It is disappointing to see how much of our recent elections and news have been about potential decisions that could encroach on our particular sense of place. Decisions that could change our sense of community on Mercer Island where last month an impromptu tribute to Sept. 11 developed at the South End Fire Station.

I want this to stay a place, not just a bridge.

I am curious about how I-90 will affect our community. I am curious about Vision Mercer Island.

Traci Granbois, running for city council, is asking interesting questions about what makes a community work, why make a place a home, and how to make it all balance. I suggest we follow her example and take the time to question the easy answers and make sure the decisions we are making as a community keep our community home.

For example, in a Sept. 13 letter, the writer says that Traci lacks problem solving skills and that she did not want to place a plaza on Walgreen’s property. This is actually Traci’s exquisite sense of fair play. She objected only because the site is private property, not something the city should be building on without first consulting the property owners. This is a judicious perspective. For that reason, as well as her commitment to our environment, Traci has my vote.

Susan C. Gebhardt