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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Letters To The Editor

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

See through smoke screen

After reading your recent articles on of the Growth Management Act in Spokane County, I fear that there is too much truth in Milt Priggee’s recent cartoon, “His Master’s Voice,” analogizing county government as the RCA dog to the Spokane developers’ voice as that of the dog’s master.

Like most local residents (according to surveys), I favor growth management. Every extension of service that my property taxes subsidize is either money out of my pocket or money that could go to some other need such as snow removal.

Developers apparently are afraid that they won’t sell as many homes if they have to put more of the costs of the extra roads, sewers, water lines, etc., on new buyers. They want to continue to shift the cost of development to current property taxpayers.

That’s also why they fight impact fees. Since they believe their economic interest is to delay implementation of the Growth Management Act, they’ve pulled legal strings to keep Commissioner Steve Hasson from voting so that newly elected Commissioner Kate McCaslin, whose campaign they heavily supported, can take over.

Growth Management Act opponents want to phrase the growth management debate as being about property rights and affordable housing. They don’t want us to consider growth management’s aid in helping keep local government budgets and our property taxes under some control. Developers should have more confidence in themselves and the marketplace. They’ll still build and sell, but they’ll have to adjust and maybe work a little smarter. Charles Latimer Spokane

Law’s a tool for the people

Why are so many people writing to complain about the Growth Management Act? The state has mandated through RCW 36.70A.140 that each county and city falling under the Growth Management Act must “ensure early and continuous public participation” while developing new comprehensive plans and land use regulations.

It means that the state has given all citizens of the city and county empowerment to plan for the future they want.

For the first time in history, Washington state has required the citizens to take their future into their own hands.

I propose that instead of wasting time writing nasty letters to The Spokesman-Review, people should actually take the initiative and get involved. The Growth Management Act is not going away and neither are the problems our community is facing.

If your city or county government isn’t letting you plan your future, call and ask why it isn’t. Ask why you have no say in urban growth areas, traffic jams or affordable housing. Instead of criticizing the Growth Management Act, use it to shape Spokane the way you want it as a community. Jory Phillips Spokane

SPOKANE MATTERS

Help was there when needed

I just want to write about how wonderful Spokane can be sometimes.

Last night, I was driving home from the downtown mission, City Gate, after serving dinner and chatting with a few dozen of the nicest, if not cleanest, people in town.

Then, as I traveled home on North Wall Street, my car hit a spot of ice that spun me into a snowbank on the side of the road.

The driver of the first car that came by got out to help push; then the driver of a second car stopped. Within 90 seconds, a firetruck with three firefighters stopped, picked my car (a little Festiva) up, turned me straight and we all went merrily on our way.

A big thanks to all you anonymous helpers of those in trouble. You make Spokane a wonderful place. Mark Wheeler Spokane

Drivers for the disabled are terrific

As 1996 closes, we must not fail to thank Spokane Transit Authority, Laidlaw Transportation and all the drivers who do a yeoman’s job transporting the disabled.

I go along as a helper for my husband, who is totally blind. The drivers are specially selected for their patience, gentleness, kindness, good humor, compassion and manual skills. When you thank them, they say, “We enjoy our work.”

The feeling is mutual. We enjoy our ride. Jack and Eileen Wilson Spokane

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Feds ready to do the wrong thing

Who is in charge of what? In reference to “Feds ready to snuff out legalized pot,” (news, Dec. 24), it seems it is another scam of our federal government to exercise control of the will of the people to vote for what they feel is their right to give the medical field authority to prescribe a drug to ease the side effects of chemotherapy.

Since when are politicians capable of telling the truth, let alone of informing us about something that may actually ease our pain without putting some cash in their party-funder’s pocket?

If your doctor feels it would be to your benefit to ease the side effects of chemotherapy, that should be his decision. It should not be something to be interfered with by some lying politician in Washington, D.C.

Unless you believe that there was no chemical incident in Desert Storm, no radiation testing on the population or no black heroes in any of our wars, make your feelings known to your senator and congressman.

I watched my mother die of cancer in 1983. If marijuana would help in holding down one’s meal, let your doctor be the judge.

This drug is classed in the way of a controlled substance such as morphine. If it works and is prescribed by a doctor, what’s the problem? Ed Worzala Sandpoint

OTHER TOPICS

Letter writers, you can do better

In the tradition of new year’s resolutions, the following are suggestions to contributors of letters to the editor:

1. Refrain from the dreary, overworked phrase, “I’m sick and tired of.” Someone in this condition is not likely to be functioning in a clear state of mind, which undermines credibility.

2. Avoid “The reality is,” which reflects egotism and arrogance. “In my opinion” or “Based on my limited understanding” reflects honesty. No one has all the facts, has complete understanding of all those who will be affected or knows how far-reaching the effects of any decision or policy will be.

3. The statement, “(This) makes me so mad” inevitably reverses cause and effect. “I have decided to be mad” places responsibility on its true source.

4. Whining alienates readers. If a problem is being identified, offer a solution or ask for help to find one.

5. Name-calling is demeaning to those who resort to this childish tactic.

Communication is hindered by demonstrating that a letter writer is mentally sickened, tired, arrogant, angry, crazed, worthy of pity or childish. Perhaps the best idea is to hold our words and letters until we could genuinely begin with the words “I’m healthy and inspired,” which indicate the mind is clear, the emotions are calm and the intent is to ask for or offer help. Bob Venard Bonners Ferry, Idaho

Use age-appropriate film critics

Disney’s new movie, “101 Dalmatians,” has had terrible reviews. Boy, do I think that the judges are crazy! Disney’s movie is fantastic.

Adults think just because movies make a lot of money off toys, the movie should have a bad rating. Whatever age group the film was made for, that age group should grade that film. Krista Kautzman, age 10 Spokane