The movement by a few naysayers against Proposition 1 does not persuade me to oppose the Chuckanut Park District. I am far more wiling to pay taxes to save the Chuckanut Ridge property in its entirety for citywide-and-beyond public use than to pay taxes for infrastructure should part of the land be developed. There are many fragile environments at risk, even if only a portion is not saved. Saving all of the ridge maintains a corridor between the Interurban Trail and Arroyo Park and the trails of Chuckanut Ridge. Furthermore, I trust the commissioners running for office because they have made pledges to keep the tax levy rate at 28 cents or less per $1,000 valuation for 10 years or less and to work for long-term preservation of the property and also because they have nothing to gain by loosing our trust.

Proposition 1 is the best option for finally saving the property for generations to come. Let's help keep Bellingham beautiful. Vote yes.

Mary Anne Rangel

Bellingham