I am writing after reading The Leader’s Aug. 9 “Perspective” from the Port Townsend mayor regarding the city-owned golf course. Of particular concern to me is the mayor’s disclosed preference to the opinions of Port Townsend High School students over those of Tim Caldwell and his associates who have historically invested thousands of volunteer and career hours benefiting the local community without needing to be asked. He, and other local citizens over age 50, have, it seems, had their opinions and recommendations discarded in favor of the youthful survey that this public property should become affordable housing instead of golf joy.

The elder citizens who have invested themselves in making PT such a desirable community have in good faith offered thoughtful ideas, deserve consideration, and recognition of their values, town equity, and wisdom. As a teen, I too was idealistic and thought everyone had the right to things like affordable housing. Ideals are a good direction but deserve dimensional, not straight-line thinking. Experience in governance, problem-solving, planning, money management, and organization are needed skills only the experienced bring to the process. Two historic projects for youth, the skateboard park and Boiler Room, did not reflect these skills.

Many of the adults speaking for keeping the course have historic memory of the city’s bad faith sale of the Boy Scout cabin property on Morgan Hill worth over $1 million. A public office holder instigated the priced at 25 percent less than value sale without an appraisal for his own development interests. The Seattle Boy Scout financial officer and organization head possibly enjoyed the abundant funds in retirement soon thereafter. With this bruising memory, I ask that the mayor and city council not monetize the golf course property.