Robert Whale’s piece in the last Reporter issue about the proposed tent city within the Auburn city limits was very interesting and informative.

I’d first like to commend the fine work that Brocc Synder (elder of the Enumclaw Calvary Presbyterian Church) and his wife, Lynne, have been cited for in rendering assistance to our unfortunate homeless population here in Auburn. I would also like to acknowledge the selfless and beneficent work that many other local organizations, such as the Auburn Food Bank, Rotary, Auburn Youth Resources, Soroptimists and City Hall have done in providing resources to those in need.

The Synders are quoted as saying, “The numbers (of homeless) are not increasing because we are a magnet …,” but we will be if a tent city is established.

I find the request/proposal for a tent city a bit presumptuous and the further appeal for donation of land by taxpayers untenable. The Auburn community currently provides a yeoman’s share of assistance to the impoverished.

My intent is not to discourage the fine efforts of the Synders but to suggest that they continue their community organization activities on their home turf of Enumclaw.

If a tent city were set in Enumclaw, both our communities could share equitably in the burden of our Lord’s work.

– Mark Flanery