Press Editorial
August 31, 2010
Ambulance fees worth considering
Yes, the economy has not turned around, but sometimes government cannot simply slice and dice its way to a balanced budget. All ideas are on the table for increasing revenue — including an Eastside Fire & Rescue fee for ambulance rides.
The city of Sammamish has asked EFR to present a budget with no increase in spending from last year. While unrealistic, it’s an interesting exercise, and has produced some interesting ideas. Charging for ambulance rides is one worth examining. Read more
Press Editorial
August 24, 2010
City Council members should be applauded for their decision last week to forge ahead with the plan to preserve Park Pointe. The council did so despite misguided opposition from Issaquah Highlands residents. Homeowners there have concerns about adding density in their community as a way to offset the preservation at Park Pointe on Tiger Mountain. In exchange for the open space, 550 homes could be built in the highlands.
The decision must have been particularly tough for Councilman Mark Mullet, the first and only highlands resident on the council. His support took grit in the face on unified opposition from his friends and neighbors. Read more
Press Editorial
August 17, 2010
Look beyond Issaquah for traffic solutions
Issaquah has waited a long time for definitive transportation improvements. At last, a few are coming.
In the past decade, Issaquah got an Intelligent Transportation System that allowed traffic lights to be synchronized and reader boards to advise drivers of traffic revisions. Two years ago, the great debate over whether to build a southeast connector road from Interstate 90’s Exit 18 at East Sunset Way to Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast was decided.
This summer, two big changes born of that decision will provide real improvements.
Sunset Way at Second Avenue will be widened to allow for a turn lane. Second Avenue Southeast will also get a right-hand turn lane onto Sunset. The changes should significantly improve traffic flow through the intersection, especially in the afternoon, when schools release students for the day. Read more
Press Editorial
August 10, 2010
School supplies needed for district’s students
The excitement of heading back to school — meeting a new teacher, seeing who will be in your class, wearing new school clothes — is only three weeks away. But for far too many children in the Issaquah School District, there won’t be new clothes. An even bigger worry is that these students won’t have the school supplies they need.
Most adults don’t remember the need to bring a long list of supplies to school. An old cigar box was helpful to store pencils in, but the school handed out the pencils and crayons on the first day of school. If there was an assignment not in a workbook, the teacher’s helper got to pass out paper. Construction paper folded in half made a cover for corrected homework, tests and student art.
That was then, when school funding meant books for every student, and all the rulers, pens and markers a student would need.
Press Editorial
August 3, 2010
Judicial candidates are all well qualified
Though the congressional and legislative races on the Aug. 17 primary ballot have received the most attention, local voters must also decide important judicial contests. However, due to limitations on what judges can say during an election, it is often the hardest ballot decision for voters.
Perhaps the most important decision for Issaquah, Sammamish and other Eastside residents is the contest for a new King County District Court judge. Voters will pick someone to fill a new position created to address increasing caseloads.
The court handles some civil matters, misdemeanor crimes and traffic infractions, plus local violations caught by the Washington State Patrol and other state agencies. Because of the broad range of cases that come before District Court, judges serve a vital role as spokespeople for the judicial system. Read more
Press Editorial
July 27, 2010
Anderson, Willard should move forward
Voters in the 5th Legislative District — primarily those in Issaquah, Sammamish and Maple Valley areas — face two solid choices in the upcoming contest for a state representative. Mail-back ballots for the Aug. 17 primary election will reach voters this week.
In Glenn Anderson, voters have a seasoned representative who has learned to navigate the Capitol corridors as a member of the oft-marginalized Republican Party. Democrat Dean Willard presents a chance for a fresh perspective.
Willard presents the most credible challenge Anderson has faced in years. With his background in the Eastside technology industry, he has a good grasp of the concerns facing owners of local businesses, small and large alike.
Like his GOP opponent, Willard has also highlighted the importance of education in the campaign, certainly a critical topic in the 5th District. Willard pledges to strengthen the school system to make local students more competitive in a tough global workforce. Anderson has long been an advocate for education funding reform.
In campaign material, both Anderson and Willard say the race hinges on the economy. We look forward to a spirited debate in the months ahead about the role the Legislature should play in jumpstarting the stalled economy.
