To the Editor:(Edward Marks is the chairman of Newtown's Parks and Recreation Commission.)

I am sorry I missed Mary Wilson at the High Meadow last weekend.

Nonetheless, count me among those residents standing strongly in support of the Sandy Hook Permanent Memorial Commission (SHPMC) and the criteria applied to the permanent memorial site selection process.  Also count me among those who would therefore support a discreetly sited memorial on approximately one acre in the general area of the "High Meadow," if the commission ultimately deter-mined that this is the most appropriate site given the many factors which impacted their decision.

The problem with casual surveys is that they are often based on a lack of information or misinformation. For example, if the recommended site was in the area of the High Meadow and 1) not visible to persons walking on the trail, 2) not lighted, 3) improved or mitigated existing drainage and runoff is-sues from the meadow, 4) remediated non-native and invasive plant species from the impacted area, 5) prevented vehicular traffic from utilizing trails to access the site, 6) placed restrictions on the height of any memorial feature at the site, and 7) facilitated the completion of a campus trail that was entirely accessible to persons with disabilities, I wonder… would all of those persons that responded negatively to your informal survey continue to say "no?"

From my observance of the SHPMC, it is apparent to me that each of the above-noted considerations weighs prominently on the minds of the persons serving on the commission and that ultimately, these considerations would likely be addressed in any memorial plan involving a portion of the High Meadow.

The point is, I have the utmost faith and trust in the commission, and am certain that, when all fac-tors are considered, their recommended choice for a permanent memorial site will ultimately represent the best choice for the entirety of the Newtown community.

Edward Marks

3 Sweet Meadow Road, Newtown     May 5, 2016