After reading a letter from the Snoqualmie Tribe that I assume most residents of the Valley also received, I responded to them in the following manner:

“I received your letter outlining all of the Tribe’s good works with interest. Your letter states plainly that you are “neighbors” to the citizens of the Snoqualmie Valley and that you feel “stewardship” and “responsibility” towards the Valley.

Does this mean you are reconsidering the idea of building a 20-story hotel on the casino property? Or is this letter justification for such a monstrosity? I can see the need for lodging, but no number of jobs or good deeds will mitigate what a 20-story hotel would do to the natural face of this Valley. It would not be a homage to the Native spirit that resides in this Valley, but rather a tower to the almighty dollar. You will ruin a place that non-native people also call sacred and their home. I am hoping you are reconsidering the size of the hotel and will try to limit the growth and footprint of your casino.”

I agree wholeheartedly that changes to the Valley are unnecessary—specifically this hotel and the proposed roundabout at the Falls. Dear God, we do not need another roundabout!? I also agree that there is nothing wrong with wanting to keep this Valley the same and limit our changes—that is why we live here. If I wanted to live next door to Walmart or Costco or Bartells—thanks North Bend—I would move to Issaquah or Covington or some similar strip mall heaven. Just leave it alone—stop paving over paradise!

Jeanne Klein

North Bend