We took a walk into Eastsound this morning and stopped to observe the Prune Alley construction crew begin their day. We asked a worker how it was going. She said it was going pretty well but that last night the protective fencing she had put up had been taken down. She noted that she had to put in a 12-hour work day to re-do the work and that this was not the first time something like this has happened. We also note reports we’ve heard about construction workers being accosted, concrete forms being dismantled, signage being ignored, etc.

We are dismayed at the actions of those in our community who would express their frustrations with the project in this manner. We support people’s freedom to protest and register complaints, however, this is neither a productive nor civil way to protest.

The project will be completed, but with vandalism, it will take even longer, and cost more, which only means extended inconvenience to businesses and patrons, and a greater burden on all of us taxpayers.

Another downside of this behavior is leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of those who are simply doing their jobs (and doing them well, we note). We wholeheartedly condemn such actions and ask that folks consider what impression we wish to give those who are honest workers coming to our town.

We should do better than this.

Thank you,

Annette Bader

Michael Hayworth

Orcas Island