Too much growth

To the editor:

Bainbridge Island is considering three planning alternatives to update our Comprehensive Plan. Alternative 1, labeled the “no action” alternative, would retain current zoning, with capacity for 5,640 new residents. BI’s official growth allocation for 2044 is 4,524. “Action” alternatives 2 and 3 would each layer additional unprecedented growth into Winslow and neighborhood centers for 11,000 new residents. According to the city’s calculations, that would result in a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the failure of four major intersections, all made significantly worse by high-growth alternatives 2 and 3.

Two City Council resolutions commit BI to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One promises to meet or exceed requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement. Another directed the city to use a “climate lens” to ensure that all city plans and projects are consistent with CAP’s goals for reducing GHG emissions. High-growth alternatives 2 & 3 would accelerate our collective divergence from those important goals.

These facts haven’t prevented developers from making the same old tired claims in support of growth. Favoring high-growth alternatives 2 and 3, Eugene Barnes of Clark Construction recently commented to the council that BI has traffic congestion because of so many commuters, and that more people need to live on Bainbridge. The city’s own pro-growth analysis says otherwise: High-growth alternatives 2 and 3, favored by developers, would result in the failure of four major intersections while Alternative 1 would result in failure of one.

Ron Peltier

Bainbridge Island

Vote MacEwen

To the editor:

As the election approaches, I want to share my thoughts on the best candidate for the 6th Congressional District: Drew MacEwen. As his wife, I recognize my bias, but I am also one of Drew’s biggest critics and uniquely positioned to share why he’s the best choice for Congress.

Drew exemplifies integrity and prioritizes constituents’ needs. With 12 years of experience in the state legislature, he has demonstrated his commitment to our community. In contrast, his opponent resorts to lies and fearmongering to gain support and earn votes, which is not what we need more of in D.C.

Drew takes a common-sense approach to legislation, fostering relationships to find common ground. He has successfully advocated for changes that benefit our community rather than simply towing party lines. His opponent, Emily Randall, consistently votes for measures that increase taxes, ban natural gas and undermine public safety. At an AARP forum in June, she even proposed a significant increase in Social Security taxes if elected. Drew stands for lower taxes and limited government.

Drew is dedicated to listening to his constituents and working on their behalf, while his opponent seems more focused on pushing her own agenda. If elected, we can expect more of the same from her. Don’t be fooled—look closely at her record.

I urge you to vote for Drew MacEwen, who has represented a large part of the 6th Congressional District for 12 years, understands the issues, and is committed to serving you.

Danelle MacEwen

Shelton

Pick Rolfes

To the editor:

It is with great enthusiasm that I endorse Christine Rolfe for Kitsap County commissioner. She has two decades of experience as an elected official: City Council, House representative, senator and now county commissioner. She brings experience as well as trusted relationships with state, local and tribal leadership.

She worked to keep our multi-ride passenger and auto ferry tickets from being cut and most importantly advocated for the legislature to adequately fund building new ferries and updating terminals. As a senator, she helped pass the Public Broadband Option that now allows public utility districts and ports to apply for federal funding to provide public internet services.

As the Senate chair of the Ways and Means Committee, she oversaw the state budget and graciously negotiated across the aisle to support funding for education, transportation, environmental issues and economic investments. She was a member of the William D. Ruckelshouse Center Advisory Board; the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council; the Compact on Educational Opportunities for Military Children; and the Puget Sound Partnerships Ecosystem Coordination Board.

It is a full circle moment for her, as she began her public service career at the Kitsap Department of Community Development. Then, she helped write the first county Comprehensive Plan and now, with her commissioner colleagues and our communities, is updating this plan.

Please join me in casting a vote for a trusted, experienced and award-winning leader – Christine Rolfes.

Debra Lester

Bainbridge Island