In response to the Reporter’s article of March 10 titled “Lawmakers Declare Bastyr Day,” it was refreshing to note the special recognition lauded upon Bastyr University by Sen. Paull Shin and Rep. Roger Goodman. Several years ago, a small group of Kenmore citizens urged the Kenmore City Council to cooperate and request Bastyr University to remain in Kenmore. Our recommendation to the council was received with little enthusiasm at a time when the university was considering leaving Kenmore. Mayor David Baker clearly had no serious interest for keeping Bastyr in Kenmore. It is now ironic that he benefits from the current publicity. What the council failed to understand was that any higher educational institution contributes economic, educational, cultural research and publicity benefits to the local community. It was fortunate that, ultimately, the council consented to support Bastyr University and cooperated to make it possible for the university to remain in Kenmore.

Thanks to the state Senate and House of Representatives for recognizing Bastyr University as a world-class natural health and science institution. Congratulations to Bastyr University for its educational and scientific achievements that provided such favorable state and national visibility.

Hugh Wiese