Letters To The Editor

WASHINGTON STATE

R-48 threatens quality of life

Referendum 48 might be easier to understand if we look at one example: highway billboards.

A state law controls placement of billboards along highways. When it was passed, large billboards lined our highways and roads, spoiling the view for miles. The 1961 Highway Advertising Control Act is the reason driving is such a pleasant experience in Washington.

Under R-48, billboard regulation would be prohibited, unless the state first produced a study of the economic impact on all the property owners along all of the miles of highway affected - and paid each one the profits they would have lost if billboards were allowed on their land. They would not have to prove actual loss, only that their property would have more value if studded with billboards.

The state could not afford to pay those costs and attorney fees, so the billboards would stand.

If R-48 passes, landowners could immediately sue for compensation or the billboard law could not be enforced.

Much of the quality of life we all enjoy in Washington is the result of reasonable land use controls like the billboard law. These controls have greater impact on some, but benefit all. Without reasonable land use controls, our quality of life would be the hostage of economic forces. The people would have no say in the process.

The Constitution protects landowners from unreasonable restraints. We don’t need Referendum 48. We need to retain our ability to govern in the public interest. Vote no on 48. Terrence V. Sawyer Spokane

R-48 means affordable housing

I strongly support James A. Nelson’s letter of Oct. 4 for a solution to the decreasing affordability of housing in the Spokane area. This is crucial to maintaining the social stability of our community.

The recent rise in the cost of housing directly corresponds to the rising level of governmental land use regulations. Land use regulations often unnecessarily take private property for a “public benefit use,” thus imposing financial burdens on development costs that must be passed on to the individual new-home buyer. This increase in new-home costs impacts valuation of existing homes, just as rising water raises all boats, both new and old.

Unfortunately, first-time home buyers, young families and others seeking affordable housing are most affected by this decreasing affordability.

Nelson suggested enactment of a housing authority and rent control, but there is currently a more efficient and fair solution which strikes at the very core of the crisis while still protecting Spokane’s entrepreneurial spirit. It is Referendum 48.

R-48 is designed exactly to protect private citizens from the impact of ever-increasing land use regulations. It doesn’t deny government the ability to still make decisions for public benefit. It does require that the government lift the financial burden from the shoulders of property owners and builders who can then produce more-affordable housing.

Vote to approve R-48. It is the quickest, most effective tool for protecting Spokane’s housing affordability. Bobbie Swanson Spokane

Protect your rights - pass R-48

Environmental and animal rights groups around the nation are pouring campaign money into our state to stop voters from passing property rights Referendum 48. The magnitude of their campaign is the clearest indication of where these groups really stand on the perception of a free society.

The R-48 battle is not about disagreement over priorities. It’s about the principles of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution itself.

People’s investment in home and property is the most significant investment of their life. It provides not only shelter but reasonable certainty of security.

Investing in property is no different from investing in stocks or bonds. For many, doing so involves life savings. Appreciation of value represents security and independence from government dependency in later years. For many, property investment is a means for sending children to college. For the young, the prospect of owning a home or piece of land is motivation to join the work force.

In a free society, the notion government can confiscate one’s property or render it valueless has no place.

Everyone who owns property, everyone who hopes to, should vote yes for Referendum 48. Property rights are the cornerstone of a free society. Ellis Baumgarner Toledo, Wash.

Referendum 45 brings needed reform

In 1933, through a citizens initiative, a commission was created to appoint Washington state’s wildlife director to guide wildlife policy. This system worked extremely well. We had competent, professional directors and open-door management with public input.

In 1987 all that changed. In trade for more funding, we allowed then-Gov. Booth Gardner the power to appoint the director. At the first wildlife commission meeting in Spokane, Gardner’s newly appointed director, Curt Smitch walked out of the meeting. He was sending a clear message that the commission and public input no longer mattered.

Now, with Gov. Mike Lowry in charge, we have our wildlife department being directed by an attorney, Robert Turner. He formerly was Henry “Scoop” Jackson’s aide. Department staff morale is at an all-time low. We have decimated fish runs, neglected habitat and shorter seasons.

