In regards to the proposal limiting commercial events, even “cultural events” in Mud Bay, the sponsors claim they went door to door. No one asked my opinion, though I consider them my friends and they all know where I live.

My first question, what makes it commercial? If I host a wedding or birthday party at my house, and I hire a band or pay to have food catered, does that make it a commercial event, even though I personally paid out, rather than received, money?

I’m not sure what all the fussing is about, unless maybe a personal vendetta against a certain property owner. For many years there have been big parties, weddings, and even memorial services in our neighborhood on occasion. Most of the signers have attended these events, which are sometimes noisy. Guy Hoffman used to have an annual birthday party next door, with several hundred people and an electric band going until the wee hours. I knew to get my earplugs if I wanted to sleep before 3 a.m. Did I mind? No, it was only once a year. I recall this petition’s sponsors attending Guy’s parties, but none ever asked me if the noise bothered me. Now noise, cars, barking dogs, and even voices heard across the water seem to be reason for complaint. Are we just getting old? Maybe a little selfish with our piece of paradise? It is a crowded planet. We need to learn tolerance, and to share this place we have been gifted.

Donna Catotti