In response to Susan Gardner’s letter from Oct. 19, Joe Marshall, who is now running for Kenmore City Council, was one of the effective voices who worked with me to ensure that Washington State Parks did not literally sell off the heart of Saint Edward State Park to the re-developers of the seminary building.

Legislation sought by the State Parks Commission and backers of the redevelopment proposal would have literally sold the heart of our public park to the developers. Instead, we have maintained public ownership and control — protecting environmental values and public access — while allowing redevelopment to save the building to move forward. While there were many voices opposing any private redevelopment, legislation I spearheaded ensured that there was an independent examination of whether there were any feasible alternatives for nonprofit or public redevelopment of the seminary building. That resulted in an agreement to use some of the first-floor space for a new environmental education center. If the building had been sold to the lodge developer, this public use would not be part of the plan.

46th Legislative District Rep. Gerry Pollet