Do you have your latest iPhone? Blackberry? Android? Have you moved up to 4G? Have all the latest apps?

Well, I’m, sorry to say if you’re between Island Center and Lynwood Center, you ain’t got squat. This is true for many other places on the island. The only thing your phone does in these “black holes” is GPS.

Sure the city allowed for another cell tower on a school water tower – a couple hundred yards from the existing one at Masonic Temple. Won’t help much.

I’ve talked to all the City Council folks about the problem and they are all “understanding” but recite higher priorities. I even gave them a “turnkey” ordinance, complete with recitals (“whereas” statements) that would make cell towers a permitted use in Neighborhood Service Centers. A single-sentence, simple ordinance that apparently won’t be on the table anytime soon.

Well, if you or your kid dial 911 in an emergency in one of the many black holes you will wish the council had considered it.

Some poor folks have ditched their Qwest land-line and gone exclusively to cell service. Pity them if they live in one of the no-bars areas.

There was a time when all one did on a cell phone was talk. Now, you name it – texting, Internet, email, send photos, conference calls, banking, bill-paying, reading books and magazines. The Verizon store is advertising Skype available soon (maybe now). Oops, sorry. only in those lucky areas where you aren’t “searching for service.”

Bainbridge Island should move into the 21st century, cell-wise. I hope that more people will contact their council persons to urge consideration of this or a similar ordinance.

Jim Llewellyn

Bainbridge Island