Letters to
the editor
Tent City not instigated by outsiders
I do not live on Mercer Island and I do not belong to the Mercer Island United Methodist Church. I have, however, been reading the Tent City coverage on your online blog. The lies and misinformation being posted in letters are appalling, and I felt I must comment.
I am an independent bookkeeper who handles the bookkeeping for four churches, including Mercer Island United Methodist Church. I write Rev. Knight’s paycheck, which is fully funded by the Mercer Island United Methodist Church and the donations by its dedicated members … your neighbors. The sponsorship of Tent City is not being ‘instigated’ or funded by outsiders. Many of your neighbors are not only donating dollars, but are personally involved with the people of Tent City to make this work for both Tent City residents and Mercer Island residents.
Thank you for allowing my input.
Concrete walls and graffiti: reply
[Regarding the letter in last week’s paper, ‘Concrete walls attract graffiti’] 1. It’s unknown if the walls are required for seismic and/or land recovery compliance or some other reasons. 2. Mercer Island has only two ways on and off the Island, and gang-banging taggers will have to stop off at the Shell Station and ask Brad for directions to Faben Point. 3. MI and LAX have nothing in common (population, socio-economic diversity, square miles, commerce, airport, to name a few). 4. Gangbangers don’t frequent MI for quiche and wine. 5. I grew up in the Central District and Beacon Hill, and the demographics on MI do not support any migration by “unsavory elements” anytime soon. 6. If these walls do get “tagged,” it’s mostly likely going to be your neighborhood kids after spending a boring family holiday in Hawaii or Paris.
Take a deep breath and relax. If it’s the aesthetics, then it’s a whole different issue, but don’t use scare tactics that are grossly untrue and unsubstantiated.
Tent City? I’ll give them a chance, and they’re just a block away from me. I’m looking forward to Tent City moving on to Medina, Broadmoor, Blue Ridge and/or Windermere neighborhoods. Fat chance that will ever happen. Well, maybe that’s what makes Mercer Island who we are … now that’s pretty good.
