Editor,

Eric Levine and some in city government say that those in the community who oppose a funicular are in the minority. Mr. Levine further comments that some who voice opposition do not know all the facts. One fact clearly absent is how the majority of Langley residents feel about the need for such transport. Do the residents of Langley feel that some sort of funicular/tram is needed and of great benefit to the community in order to justify spending $500,000 of our Island County tax dollars? The will of the majority should be the basis on whether this kind of project is constructed and even whether our city budget and resources are being used to investigate and plan for it.

Regarding Mr. Levine’s comment that those who oppose the project are missing facts: What facts has the city not shared with the public so that we can all be informed on the need and usefulness of the proposed project? What sources of data should we all be consulting to ensure our references are complete?

When the city has been questioned about relevant issues such as maintenance and recurring costs, bluff stability, and definite economic gains for the community, they have responded that it is premature to offer this data. Yet, how can the community (or city) buy into any of these conveyance designs without considering what liabilities and benefits we can reasonably expect?

It should not be surprising that different people reviewing the city’s funicular proposals reach different conclusions. Because someone takes an opposing view, it does not mean they lack intelligence, are ill informed, against the American Disabilities Act, against progress, against economic development or against business.

The only way to truly know the will of Langley’s residents is to put the question on the ballot.

NELL ANDERS

Langley