As I was described by one former board member of Discover Burien as the "grandfather" of Discover Burien, I am happy to see the forthcoming changes.

I have been a strong proponent of reforms within the group since February 2006. Witnessing a poor Web site was only the tip of an iceberg. I had heard stories about bad perceptions of the group, but I was totally devastated when I witnessed first-hand the direction the group had actually taken.

I returned to Burien in August to join Del Bianco Realty. I was immediately approached by several businesses to restart the Merchants of Burien. Someone had to represent all the businesses of Burien, is what I was told. I was in shock, I knew there would always be some people unhappy, but did I get a quick education.

What I found is that [then-president] John Roberts was told in December 2005 or earlier of concerns about the executive director of Discover Burien working at a local restaurant. Things had slipped so far it was felt by many that they had no one there for them. Car dealers and a select group of Southwest 152nd Street businesses had made for a large, alienated group of "outsiders."

Former City Manager Gary Long was the true founder of Discover Burien; it was actually formed in the image of a community council. That is why the arts, schools, hospital, and the city were given seats on the board. I believe a community council is as much, if not more important, than a chamber of commerce to a city. However, one cannot replace the other, or are they interchangeable.

It was my experience that Mr. Long did not take kindly to "citizens" like you and me telling him city government was, "of and by the people." When offered input on poor city permitting, or regressive sign codes, he felt best that the city should spend the Merchants of Burien out of Business.

Thank goodness that is past, and we have [new City Manager] Mike Martin. Mike has really shown his excellence in service during this troubling time in our city's history.

The above in my opinion is the past; as I was taught, it is to be learned from! I hope the upcoming retreat by the remaining board members leads them to grow the organization.

Offering ideas, skills, and shoe leather I am committed to rebuilding Discover Burien as an example of excellence in the Puget Sound region. An organization that is open to a bright future, and the new sunrise in my hometown of Burien!

Bob Pierce

Discover Burien member