George,

We have read with great interest the opinions expressed about the 'process' issues involved in the MCP decision - whether to sell or to 'easement' (now a verb, if you please). While we continue to have mixed feelings about the merits and demerits of the parkway itself, even after lo these many tortuous spurts of debate, we find that we come down clearly on one side of the process issue.

Speaking plainly, we know what easements are, and this would not be an easement. We have found that point articulated by Kevin appeals to our common sense, and now we are glad to have that sense reinforced by Dick Howard's opinion on constitutional grounds.There is a reason, and we believe wisdom as well, why four out of five votes here is required. That conservative approach to stewardship of public assets should not be compromised.

David Lee and Liz Courain (electronic mail, December 11, 2003)