It would be the tallest structure ever built in North Kitsap. About half the size of the Seattle Space Needle with about one-millionth its style. The Wheedle would surely agree. But as CenCom and the Suquamish Tribe pursue plans to create an enormous communications tower in Indianola, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons.

On the plus side, it makes sense that the two partner on the project to enhance their respective needs. While the tribe’s Internet and law enforcement communications access would be bolstered, the county’s emergency services would receive a much-needed boost in the region as well.

On the minus side, these things are ugly as sin. Towers that reach 200 feet currently are eyesores but this one would stretch 300 feet toward the sky while adjacent property values will likely take a dive. What’s the difference between 200 and 300 feet (other than the obvious)?

Coverage. CenCom saw the opportunity to reach 1,500 more homes in North Kitsap and jumped at it. If that agency hadn’t others surely would have and still might.

The nuts and bolts of this one is that, either way, the tribe can build the tower as high as it likes — flashing red lights and all. It can do a lot of things without say so from the county. This is nothing new.

Even so, we wish tribal council members had fully considered the negative impacts of the tower instead of just the fact that it is their right to build as they like. This didn’t have to be a win-win-lose situation.