Many Snoqualmie city leaders seem to assume that the continued rapid growth and development of Snoqualmie is a good thing. Yet many of us moved here because we liked Snoqualmie as a small town.

We are disappointed in the ever increasing traffic congestion on Snoqualmie Parkway and the pressures on our environment. Some growth is inevitable, but the current rate of growth is unsustainable, and will come at a high cost to current residents.

Some city leaders may assume the reason most Snoqualmie residents don’t show up for town hall meetings to discuss proposed development projects is apathy. But in fact, what undercuts the motivation of many to attend is the widespread belief that our attendance and voice will make no difference.

Where is our city’s loyalty to the pioneering merchants (e.g., IGA and the Starbucks next to it) who took the financial risk early to invest in our community and serve our needs? These pioneers have supported many civic and community projects, and now they are being punished.

The decision to put a competing new supermarket and Starbucks across the Parkway was poorly thought out. It has resulted in savaging our existing market and coffee shops. And it has also cost jobs and the financial stability of our pioneering retailers.

That’s why I am encouraging people to vote for Fuzzy Fletcher.

Peter D. Bullard

Snoqualmie