If a sub-area plan forms in Suquamish and none of the public is around to witness it … does it make an impact?

It sure will and when it does, the public that has thus far ignored what could become a community-shaping document will likely be up in arms. Much like voters who don’t take the time to cast ballots and then complain that “nothing ever changes.”

The Suquamish Rural Village Plan process is being revisited for the first time since its 1999 creation but apparently very few residents there care about transportation, historic sites, parks, open space and public facilities. After all, none of the above could possibly effect the community’s quality of life. Right? So, why bother?

First and foremost, discussions on such issues are part of the democratic process. The best way of being heard in your community is speaking up. Plenty of folks let the ink fly when the fate of Old Man House Park was up in the air but these same residents are routinely passing up the chance to weigh in on the fate of their community at large.

Most, it seems, are content to let the Suquamish Rural Village Plan “working group” continue to be just that and shoulder the burden until a draft document is created. What will likely transpire then is folks who could have been involved in its shaping will find fault in said document and possibly even delay its adoption next fall as part of the Kitsap County Comprehensive Plan.

Sound absurd? Such processes have been stifled by Johnny-come-lately residents since the “public” process started.

At 6:30 p.m. tomorrow the group will put transportation will be under the microscope at the Suquamish Community Congregational Church of Christ. Officials from Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development will be on hand — the operative words being “community development.”

Get involved, Suquamish. Speak up. Be heard.