"Dow made sure our communities will be served by transit and roadway investments," stated the political ad next to Dow Constantine's smiling picture. Maybe Alki Avenue has roadway investments, but it doesn't have a daily, direct to downtown and back daytimes and evening bus.

If one has a 4 p.m. appointment downtown, the last direct bus is 9:45 a.m. It is a pathetic hardship on the seniors who no longer drive. They have no choice but to relocate. When we purchased our homes we were on a bus line. It was removed.

After the loss we drafted petitions and had hundreds of signatures. We also testified twice at the City Council - closed ears.

It appears Mr. Constantine prefers impressing vacationers and tourists with the water taxi more than accommodating tax-paying seniors.

Before losing the bus service, we could go to a downtown Saturday night movie, dine downtown in the evening, transfer and go to the Puyallup or Monroe fairs, maybe take a Sunday ferryboat ride, have afternoon doctor appointments, go to the Torchlight Parade, take a bus to the ophthalmologist when eyes need to be dilated, or cheer the Mariners on. Not any more.

Strangely, peninsula communities (Bainbridge, Vashon, etc.) have greater access to downtown amenities than Alki seniors.

Mr. Constantine appears sympathetic, clean cut and charming, however, I fail to call him a "transportation leader" and, of course, I am unable to believe his empty transportation promises.

You, who are blessed enough to live on a bus line, beware! You may be stripped of it.

Not now Dow.

Mary Ellen Kanyer

Alki