I thought it was wonderful that so many people gave up their evenings to sit through what was often tedious testimony, because they care so much about the place they live. It was really exhilarating for me to see how many people silently held up those yellow signs instead of applauding when they agreed with a speaker.  With one exception, the crowd was very civil and respectful to one another.  

Kudos to city staff, especially Cathie Butler, for pulling it off so smoothly.  I know that a lot of time and thought went into planning the procedures for this meeting, and it went off very well.  I also think the new procedures were successful in making this hearing much fairer and more representative of community opinion than the Planning Commission hearing.  

I found the meeting more depressing than anything. The testimony itself was moving and inspiring... beautiful, even. But tragic, because those hard-faced suits on the stage weren't moved. They don't give a whit about community opinion.

Until last night I did not have strong feelings about the isthmus issue, despite the fact that I live downtown. But after seeing the level of resistance from my fellow Olympians, after hearing their heartfelt and well-reasoned opposition to the plan... I am *enraged* that city planners persist in callously disregarding the will of the people as they do.

I think I may have been the "one exception" to civility that jlw mentioned -- at one point I was so irritated by a pro-condo speaker that I issued a fairly loud "BOOO." Plenty of other people were hissing, though!

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