I am writing to publicly declare my support for the Mercer Island Center for the Arts (MICA). For weeks on end I was dismayed every time I picked up this paper to read yet another letter opposing MICA by the aptly-named vocal minority. I was beginning to question the Reporter’s penchant for fair and balanced reporting on the issue.

Many of us on the Island, who are raising kids and working full-time jobs, do not always have or make the time to devote to letter writing or attending council meetings, to show how we challenge this concerted opposition but today I choose to lend my voice.

My daughter was a part of Youth Theatre Northwest (YTN) from the time she was in kindergarten until she graduated from Mercer Island High School last year. It was a home away from home for her, a place where she found her voice, her confidence and her passion.

My daughter’s story is but one of thousands of children’s lives who have been positively influenced by their experience at YTN. I am thoroughly committed to ensuring YTN finds a permanent home on the Island, so Mercer Island children can continue to benefit the way my daughter did.

I firmly believe MICA is the answer. MICA will enhance the park and will add a gem of a community asset. Please take the time to educate yourself and learn of all the arts and community organizations that will benefit from MICA. You will be amazed.

I recently attended the YTN auction and gala and I was heartened by the support of hundreds of Mercer Islanders for both YTN and MICA. If you support these endeavors as I do, then I encourage you to share your support with the public. Let’s not allow a vocal minority to be the only voice that is heard.

Holly Williams

Mercer Island