Bill Austin. Most everyone (save a few city building inspectors and permitting authorities) who has met this guy likes him. We know Bill. We like Bill.

Bill does great things for the city. In addition to having a fun, authentic British accent, he is an excellent role model as well. He has earned a Poulsbo/North Kitsap Rotary lifetime achievement award for his countless good works and has had his guiding hand in everything from building the Kvelstad Pavilion and numerous downtown works of art to rebuilding the Martinson Cabin and the Nelson farm house.

Awhile back, Bill decided that folks coming into or departing Poulsbo via Front Street and Lindvig Way/Bond Road might enjoy a scenic vista aside from the red glow of brake lights. In his traditional fashion, the chap (that’s what they call fellows in England) got the community together to create something we could all be proud of. The cascading waterfall and landscaping the crews added in the following months were nothing short of spectacular.

And how do some of our less intelligent residents repay him? Vandalism. That is, pouring soap detergent or dye into the amenity — not once but 15 times. It is a sad statement that this is how our community thanks a man who goes out of his way to improve our quality of life.

Pathetic even. It’s too bad a few continue to ruin something that was created, with the best intentions, for the many.

We ask our readers to keep a sharp eye out for these vandals so they can be brought to justice. To this end, Bill has pledged to take the guilty parties to court.

He’s a nice guy after all, but not that nice.