I don’t profess to know all the answers but I couldn’t help but think about it when reading the article on planning under way for the Hawk Property in Covington. The very thing that a small faction of residents in Black Diamond have been fighting, even to the extent of lawsuits and an attempt to change the city’s form of government, a total development plan for 210 acres before a shovel is lifted, is getting residents and staff of Covington excited about planning the future growth of their city.

The urban growth areas designated by the county for growth will grow by law.

Mayor Olness has ridden a wild horse in trying to keep the city solvent through a process that no one can change or delay and has always been so polite and civil in council meetings with heated public input that I have on several occasions had to shake my head in wonder at her composure and calm spirit.

I think all candidates for mayor and for council have come to their senses and know that growth is inevitable and mandated by law and they are now running on who can best manage it.

I say Mayor Olness has earned her stripes and deserves another term. I have already cast my vote and ask that you consider voting for Mayor Olness as well.

Meanwhile, I still wonder why residents in Black Diamond who know growth has to come to their little village as the region’s population grows would not be excited for this opportunity to plan what that new city will look like in entirety.

Harvey Senecal

Black Diamond