I was disappointed, but not surprised at the Guest Opinion, “Providing alternate views on shoreline plans update” (July 29). It seems to me, the authors, being part of the process but not winning all their arguments, are now crying foul.

I wonder, does the “Bainbridge Shoreline Homeowners Association” represent all shoreline owners or just a few? Other shoreline owners I know believe they have a responsibility to protect and restore their properties to benefit the health of Puget Sound and are willing to do what is best in that public interest. The association obviously does not speak for them.

Beware of scare tactics like: Being forced from your shoreline, “…and away from the beach behind a forest of trees,” or destroyed property values due to shoreline improvement. Does it make sense that healthier shorelines are framed as something negative?

Also as a property owner all my adult life, I understand both the so-called rights as well as the responsibilities of a landowner. I know, as populations become larger and more complex, my responsibility to my community increases and my “property rights and liberties” are proportionately diminished.

Most of us are more than willing to accommodate that fact. Still, some cling to the idea that, “It’s either my way or the highway” (witness the fiasco of current national politics and the Tea Party). Hopefully, “common sense” will prevail – there as well as here – and our wonderful country will survive and our valuable shorelines will receive the protections they deserve, despite the early wailings of some.

Bob L. Burkholder

Bainbridge Island