Editor’s note: Gomer Evans asked for the testimony he planned to read before the Black Diamond City Council at the master planned developments hearing be posted to the website and published in the newspaper. He was unable to testify because he is out of town.

Thank you for the opportunity to hear my point of view regarding the master planned developments for the city of Black Diamond. I have (had) frequent opportunities to talk with members of this community and strongly believe that my opinion represents that group.

As you are aware I have been a life-ling resident of this town, a member of this city’s first council and past mayor and was very involved in the original incorporation to create the city of Black Diamond. What is happening now often reminds me of what Black Diamond went through during its years of incorporation in 1959. We heard from many dissenters that the incorporation of this town would be disastrous, that there was no possibility for your community members to govern ourselves and manage as a city. Many of these dissenters did not reside in Black Diamond. We also heard the voices of the residents of Black Diamond who spoke loudly, clearly and confidently about the need for incorporation. Here we are 50 years later the citizens of this community who live here, participate in activities here, raise their children here and enjoy their families here are the people who truly make the difference in our success in the end. This is certainly strong evidence that there is a significant need to clearly listen to the voices of the citizens of Black Diamond.

The master planned developments provides a great opportunity for this city to manage its future and to do that in a well-planned and reasonable way. Just as it was when we tackled incorporation to ensure that the citizens of this town maintained their voice in change, it is equally important now that we support this plan in order to ensure that the citizens have their say about the structures of Black Diamond rather than facing the day when those decisions might be made by another city or government agency that wants to swallow up our town.

The plan provides the opportunity to:

• create jobs,

• build schools,

• provide for underground utilities,

• make a better and safer environment for children,

• create a city where businesses are welcomed and thrive,

• build trails for bikes and walking,

• create an environment to support our seniors so they can continue to live in their town.

The time has come for us to work together in a cooperative way.

YarrowBay owns this land. They have spend many hours listening to the needs of our community through meetings with citizens and city officials. Since 1996 I have attended the hearings and had an opportunity to share my views and hear others do the same.

Much like when we were discussing the incorporation, we faced individuals who at the last minute tried to derail that change. But the voices of the people of the town prevailed and looking back now we are mighty glad they did. Without the incorporation we would probably just be a part of Maple Valley today.

So keep in mind when you look back at all the work that has been done on this plan. This plan was developed with our voices. It is well thought out; and it addresses the needs that our voices have raised, including environmental issues.

Take pride in our city of Black Diamond – we may be small, but we have been wise. We have been successful with our incorporation and have created a successful community. Now it is the time for our community to face the future in a well-planned, fiscally responsible, environmentally responsible manner that is supported by the citizens of this community.

Fifty years from now when Black Diamond celebrates its 100th anniversary, I believe the citizens will have the opportunity to look back and celebrate this council and mayor for having the courage to listen to our voices and direct our future appropriately.

Be proud – listen to our voices.

Gomer Evans

Black Diamond