I didn’t know that my statement of forgetting to ‘close the gate’ would cause such a reaction. Many have expressed their views of why they want a hotel. Most of them say we need it — as soon as possible. I have to tell them, ‘Don’t tell me, send a letter or call the city of North Bend.’

I moved here when was 8 — 80 years ago. So I’m not a native, although my husband and my daughter were born here. Just think of what has been accomplished in those years: schools, libraries, water, lights, garbage, choice of doctors and dentists, supermarkets, churches, hospital, restaurants, and the list goes on. Don’t forget the firemen and police.

Newcomers came to the Valley like going to grandma’s for Thanksgiving. The feast is ready and you don’t have to do the dishes. I wonder, if we had a disaster such as an earthquake or fire fueled by a strong east wind, could we depend on the newcomers to help, or would they continue to want to be isolated? They seem to want the frosting but not the cake.

I remember when the people in the outlying roads didn’t have phone or electric service. Puget Sound (power and light company) refused — it cost too much — the residents were too far apart. My father got mad and by himself got the energy from Seattle City Light at Cedar Falls. Many have left their mark for everyone.

So if you want the hotel, please let the town fathers know we need a nice one.

Betty Vaughan

North Bend