Last night was the most emotionally charged meeting (Renton City Council meeting, April 2) in which I have ever taken part. From the heartfelt public testimonies to the remarks from my council colleagues – both for and against. As many know, I am a man of few words. After my colleagues had spoken, I had nothing additional to add that hadn’t already been said, so I didn’t comment. I had no idea my silence would be experienced as disregard, and I do apologize to anyone who felt slighted.

As many will recall, I have been a big supporter of the new library and was very open about my position during my campaign last year. In February of 2010, a majority of Renton voters made the decision to annex into the King County Library System. Thus, the city entered into a contract with KCLS. I had conversations with constituents who felt misled by the city, and I have had conversations with constituents who felt misled by community members soliciting their signature for their petition. Yes, there has been confusion on both sides, but to me the solution was not breaching our contract with KCLS and spending a bunch of time and money on another election.

I am not lawyer (as many others stated last night) but we are fortunate to have a top notch city attorney to advise us on legal issues. That is why we have a city attorney – because he understands the complex legal issues. I listened, read everything I could on the issue, and made what I felt was the best decision.

I appreciate the feedback and will make a point to verbalize my positions going forward.

Respectfully,

Ed Prince

Renton City Council