Editor,

One question about the funicular not addressed previously in a Dec. 13 letter in The Record regards parking for boaters in the middle school parking lot only being available during the summer months (for saving time and pollution by hauling their gear on the funicular). Perhaps that letter writer was not aware that the city has another agreement with the Island Church allowing boaters to use their parking lot (even closer than the middle school) year round except on Sundays. In addition the city could further negotiate with the middle school to use their lot on weekends year round as well.

The funicular, as Mr. Levine points out, could be realized within a year. Boaters, able-bodied and disabled alike, could ride the ride, enjoy the view, have a drink or a meal or a picnic and shop the shops. South Whidbey residents, whether boaters or pedestrians, would also be drawn to the ride and even use it as a prelude for picnicking in the area and walking the now-longer marina dock. This means that we would all benefit: not just “government and business owners.” When local businesses get a shot in the arm from visitor dollars it helps those local businesses to remain viable for the convenience and enjoyment of locals also.

To dismiss all the previous planning, proposing and narrowing down of factors that need to be involved in the project by starting from scratch is a prelude for wasting more and more time for a proposal that was initiated in 2004. Inertia kills constructive projects slowly but just as effectively as anything else.

I invite support of an idea whose time has come: a low-impact, low-profile, low-cost, high-yield enhancement to the Langley waterfront.

CLAUDIA MITCHELL

Freeland