As an environmental advocate for many years, I trust Mark Cross. He is a tried and true supporter of the environment in Sammamish.

As a councilmember, he supported regulations that have protected our trees, wetlands, streams and wildlife and has proven himself by advocating for what is best for everyone, not just a few.

Mark’s opponent, while a good and passionate citizen, has no government experience.  She is also a member of Citizens for Sammamish, a group whose membership has advocated in many public processes for reduced environmental regulations.

A few years ago I naively joined their “environmental subcommittee” only to find out that I was the only one interested in actually protecting the environment.  All the others on the committee felt the regulations prevented them from the free use of their property.

It seems to me that any member of Citizens for Sammamish would be guided by and obligated to the others in their group instead of the general welfare of the city as a whole.

Because we are losing a great, long-standing environmental advocate in Nancy Whitten, it is important that we bring in someone with knowledge of land-use code and one who will truly work to balance the environment with growth.

Ilene Stahl, Sammamish