In response to Gary Franklin’s guest column, (“Good going so far, but what’s ahead,” Aug. 6, pg. 7), I would like to speak.

If I understand correctly, you are implying that rental “demand is rising and supply is falling,” as if the zoning laws are putting a stop to the development of rental units.

I would like to see your statistics and your development plans. I believe that the land-use laws are designed to prevent over-development, not for the renters, but for the many who would come and over-build and over-use the resources.

If lack of rental property is the issue, then let us address this need as a community, as a sacred commons, with a balanced community in mind. Perhaps those who rent are charging unreasonable prices.

There is a presumption that the island community should always be receptive to development; regardless of water availability, of pressure on schools, on infra-structure issues. I say no.

This community does not have to continue to grow for the benefit of a few. We are an island, finite in our space.

For heaven’s sake, let us use our common sense.

There are too few places left, and most all are threatened, where people can come and truly find some peace and quiet. This is still one of them.

It is time to look at our values and decide what is for the greater good. And by greater good I mean sharing what we have, but also protecting it from over-use.

Ingrid Fabianson, Friday Harbor