Tell Us How To Get Involved In The Political Process

It tells you something about Americans and their priorities that we get people to register to vote by letting them do so at the same time and place they get their driver’s licenses.

You’ll notice we never have to make it easier for you to get your driver’s license by letting you do it when you register to vote.

Never mind that. Those who track such things tell us the nation’s “motor voter” law (officially, the National Voter Registration Act) has generated more than 5 million newly registered voters. That reportedly represents a tripling in the previous pace of new registration.

That will be good for the democratic process if the same people actually vote - and even better if they recognize that being an involved citizen demands more than just going to the polls once or twice a year.

“Bagpipes” wants to hear from readers who have ideas for getting citizens truly and constructively involved in the political process. Your theories, your personal experiences - send them in by phone, fax, mail or e-mail.

The gold star club

Spokane County Commissioner Phil Harris defends buying star-shaped badges for himself and his two fellow commissioners as a means of giving their office recognition.

Yes, he has declared the county treasury in horrid shape. But, he notes, he authorized the $343.44 purchase of the badges back in July before he knew how bad things are.

By the way, three extra badges were purchased for past commissioners.

Here’s the question for readers: Even if there were no budget crisis and even if $343 weren’t petty cash in the county’s overall budget, do you think your county commissioners need badges?

Ya gotta know when to fold ‘em

Ordinarily, gambling odds favor the house. Even so, some card rooms around Washington state are finding that their entrepreneurial risk didn’t pay off, possibly because of changing odds.

The advent of Indian tribal casinos in the state put non-reservation gambling halls at a competitive disadvantage because the law limits them to less exotic games.

If voters approve slot machines on reservations this fall, the other operators say the Legislature should give them the same opportunity.

Should it? How wide open should gambling be in Washington?

, DataTimes MEMO: “Bagpipes” appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. To respond, call Cityline at 458-8800, category 9881, from a Touch-Tone phone; or send a fax to 459-5098 or e-mail to dougf@spokesman.com. You also can leave Doug Floyd a message at 459-5577, extension 5466.