Letters To The Editor

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Work anew to secure property rights

Although the voters chose to reject Referendum 48, I believe the R-48 campaign prompted a general awareness of the basic flaws in the current system of land use regulations.

Many of its strongest critics have admitted that there was a worthy and valid intent behind the efforts of its supporters to pass R-48 and that real flaws do exist in the current system of land use regulations, which must be addressed immediately.

Now that we have a group of people who have acknowledged these flaws, I urge the public to get involved in an effort to craft a new piece of legislation which is both clear and understandable as well as effective in solving the problem of eroding property rights.

It should be established that individuals have a right to compensation when their land is confiscated or its value significantly diminished. It should also be established that the spirit of healthy communities and neighborhoods should be nourished.

It ought to be understood that we all have a stake in this issue, that we all deserve fair treatment and consideration, and that property rights are a crucial factor in a healthy economy and a democratic government. Because the voters have asked for clarification details, the “legislative intent” to uphold zoning practices should be incorporated in the statute.

I look forward to combining the efforts of both opponents and supporters of R-48 and creating a piece of legislation which we can all agree to. Don Moeller, chair Citizens for Property Rights, Spokane

We can’t afford liberal policies

Someone once said that people deserve the government they get. Judging from the letters to the editor lately, it looks like some writers are yearning for the return of the caring, compassionate Democrats. Another 40 years of arrogant, “we know what’s best for you,” tax-and-spend politics which haven’t worked. A lot of the writers seem to have taken the liberal hood when they decry the Republicans’ attempt to make government live within its means … poor granny will be thrown to the wolves and little Johnny will starve because his school lunch has been taken away. The Democrats have reportedly spent $20 million in a sorry attempt to create fear and loathing by portraying the Republicans’ lessening of the growth of some social programs as drastic cuts.

Can social programs continue to expand with no attempt at cost control? If so, how will we make the payments? Tax the rich? How much is fair? One hundred percent? What happens when the rich decide they have had enough and move to the Bahamas? Where will the money come from then?

Herb Sams’ letter (Roundtable, Nov. 16) stated that we have too many billionaires and that a hotel in his area was built at minimum wage. When have construction workers worked for minimum wage? If there were no billionaires there would be a lot less employment and a lot less tax revenue for social programs.

Tune out Mr. Clinton, Mr. Gephardt and Mr. Bonior and work for responsible government. Peter A. Brittain Sandpoint

Politicians need to compromise

As an American, it may seem unpatriotic to say that I don’t believe in “party” politics, but I’m fed up. All this nonproductive, sarcastic, party-vs.-party backbiting has really gotten out of hand.

While certain congressional leaders have been particularly verbal lately, both parties are guilty of this infuriating practice.

While the atmosphere of American politics may have become more conservative in recent years, the election of President Clinton and the overturning of Congress into a primarily Republican group sent one message loud and clear, “We want and need a change.”

There are truly few Americans who have political views divided straight down party lines. Most have issue-related opinions that sometimes fall under the Republican philosophy and some that are Democratic in nature. As representatives of the American people, elected officials should stop trying so hard to malign the “other party,” and should start learning to perfect the art of compromise for the common good. Barbara P. Richardson Coeur d’Alene

CRIME

Put money into crime prevention

Back in the 1980s we wanted to lock up all the bad guys so crime would be under control. We built more prisons and jails, hired more police, etc. Except for a larger tax burden and better locks on our doors, crime is still around.

We’ve been told there’s no money for the DARE program or for treatment programs. It makes good sense to invest some dollars in that direction. What do we have to lose. Ninety percent of all people who are locked up will eventually be released. Who knows, the person being released from prison may end up living in your neighborhood. Bud Hammer Spokane

Cops off course for some time now

My heart goes out to columnist Doug Clark’s mother. No one should have to put up with his type of abuse (“I love the place but crime has us headed off course,” Nov. 9).

It’s not time to size up the home town, it’s time to size up the Spokane Police Department.

My family and I moved to Spokane six years ago. We love it. I don’t depend on the Spokane Police Department to protect my family, for fear of what would happen should an undertrained, overzealous officer arrive at my door.

