Only bipartisan plan will end controversy

With the Snohomish County Council all but washing its hands of the issue, I fear the ballfields in Snohomish are being used for political gain.

Sen. Dave Schmidt, Rep. Brian Sullivan and Rep. Hans Dunshee have all publicly stated that they will write a bill concerning recreational use of ag-designated land, to be introduced in the next legislative session. Can you read between the lines? These well-intended public officials are going about this in true partisan fashion. This will not cut it in Olympia. Past introductions of failed similar bills in the House have proven that a partisan strategy will not work. In order for this bill to gain favor in Olympia, it must be originated in a bipartisan environment.

Our local legislators must demonstrate leadership and show by example that they can work together for the children of North and South Snohomish Little Leagues. Their peers in Olympia must see that they did their homework, that they fully understand the issue, that they dealt with facts and data, and that they worked with the Farm Bureau and the 1000 Friends of Washington before they wrote the bill. I am looking for one of our local legislators to step forward proclaiming a bipartisan strategy to this issue, and getting it done. This person may very well be the first of many champions we so desperately need to represent the children of Snohomish Little League in Olympia.

Mark Kilpatrick

Snohomish