Commentary: Misinformation about Millville development has negative impact on community

In response to a recent letter in this newspaper, I felt compelled to write a reply.

My family has been in this community for five generations, I was born and raised in Gig Harbor. We feel so fortunate to live here; I think everyone can agree that Gig Harbor is a wonderful community.

Personally, I lived abroad for roughly ten years and came back to my hometown to raise my future family because I know that nowhere else compares. While we are all entitled to our own opinion of how to plan for the future of Gig Harbor, hyperbolic accusations and inaccurate claims detract from the harmony and well-being of our community.

For example, a recent letter to the editor, published in this newspaper, Jeni Woock announced 10 new restaurants moving into the Millville district of downtown Gig Harbor.

Ten!

This claim is inaccurate; there are only three proposed restaurants/wine bars. As a disclaimer, I am the owner of one of the new restaurants moving into Millville. It’s also important to note that historically, Millville has been a mixed-use neighborhood, residential and commercial since the early 1900s.

I completely agree that it is important for citizens to have a voice in regulations, plans and decisions that impact the community. This is why the Gig Harbor City Council was formed. Remember, we elect community members to represent our voice on the council. If it were true that a council member was ignoring the community’s interests and desires, that council member would not be re-elected.

Not getting your way does not mean that council is not listening to a certain set of ideas or vision, it means that there is a greater proportion of this community that has a different vision.

Now, that said, I am not advocating that anyone lay down their opinion in defeat. I am writing this to ask that future campaigns, letters and appeals to the community be done in a respectful and responsible way.

If you are going to ask the community to sign a petition or join your cause, be honest and fair with your argument.

This story was originally published June 24, 2016 at 10:09 AM with the headline "Commentary: Misinformation about Millville development has negative impact on community."