Since we’ve come to Spokane, a top official had his too-drunk-to-drive wife driven home after being stopped. A family lost a wife and mother by officers shooting through walls. Dogs being used by officers for target practice where kids were playing. Looking for stolen property in homes without search warrants. The police chief harassing young people. Officers caught with underage girls, found guilty of rape and given medical retirement.

It’s not time to size up the old home town, it’s time to size up who is running it.

What thug, thief, rapist, dope pusher and any other undesirable wouldn’t want to come here if this is all they have to deal with? It’s like going to the circus. Remember, in the circus the ringmaster’s in charge.

The few good officers we have can only do so much. If you need help, pray you get one of these dedicated officers, if they aren’t too busy writing tickets to pay for all the wrecked cars lately. Kenneth D. Swanner Spokane

OTHER TOPICS

Greyhounds are in good condition

As a happy, two-year owner of an elegant, lovable greyhound, I have read with interest the flurry of articles and letters regarding the dogs at the Coeur d’Alene Park. In all the brouhaha, most of it well-meaning, bits and pieces of misinformation have appeared in this newspaper, to the confusion of many who would like to adopt one of these beautiful, gentle dogs.

In a recent letter that was obviously written to encourage adoptions, misinformation was given regarding these ex-racers’ physical condition. As a greyhound rescue/adoption volunteer, I would like to clarify the “poor condition” and “rotten teeth” elements of this person’s well-intentioned letter.

The dogs available for adoption are all in good health, neutered and veterinarian examined. We sometimes make special arrangements for an injured dog. The track diet is soft food. The dogs’ teeth are cleaned during the veterinarian examination at the time of neutering. Genetic problems, such as hip dysplasia, are unheard of in this breed.

To obtain correct and up-to-date information about these dogs, your best source is to contact a greyhound rescue adoption group, such as Greyhound Pets Inc. at 1-800-228-7794. Diana McDonnell Spokane

Air quality makes for misery

A lifetime of misery in Spokane’s air quality shouldn’t require humans to love it or leave it.

Breathing unmonitored air from the mass burn incinerator combined with grass-burning chemicals released into the air by burning is more than any county should be forced to endure.

Eric Skelton need not communicate the obvious. He endured enough in the results of the incinerator that was inflicted upon Spokane citizens via commissioners power. The political aspects were played out there in a complete picture.

SCAPCA was created to protect the citizens. It, as I understand, is responsible to its board. Two commissioners sit on that board, but unlike many other aspects of county government, its final word is that of the board.

Why hear an air quality expert and then, as commissioners, think the director’s $70,000 salary dictates putting profits ahead of human health?

By now, even the slow-moving medical community and Washington Lung Association have spoken out on this issue but profits remain top priority. This applies even in the growth management situation and is a big issue in planning for human health. It’s why those who worked for growth management put citizen’s needs over that of elected people who lose sight of it.

Just because human misery doesn’t result in a quick death, why make the living experience so miserable for so many. Love Spokane or leave it has no place in this reasoning. Ora Mae Orton Spokane

Jet boaters get plenty of courtesy

Reading the letters of jet boat advocates Sandra Mitchell and Kenneth Lee Jones (Nov. 15) blasting the Forest Service for its alleged discourtesy to jet boaters through its new Snake Wild and Scenic Rivers plan is enough to make me gag. The Forest Service’s bias toward jet boaters has been a clearly illustrated time and time again.

For 17 years, jet boats have sped up the wild area of the Snake River at will, with no limit on their numbers or controls over their operation, such as speed limits. Irresponsible jet boaters endanger people in nonmotorized boats by blasting past at high speeds and creating dangerous wakes that can capsize a raft. Yet, while they have enjoyed unlimited access, nonmotorized floaters (ie. rafts, dories) have been restricted to five parties per day on the most popular section of the river.

In 1992, the Forest Service’s head ranger for the wild area of the Snake River, Art Seamans, retired. He promptly went to work for the jet boat lobby, leading the fight to maintain jet boat use as the dominant use in Hells Canyon.

Finally, the Forest Service has conceded to regulating jet boats as the law has required for 20 years. But the jet boaters don’t want to live by the same rules the rest of the public lives by. They want continued preferential treatment despite the fact that their use is a hazard to others. The Craig/Coolet jet boat domination bill is simply an attempt to give it to them permanently. Samantha Mace Spokane