I am writing to express my sadness at the current state of affairs in the city of Black Diamond.

I just returned from Joplin, Mo., where our group was representing our community by helping victims of the recent tragedy.

Seeing how the tornado ripped that area apart was truly eye opening. With what little they had, the people of Joplin came together in support of one another in their time of need.

Everywhere I went in Joplin, people were extremely grateful. They asked me where I was from, and when I told them, they were always amazed how far I’d traveled. It made me proud to be a Black Diamond resident. I returned from Joplin full of hope and proud to have been an ambassador of Black Diamond.

Unfortunately, not long after I got back, I heard about the upsetting graffiti that was written in objection to the planned developments being presented by YarrowBay.

It’s difficult to put into words how disappointed I am that a member of our community would choose to express him or herself in this way.

It is also frustrating to know that this action was not an isolated incident. I have been to a City Council meeting and heard our public servants belittled and berated simply for doing their job to the best of their abilities. This is unacceptable. While we have our disagreements, each of us can address our concerns in front of our elected officials in a respectful manner.

Our community is going to grow. If we all work together, I’m sure that growth will happen in a responsible way.

What about the people I just left, many lost everything. Some don’t have a house. Some will never be able to complain again.

Whoever wrote that graffiti, and the group celebrating it, isn’t representing me, or anyone else in Black Diamond that I know. You owe me, the mayor, City Council, and everyone else in our community an apology. It is time for those who have remained silent to start speaking up.

Ginger Passarelli Senecal

Black Diamond