Editor,

South island is generally liberal with numerous contesting agendas, a healthy condition minus a few nasties. Let us not use the lift as a political football, instead work together to strengthen downtown, the marina and resort district. How?

Wharf Street has five components: the marina, inn, waterfront “houses,” the Drake and vacation rentals. This district can add environmentally sound revenue and design quality to Langley. Support the development of the remaining parcels (Drake and vacation homes) in their time with reliable people access. I support the late Paul Schell’s vision for the Drake (Inn at Langley annex with cafe) as it’s key to the district.

The port is expanding the marina for larger boats, sight-seeing vessels and recreational boaters. Downtown’s economy as local retail/services, second home/weekend resident/general tourism, is adding event facilities and entertainment retail, such as Ott and Murphy, Second Street Wine Store (yes, I like wine!); the Dog House renovation with restaurant and lower level event space (owner); Edgecliff event space potential; Pizzeria expansion, new/existing restaurants, fairground diversity, etc. — solid lower-impact economy.

Paul wanted to combine an elevator for his annex that also served as a public conveyance up the hill; we discussed options for the bridge to terminate at a lower topography with level trail that connected to First Street, protecting views — design resolutions. Previous developers funicular entered the second level of a mixed use Drake site.

The point?

Support, not hinder beneficial quality additions to our economic resources. Work with city, port and owners to set the stage for a quality district over time.

Volunteerism sounds great but does not work long term — it’s not reliable, consistent or convenient. The elevator/funicular options are on call from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for locals and visitors alike, making for reliable, consistent, convenient, low maintenance service. Keep our healthy politics for other arenas and work as a community to benefit our common future.

RON KASPRISIN

Langley