“Come now, and let us reason together,” said Jesus … advice for the ages, for everyone, in all disputes.

The long-simmering disagreement on how to proceed in restoration of the Islander Restaurant and Motel on Gwynn’s Island can use a hearty serving of reason with a side of goodwill. It is time for all the parties to sit down at the table to find a way to get that once-thriving resort in operation again.

The owners have their plan of restoration. The county has the rules it says that it must follow. The county has a flood insurance program, and almost every resident needs to be able to participate in this. And we will venture to state that almost every person in the county who remembers the fine dining and views at the restaurant longs to see it reopen.

Del. Keith Hodges, in a statement made earlier this month, urged all parties to “work collaboratively, as partners, to develop a solution that does not jeopardize Mathews County’s participation in...