Lessons learned, a park saved

In January when I heard the circumstances surrounding Pine Tree Park, I wanted to kick all of the Kent city government to the curb. But during the last months, I learned a lot about our city government.

The initial anger has turned to understanding and respect for our City Councilmembers. Don’t misunderstand me, there are still a couple of things that I feel were very wrong. But through the experience the council has learned to be better officials, and I’ve learned how to be a better citizen.

There is no reason to feel we as voters are helpless. We can express our views to City Councilmembers via an email composed even while still in our pajamas. We can reach out to our fellow citizens to combine forces through our neighborhood councils and social media.

Protecting public land requires us to be vigilant. The sad truth is that city, state, and federal park and open spaces are being sold for development throughout the U.S. —completely in violation of the deeds that set the land aside for preservation. We should not assume our elected officials will adhere to the highest standards, we must hold them to the highest standard.

Saving Pine Tree Park started with neighbors going door to door talking with neighbors and using social media to voice their concern. It has involved middle school students, millennials, baby boomers, retired citizens, liberals and conservatives; letters, emails, phone calls, document requests, submissions to newspapers and TV.

That level of involvement and openness results not only in good government – it’s great government.

And lastly a sincere thank you to the Kent Reporter. No longer will the KR go from the driveway into the recycle. Love KR online, too.

– Anita Veen