Let’s put professionals back in charge. Please, pass the word. By passing Referendum 45 Nov. 7 we can reinstate our commission’s power and take politics out of wildlife management. Gary Thayer Chattaroy

IN THE PAPER

Article on Winston most welcome

Julie Sullivan, in her article of Oct. 15, has written an excellent description of the activities and community leadership that help to describe Vivian Winston. She has written with sensitivity and understanding of some of the issues that inspire Winston.

I would also call attention to Vivian’s participation as member of the Washington Commission for the Humanities in its formative years in the 1970’s. She felt it important to develop and support programs that bring communities together, to preserve our rich heritage, to foster lifelong education, and to provide forums for discussing contemporary issues.

Knowledge and understanding of the humanities is critical for all. Vivian has helped us along the way. Liz Burroughs Spokane

Harsh reactions leave facts intact

Editor Chris Peck, columnist Doug Clark and cartoonist Milt Priggee must be spending too much time on that Tilt-a-Whirl in Riverfront Park, as it has spun their pens dry and they refilled them with venom.

These journalistic assassins pointed this snake solution at us “stupid” folks who voted no on the science center. Hmmm, are we right? Yup!

Our yes-science-center-money folks spent $11.00 a vote, vs. $.04, trying to push this fiasco down the space between our lips and stomach. Fortunately, intellect and financial logic prevailed.

The Seattle Pacific Science Center is protected by an IRS tax-exempt status, depends on millions of tax dollars to stay open, employs a full-time lobbyist, hired a professional campaign manager, spendy public relations firm and pays its director around $200,000 a year!

Compare this. Our national budget is $3 trillion to $4 trillion, and our president brings home around $250,000. Do you suppose we should spend our tax money on curtailing crime, health care, feeding the needy and something as novel as fixing our streets before building a science center?

Expecting long-term funding for a science center is like waiting for monsoons to hit the Sahara Desert. Come on, boys, fill your pens with the ink of tolerance, fairness and the dignity we deserve. Jonathan Swanstrom, Sr. Spokane

Accentuate the positives, Clark

Doug Clark has surpassed himself with his Oct. 5 column on the demise of the Pacific Science Center. If his idea of raising community consciousness is the object of his satirical drivel, he should go back to Journalism 101.

Better he get out there in the community and search out those who support the concept of a science center, albeit not in Riverfront Park.

Spokane is not a narrow-minded city, nor is there a dearth of forward thinkers. What about the area of the SIRTI campus would that not be a possible site?

Let’s see some real thought put into the positives you might uncover. Your column would then perhaps merit reading. E.M. Larkin Spokane

Item on teen suicide ‘superb’

Regarding “Teen’s tragic suicide reminds us all to talk about problems, pressures” (Our Generation, “Reaching Out,” Oct. 11):

My compliments to the teen editors, Sharma Shields and Ferris High School for a superb commentary on teen suicides. It’s a real tragedy that is often spoken about too late.

I wasn’t surprised at the depth of understanding, empathy and advice illustrated by these teens. I have witnessed their grief on another teen suicide. On that occasion the teens spoke to their peers that “if we can play together and laugh, we can also, together, cry and talk about our personal problems.”

The cliche “no man is an island” is very real. We all need someone to talk with, to cry with and help understand and survive this moment that seems so unbearable.

I hope the commentary was read by parents and teens alike. Teen suicides reach all walks of life. The tragedy can strike like lightning. The survivors, family and friends will forever ask themselves, why? The editorial also gave local phone numbers for getting help, someone to talk with.

I personally have found talking to God for help has helped me survive both the fear experienced in war and personal tragedy. Ray Aleman Osburn, Idaho

Bartel column insulting

I have been a loyal reader of Frank Bartel’s business column through the years. Our opinions differ at times, but I always try to respect his viewpoint.

His Oct. 16 column overstepped the bounds of fair journalism.

At first glance, one would assume Bartel was presenting a positive suggestion for improving downtown. Instead, it was another of his scathing, wordy attacks on the Spokane Transit Authority Plaza. As we who write letters to the editor are limited to 250 words, it is impossible to comment on his entire column.

In paragraph nine I find particularly offensive the inference that transit riders are lower-class citizens and could pick up culture by mixing with the upper-crust while viewing an exhibit of Native American artifacts. A written apology to all of us who are daily riders and who make up the ever-increasing numbers to enter and enjoy the building’s amenities is in order.

