Editor,

Although I do not live in Langley, I have lived in Freeland for 10 years, owned property, paid taxes and have become active in my community. That being said, the Langley funicular issue has my interest.

As I write, Island Transit is in the midst of a terrible financial crisis and now has a new, interim executive director with four new Island Transit board members who are trying to balance the books. One of the ways they are doing this has been by cutting back service, including paratransit.

If you are elderly, poor, disabled or otherwise unable to provide for your transportation needs, Island Transit is an imperative for you. With the cut back on routes, this has put a huge burden on those of us in the community who rely on Island Transit for basic, fundamental transport. While I don’t need paratransit yet, after 25 years of multiple sclerosis, I do take comfort in knowing that some reasonable assistance is there if needed.

So here we are, with Island Transit on the brink of insolvency, and we have folks who are for a funicular in Langley without any mention about funding. And, yes, anything that has to do with public money should be ADA compliant.

If not taxpayer money, where will we get the funding?

My husband and I sail, but the only time that I sail is with an able-bodied party. I don’t expect the taxpayer to fund my hobbies. And, yes, sailing is my hobby.

It is time to realize that each of these “little projects” draws down the public coffers and reduces the governments’ ability to do legitimate, worthwhile work.

Let’s focus on Island Transit. Any talk about a funicular must be from private funding.

CHELLE BRUNKE

Freeland