Press Editorial
July 20, 2010
It’s painful to think that people out to enjoy our beautiful Lake Sammamish State Park turned it into a shooting gallery last Saturday night. Our sympathies go out to the families of the dead and wounded men, those who witnessed the bloodshed and the park rangers who responded to the terror of the moment.
Already, there are comments from some who say they will not go back to the park, fearing it to be unsafe. We understand the initial knee-jerk reaction to stay away — but a few days from now, that might look different.
The people of Washington state may own the park, but to residents of Issaquah and Sammamish, it is “our” park, at least in mind and heart. Don’t stay away from the beaches, the walkways along the water, the picnic tables inviting you to bring a sack lunch, the volleyball and Frisbee games yet to be played, the nearby heron rookery, children with sand buckets, the breeze in the trees, the boat launch or fishing from the sand bar — that is the Lake Sammamish State Park we know and love. Read more
Press Editorial
July 13, 2010
No summer complete without an election
Summer is a great time to relax, but in just a few short weeks, voters will need to get back to business and prepare for the Aug. 17 primary election. Many of us would rather be taking it easy and playing in the summer sun, but voters might want to take along the voters’ pamphlet for some lounge-chair reading.
Ballots will be mailed beginning July 28.
Voters need to keep in mind that among local and state elections, primaries are extremely important. Many of the most important decisions affecting county and state government will be made during the dog days of summer.
The election winnows the field among candidates and sets the stage for the November general election ballot. This year, we’ll choose from among 15 candidates for U.S. senator, and nine vying for U.S. representative for the 8th Congressional District. State representative incumbents all have challengers in the 5th and 41st districts. Northeast District Court judges will also be vying for your votes on the primary ballot.
Consider adding the primary voters’ pamphlet to your list of good summer reads. To get a jump start, the elections department has a copy of the primary ballot on its website.
Residents who aren’t yet registered have even less time to get involved. Register online or by mail by July 19 to vote in the August primary. Forms are online here.
Historically, voter turnout for primaries has been woefully low. The average election turnout in presidential elections barely tops 50 percent. School levy elections and primaries have even fewer voters. That means those who vote in primaries have a greater impact on the election’s outcome than voters in general elections. Your vote does matter.
So, pack the voters’ pamphlet along with the sunscreen. Embrace democracy by becoming a 1) registered and 2) an informed voter, and then be sure to vote when your ballot arrives in the mail.
Press Editorial
July 6, 2010
Names on public petitions should not be hidden
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in an 8-1 decision that petition signers in Washington state do not have a constitutional right to anonymity. But it left room for lower courts to consider whether special circumstances in any case warrant exceptions.
The court upheld two of democracy’s critical attributes: transparency and responsibility.
Washington’s initiative process has a low threshold to get on a ballot. It cannot take place in the shadows but must be conducted — and verified — in the public light. People should think before signing every petition — do I want my name publicly attached to this petition?
The case in question, Doe v. Reed, began last year when opponents of a domestic partnership — or “everything-but-marriage” — law began a petition drive to repeal the law.
Supporters of the law threatened to put the names of petition signers — which are public record — on the Internet. Fearing intimidation, opponents sued to protect the privacy of petition signers.
Press Editorial
June 29, 2010
The Fourth of July is more than a parade in Issaquah. It’s a day filled with a whole lot of flag waving. Red, white and blue streamers, and bunting and T-shirts will be in the parade of kids, their assorted pets and parents. The colors of patriotism will fly from tricycles, bicycles and wagons as the menagerie walk the length of Front Street North.
But amidst the hoopla, it’s the country’s flag that will wave as much as the people lining the street to cheer on the processional.
Old Glory will be celebrated across the land. For some, it may bring memories of war days gone by. For others, it may mean a GI Bill that paved the way for a college education. Some will be reminded of the constitutional rights guaranteed to us all — free speech and a free press, the right to bear arms, freedom of religion, the right to a speedy trial, the abolishment of slavery, women’s suffrage rights and many others.
Political hacks may get excited that election time is nearing once again, while the person seated next to them is reminded of the good effort of our U.S. athletes in world competition. Some will stand in honor of the passing flags, others will place a hand over their heart. Most will keep silent, enjoying the moment of a town and its citizens that have come together to celebrate all of the above.
The Downhome Fourth of July is an Issaquah tradition, but it’s built on an American tradition — of pride, of hope, of promise.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. Hope to see you there!
