As the city moves forward with annexation, there are many calling for a united effort between annexation area residents and current Kirkland residents to problem solve the issues that will arise. I have seen among many, an effort to “bury the hatchet,” so-to-speak, in favor of a spirit of cooperation.

I was absolutely offended and dismayed to open the Reporter last night and read your headline, (“There goes the neighborhood?”) which, whether intended or not, made one think that the inclusion of annexation residents on boards was going to somehow negatively impact “the neighborhood.” I think it was insensitive given the bantering that took place during the annexation debate that we in the annexation area are not up to the “Kirkland standards.”

I also felt the Reporter failed to present a well-rounded story in not looking in more depth at the neighborhoods within the annexation area. There are neighborhoods within Finn Hill, Kingsgate and North Juanita. A call to any of the leaders in these areas would have offered potential solutions to the dividing problem. I hope Eric Shields and his crew at City Hall will reach out to the annexation area leaders for input on solutions.

Perhaps you don’t realize that you hit a sensitive button, but I urge the paper to be more considerate and consider their entire readership when tackling annexation questions in the future. And please consider contacting people within the annexation areas, you will find us quite knowledgeable, professional and interested in helping.

Cami Keyes, Finn Hill