Whatcom County and Bellingham, that most livable city, have citizens who take the long view. I believe they see that the few dirty jobs the coal trains create will be more than offset by driving away clean jobs serving tourists and summer residents and by the disruption of daily traffic and Amtrak. We are also conscious of being part of one world suffering from climate change. Coal burned in China contributes to that problem.

We know the value of trees and green space. The new Little Squalicum Park humanizes the nearby industrial sites just as the Hundred Acre Wood brightens the sepulchral calm of urban development. Walking and biking trails through the city make a real contribution to health and safety. Hundreds of small businesses help us see the value of meeting the producers and buying locally. Our pure tap water beats bottled.

Friendly cops on bicycles are better than militarized police advancing in Gestapo lockstep on four Occupy Bellingham campers to drive them from Memorial Park. We want a welcoming waterfront park, not an exclusive yacht harbor. Keep Bellingham clean and green and friendly for all the people.

Dick Smith

Bellingham