Any time the public has a chance to buy greenways in our city, we should embrace it. This is the reason Bellingham is so unique: we value the nature we live in.

If it weren't for the Boulevard Park greenways, we wouldn't enjoy the current water views. Instead, we would be looking at condos all the way up the boulevard. In the past, other taxpayers stepped up to pay and/or donate places like Cornwall Park, Fairhaven Park, Whatcom Falls Park and other pristine sites that are enjoyed by all residents.

This forest is the last remaining mature, forested, wetlands ecosystem in the Bellingham city limits. Surely, keeping 100 acres in tact isn't that difficult or expensive to preserve? The cost is nominal compared to the impact of increased traffic, development costs that are often subsidized by taxpayers and destruction of an ecosystem. The nominal amount we are paying now is nothing compared to what we would pay for in the future.

Vote for our future by voting "yes" for the Chuckanut Community Forest District and the candidates who have this forest and the people in their best interests: Cathy McKenzie, Dan Remsen/John Hyamas, Susan Kaun, Vince Biciunas and John Brown.

Let's have a balance between concrete and forests. Once it's lost, it's lost for good.

William Weissenborn

Bellingham