I fear newcomer Ross Loudenback’s letter in last week’s Valley Record was “a day late and a dollar short.”

He is a member of Councilman Jim Gildersleeve’s group – the so-called “Friends of North Bend.” Mr. Gildersleeve has repeatedly spoken against the acquisition of part or all of Tollgate Farm. I suggest this small group “knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

To clarify the cost of the Sept. 18 Tollgate levy, I again point out that your check to King County for property tax would have increased 5 percent, not 35 percent.

Also the assertion that Mrs. McKibben is “xenophobic” (dictionary definition: being fearful and hating foreign people) is incredible. Mary Lou McKibben is a well-known and respected pillar in our community and among many other accolades is also a founding member of our Snoqualmie Valley Historical Museum. The assertion by the letter writer is not only ridiculous but reckless and unfair.

I would ask that in the future, Mr. Loudenback take the time to gather the facts and do his homework before he writes any more letters.

JoAnn Klacsan

North Bend