In the final sentence of that same paragraph he states, “It’s high time the center got a life.” Bartel, I advise you to do the same. Enough bad-mouthing. Let’s get on with the business of rebuilding our downtown area. Joanne M. Jones Spokane

Strip made accurate comment

So Medicare is saved. It was interesting to note that this was the message sent out by our Republican Legislature after consulting with the American Medical Association.

Nothing is more descriptive of what is wrong with Medicare today than the Doonesbury cartoon of Oct. 13. Doctors do not work for free, and if one is good three are better. All ask the same questions and the patient gets a bill for different amounts from each of them. Mrs. James Box Coeur d’Alene

Flag misused in illustration

Re: “Full coverage; Think American TV is getting far too racy? …” (IN Life, Oct. 8), which discussed the amount of nudity on European television vs. American.

I was very upset to see the illustration of an apparently nude woman wrapped in an American flag. Our flag is a symbol of freedom and strength, and represents honor in these United States. Many men and women fought for our country. Many laid down their lives under our flag to provide freedom for us. It’s a disgrace to use the flag this way and a violation of flag etiquette to use the flag as an article of clothing.

I’m sure your staff illustrator could have found a better illustration. Rosalie J. King Nine Mile Falls

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Contract out on the old and the ill

The present budget proposals by the Republican Party, the Gingrich Republicans, will bring utter disaster to America. It will destroy life as we have known it and impose a virtual dictatorship on every American.

Throughout our history we have fought and destroyed any and all attempts to subjugate us, and we have always prevailed. But today we are faced with danger from within, far greater than this nation has ever faced.

This “Contract With America” is a misnomer. “Contract with Disaster” would more aptly describe it.

Medicare, for example, would be destroyed. Medicare premiums would be doubled, to over $90 per month. Many seniors would actually die in the streets before receiving any care. Hospitals will close for lack of federal funds. Environmental laws will be eliminated and public land turned back to the states. These are just a few of the steps backward that the present Congress plans to impose on us.

I suggest that those who oppose the “Contract with America” write to your elected officials and tell them to oppose any and all budget proposals by these radicals. If they want to seriously cripple Medicare, let them take cuts in their own taxpayer-supported health plan. A.K. Stirling Spokane

Clinton knows about tax increases

President Clinton obviously thinks the American people are a bunch of ignorant fools with no memory (“President claims GOP’s proposal results in a ‘backdoor’ tax boost” Spokesman-Review, Oct. 8).

This guy is the last person in the world to warn us about a tax increase. Remember what he did two years ago? He signed the largest tax increase in the history of this country: $270 billion. Bill Clinton is a big-government, tax-and-spend liberal who never met a tax increase he didn’t like.

Specifically, he claims that Medicare recipients will pay more for out-of-pocket expenses. Not true. Under the GOP plan, they will pay only $7 more than what the Democratic plan offers (USA Today, Oct. 4). Also, according to Guy King, former chief actuary for the agency that runs Medicare, the Clinton plan keeps the trust fund running until 2006. But in 2010, it will be in the red for $309 billion. The other things Clinton talks about - increased student loan fees, etc. - are not tax increases.

This country needs a president who shows genuine leadership, not someone who fearmongers with no credibility. Mark Duclos Spokane

It’s class warfare, GOP style

Republicans will do anything to balance the budget that Reagan’s 1982 tax cuts for the rich put out of balance.

Their legislation will force the elderly without heating subsidies to sit in cold houses, go without medical care or medical insurance, be without legal aid, even be turned out of housing they’ve lived in for years.

What are a few hungry children to Republican billionaires? What if our food supply is contaminated with bad meat, if West Virginia coal miners are killed through unregulated, unsafe working conditions? Why should they care if our environment is polluted?

What do they care if the end of the earned income tax credit increases income taxes on the working poor? And so what if increased tuition costs keep the children of middle class Americans out of college? Their children go to private universities.

Why should Republican politicos care? Without exception, they are all part of the rich, upper class of America and, if you will notice, these rich Republican politicos and their rich backers are the only class in America not being asked to make sacrifices to balance the budget. Not a single sacrifice!

I say we must make hefty tax increases on the rich. They must sacrifice too. George Thomas Spokane