Editor,

Many people have asked the city to have a meeting to discuss what facts or other basis are behind claims that transportation between the marina and downtown is needed, but the city hasn’t wanted to do so. It wants to go straight to the pros and cons of each transport mode.

Why does it matter? Because if you make the debate about whether a golf cart or a funicular would work better to help local boaters get their supplies to and from the marina, maybe a funicular would “win” the discussion. But what if boaters wouldn’t do either one, but just continue to use their cars, because that was by far the fastest and easiest way? Then both funiculars and golf carts are irrelevant.

Through public records requests, the city claims to have given copies of all information regarding the funicular/elevator. If that’s true, the city has never polled boaters regarding their needs, nor asked groups that represent disabled persons about their needs and preferred solutions.

There are nine such claims of benefits/needs that the city has made in grant applications, public meetings, in the paper, and verbally. Of those nine, only three are definitely true.

When large groups come to the marina, we need a way of getting people who may have disabilities up and down the hill.

Individuals with disabilities, coming by small boat or otherwise, sometimes need help to get up and down the hill.

A funicular, because it would also function as an amusement ride, would attract more visitors to Langley. Whether that’s the best way to attract visitors is another question.

I don’t have room in this letter to list and discuss all nine claims, but I put them on a webpage, langleytram.com. If you are interested, visit and comment or add your facts. Hopefully the city will add facts and comments too.

Together we can gather the information we need to make a good decision.

SHARON EMERSON

Langley