I am writing a general comment to the community of Kirkland in defense of Bob Sternoff; a long-standing public servant and private community activist. Over the past three years, I have witnessed and remained silent of your biased, public and false character assassinations of this fine citizen.

In spite of your outright attacks, Bob has continued to serve Kirkland and its residents tirelessly over the span of these last three years since leaving the City Council. He has remained an experienced, dedicated, intelligent, connected to the citizens and businesses, hard-working person who cares and is determined to be a part of “walking the walk in taking Kirkland to the next level.

During the span of these years, Bob worked toward a more seamless integration of the annexation area, to analyze and ameliorate the effects of the, now current, bridge and 405 tolls, and, to be a proactive supporter of managed growth in downtown and Totem Lake. There are very few qualities that can substitute for this kind of ground-level, gut-level dedication and experience. More recently, he spearheaded the grass root efforts to inform the citizens of Kirkland as to the significant “hidden” costs associated with Prop. 1, which informed the public, and they in turn, overwhelmingly defeated it by a wide margin. Yet, his blog did not gloat at its defeat, but in fact, encouraged the City Council to return to the table in efforts to build the ARC [Aquatics, Recreation and Community center] in a manner conducive to the fiscal responsibility of all tax-paying citizens.

The tactics of Kirkland Reporter to smear Bob Sternoff’s good name once again is beneath us. Kirkland is better than this. You should not kick someone when you “think” you have the scoop and they “appear” vulnerable. But in fact, exhibit tolerant, unbiased and fair journalistic discovery before telling your “story.” I, and many others, know the true story. You really haven’t a clue. The final chapter has not been written.

Be very careful what you write in the name of public disclosure on a man who “privately” works very hard and quietly for this community. Our mother’s taught us better than this. It would be justice indeed if more citizens stood up against your rag in repudiation of these tactics.

Jim Feek, Kirkland