We must stay committed to conservation

Published 11:04 am Monday, February 18, 2013

I want to commend the Bellevue Reporter for publishing the opinion piece “Why the West is best for business” by Rich Stillman. The connection may not seem obvious to everyone, but is an issue that is very clear, and very important to me.

As a managing principal for a new environmental engineering firm located in Redmond, I see firsthand, as Stillman does, the importance of ensuring we provide the quality of life that draws great talent and great businesses to our region.

We are fortunate here to have elected officials who see this connection. Sens. Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray have been strong leaders to protect the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Congressman Dave Reichert, too, has long stood up for funding of the LWCF and we hope to see a similar commitment to our quality of life from newly elected Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, now representing much of our region.

The connection Stillman makes between his company’s success and land and water conservation is critical. It is troubling to think that we have to fight to keep funds available for preserving recreation opportunities, given the obvious economic benefit.

I second his support of programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Peter Battuello, Managing Principal, Closure Solutions, Inc., Redmond