Interior Secretary Gale Norton, meeting with Republicans in Everett recently, spoke of a shift in environmental policy by the Bush Administration. She spoke of a new way with a new approach which involves getting local input on issues (such as the Wild Sky Wilderness proposal).

Sen. Patty Murray and Reps. Jennifer Dunn and Rick Larsen did exactly that, soliciting local input when the bill was in the early draft stages. Local residents were all invited, and most of us here met with them at that time. Thanks to the terrific proposal that was written with our input, the bill has wide support on both sides of the aisle. Even President Bush has stated that he’d be happy to sign the bill once it is placed on his desk!

As a resident of Index, I am very interested in seeing the Wild Sky Wilderness Area preserved. The bill is good one. It would set aside some of the most beautiful country in our state so that future generations can enjoy what we have today. I hope that the House of Representatives, including Rep. George Nethercutt, will join the bipartisan support to make Wild Sky a reality. SUSAN CROSS

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