We’re writing in response to comments made at the recent open house organized by the city and the ICW Citizen Panel on March 3 (Mercer Island Reporter, March 11). We were distressed to read that our mayor, Jim Pearman, blithely dismissed the comments of a large group of people because they had organized “to come and promote one concept” rather than being “a random group of people.” Mayor Pearman, the reason why people organize around a concept is so that their opinions will be heard. In fact, organizing to support a concept has been used throughout our country’s history to influence political decision-making. It takes time and energy to organize a group to act, and the fact that their comments were dismissed because their “concept” did not agree with your already formed opinion is alarming. Please remember that you were elected to your position as mayor to represent the citizens of this community, not to impose your ideas on us.

We were traveling at the time of the meeting, so did not attend; however, we add our voices to those who are opposed to either of the “road diet” options. We feel that the intersection works well as it is, or if change is deemed imperative, a traffic signal should be installed.

Valerie and Henry Warden