welcome to Bainbridge?

In June, we sailed our boat to Bainbridge, and used your wonderful facilities at the city dock in Winslow.

As we arrived, we were delighted by the warm welcome we received from Ben Tate, a volunteer in the park and on the dock. Ben helped us tie up, then coordinated the moving of several boats to make most efficient use of the dock space. As a result, everyone who wanted to use the dock that night got a tie-up, nobody had to raft off.

Later, Ben helped us with brochures and general information about visiting your town. We’d arrived in the late afternoon, went out for dinner, and came back to the dock about 10.

Mr. Tate was still working when we returned, running the information booth. When we awoke at 8 the next morning, he was already working, helping people get their boats safely launched and dispensing information. He was at all times courteous, friendly while remaining professional and unobtrusive.

In short, Mr. Tate appeared to be an exemplary volunteer and ambassador for Bainbridge Island. Indeed, Ben’s enthusiasm and tireless dedication to the job greatly enhanced our enjoyment of your dock and park.

Last weekend we returned to Bainbridge and decided to again tie up at the city dock. As we approached, we remembered our interactions with your volunteer, and were looking forward to seeing him again. We were sadly disappointed to learn that Mr. Tate was no longer there. We asked around the dock, and some of the other boaters told us they’d heard that Ben had been asked to leave. The reason, apparently, is that someone in authority had decided Mr. Tate was an undesirable whose appearance was not representing the well heeled citizens of Bainbridge in the best light.

What a sad state we’ve come to when someone who does such a good job is discriminated against because of his appearance. Ben Tate had been down on his luck, had not had recent benefit of good dental care, and his yachting attire was very out of date. He would certainly not have fit in with the white belt set from the Queen City Yacht Club next door.

What’s really sad is that this was exactly the situation Mr. Tate needed: a place to put down roots, become a functioning member of a community, and to use his considerable gifts to a good purpose. And it is what the park needed as well: a tireless volunteer working long unpaid hours to better serve the public good.

Too bad Bainbridge isn’t a totally gated island — if it were, you wouldn’t have to put up with the great unwashed. If the Ben Tates of the world are not welcome on Bainbridge, we no longer feel welcome there either.

DAVID AND COVENTRY MERWIN

Seattle