Hail, hail, Tollgate is saved. The thought that an effort is being put forth to save Tollgate from development creates a mixed message in my mind and frankly, I’m not sure how to react yet. On the one hand I have always enjoyed the beauty of Tollgate Farm, almost a throwback in time with its lone remaining structure a reminder of years gone by in the Valley.

I was sad to see the barn fall last year because it had always been a great photo opportunity in any season. I can understand the concerns about wetlands and potential flooding issues. I can understand the need to protect our rural character as was indicated in North Bend’s resident study in 1999.

But on the other hand I have many questions. First, how, with County Council members deeply entrenched in budget battles, has the county been able to pull dollars out of some magical bucket to save two large tracts of land recently? Can we assume that the rest of King County enjoys paying for land in the Snoqualmie Valley so that we can retain our rural character? Are other King County residents willing to potentially take a cut in police services and support the purchase both the Falls Crossing and Tollgate parcels of property? Am I way out on a limb here, with Tollgate development opposition about to saw the limb off?

Other questions are bothering me, as well. How is North Bend going to achieve its job targets in the comprehensive plan? I would think there has been some growth in jobs, but it is likely that 99 percent are service-oriented and actually pay at poverty levels. Wouldn’t it be great for North Bend residents to work locally rather than pay $3 a gallon for gas to drive to Bellevue? What is North Bend doing to bring livable wage jobs to our city? When can we expect the annexation process for east of town to begin?

Are North Bend residents willing to put their money where their mouths are and approve a bond to purchase parts of Tollgate? Is the time frame to campaign for the bond conducive to success? It will take a dedicated group of volunteers and a huge voter turnout to get things flying.

And finally, are we creating “East King County – home to the rich and famous” where people only live or have summer homes but don’t actually work locally? With little new development to support jobs or affordable homes, and rumors of Brad Pitt or Martha Stewart moving into town, maybe we will see Robin Leach touting champagne wishes and caviar dreams.

I can’t be the only one that is concerned about higher taxes, growing government and the lack of property rights. Wow, am I sounding a little like Ross Perot, or what? Graphs will follow shortly. By the way, I watched “Return of the Titans” the other night, so the Denzel Washington effect might still be working here, just ask my kids.

I do want to commend North Bend Mayor Joan Simpson, city staff and the City Council for the efforts they have put forth to curb development of the Tollgate Farm. I know it has been a vision of the mayor’s from the outset and that she, along with city staff and Councilman Mark Sollitto, worked diligently to find ways to protect the property from development. Nobody should question their desire to do what is best in the city’s interest, for they followed a belief and were successful in seeing it through.

I encourage everyone to vote because ultimately, the voters will decide where this goes. If the majority vote says yes, let’s purchase the property, then the mayor and supporters of preserving the property truly have done what is in the best interest of the city. If the vote is no, we can’t blame the city for not trying to save the property.

With letters a little slow lately, I figured this might get things stirring a bit. After all, there are only four months until the vote.

Jim McKiernan