City hasn’t listened to citizens’ concerns about Puget Sound Energy sub-station

As community representatives, we, the residents in the Fouir Corners neighborhood, do not believe that the information provided by Puget Sound Energy to address community concerns over current sub-station site selection, alternative site locations and affects on property value are adequate, relevant and-or accurate.

We are also concerned that notification and opportunity of further public meetings for public comment are set. We insist that the public be included and given proper notice.

As you know, we have collected over 500 resident signatures apposing this project, and we have submitted them to the city of Maple Valley.

The residents feel that the city hasn’t listened to their concerns, nor provided alternative solutions to the location of the new sub-station. State Rep. Pat Sullivan has been equally disappointed in the lack of response and concern for residents on the part of the city and Puget Sound Energy.

It is obvious that lack of foresight and poor planning have resulted in the current proposed site selection. The current proposal for the site selected will greatly harm city aesthetics, small business, pedestrian-friendly family life and property use in close proximity to the sub-station site.

We expect our representatives to work with the residents to find an alternative solution. We anticipate that our elected representatives will indeed represent the interests of the constituency in this matter and will apprise us of their next steps.

Hamada has key community role already, would be good in Legislature

Leslie Hamada, a candidate for state representative from the 47th District, is an active community volunteer assisting with emergency needs from her Kent United Methodist Church. She interviews low-income clients in need of emergency assistance and provides help with power, rent, food and other necessary items.

She also organizes our Kent Ecumenical Network meetings, where we share human-service needs and available services for Kent and the surrounding area.

Her leadership has been invaluable in keeping this ministry afloat, and she often provides speakers for our monthly meetings.

I value her contribution highly and know that she would be a wonderful addition to the position she seeks.

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