My wife and I live in Scottsdale and have frequently hiked the beautiful Overlook Trail -- our favorite in the metro area. Because we had hoped that another alternate and longer trail could have been established in the area, I attended the March 5 meeting intending to voice my support.

I was shocked and dismayed at the outcry from the neighboring residents.

While I understand their concerns, I was appalled at the vicious attacks toward Bill Craig. As a Fountain Hills Conservancy trail volunteer, I know of no one who has dedicated more time and energy than Bill. His noble efforts should have been applauded instead of derided.

It was an outrage!

Several presenters at the hearing indicated that Overlook Trail hikers are noisy, abusive and always littering all sorts of stuff such as condoms, needles, etc.

In our many years of hiking we have always found hikers to be polite, friendly and ecologically sensitive. While we have seen and picked up an occasional candy wrapper or tissue, we have never found litter anything like those presenters indicated.

In last week’s opinion letter, Jake Sorensen stated that the vote in opposition to the new trail that (he) “...only noted three people did not raise their hand.” Actually there were many more, but the speaker chose not to ask the supporters to raise their hands. No question we were in the minority, but many of us chose not to speak after one proponent speaker was shamefully and noisily chastised. We would have only added fuel to the fire.

We are very grateful that the earlier residents allowed the present Overlook Trail to be built. We will continue to hike it and be sensitive to the neighborhood concerns.