Letters To The Editor

Wed., Jan. 31, 1996

Spokane matters

Library bond well worth passing

Spokane County Library District is asking voters to support a bond issue on Feb. 6 to provide funds for capital improvements.

These improvements will include an upgrade in software and computer capacity, expansion or replacement of several libraries, improved shelving and building security systems in all libraries, and purchase of additional library materials that will benefit all district libraries.

The cost? In property taxes, about 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or about $1 per month for a $100,000 home.

As voters make their decisions on Feb. 6 it would be wise to keep in mind that the library bond issue is a fiscally sound, reasonable proposal that has widespread support among Spokane County residents and is designed to benefit all.

Community support for libraries makes more resources available for everyone. None of us can individually purchase all the resources required for a successful life in today’s world. That’s why we need to work together.

One application of the proposed computer upgrade will allow the district to forge closer connections with junior high, middle school and high school libraries, putting a computer link into each one and making the entire holdings of the district more available to young people. For success in the 21st century, access to up-todate information and technology will be crucial.

Voter support will allow the district to continue to offer essential resources and the kind of service customers deserve. Vicki Myers-Canfield Spokane

‘A deal is a deal’

In regard to the recent article in which County Commissioner John Roskelley states that Bobby Brett’s stadium contract is not in the county’s best interest is highly questionable from the community’s context.

Brett is an astute businessman and has never made any public proposals with the city or county where he hasn’t put his money up front and at risk first.

I have attended numerous sporting events where the broad spectrum of Spokane citizenry is in evidence - seniors, young families, young adults and teenagers. Bobby Brett provides us this wholesome entertainment at affordable prices. His teams are also an important contribution to our quality of life which attracts businesses to relocate to our area.

Brett is a solid, outstanding member of our community who unhesitatingly contributes his name, time and money to many charitable events. Any renegotiation of the contract would likely escalate ticket prices and would only penalize the fans.

Come on, Commissioner Roskelley, a deal is a deal, and this is one contract where the community ultimately realizes a favorable edge. Jim Kransberger Veradale

BUSINESS AND LABOR

Courthouse union is bad news

Without labor unions many employees would still be working for less than a fair wage and receiving no health care benefits. This simply illustrates the need for the union as the representative of the employee for fair wages and benefits.

Without labor union interference, employers - in particular, department administrators at the Spokane County Courthouse - could operate their departments without union threats of retaliation and trivial grievances which consume hours of department administrators’ time.

The courthouse employees union has become involved in the everyday operations. In fact, union representatives have bragged that they, not elected officials, run the courthouse. This is far outside their bargaining rights for decent wages and benefits.

Prosecutor Jim Sweetser, District Court judges and commissioners John Roskelley and Phil Harris are correct in their concerns and belief that non-wage, nonbenefit matters involving employees should be in the jurisdiction of the elected and appointed department managers and not interfered with by the union.

It seems that this union and its representatives are giving unions a bad name.

It seems that some courthouse employees who can’t cut the mustard and can’t produce a good product or service expect the union to defend them when their incompetence places their job in jeopardy. R. Edward Hoyte Spokane

WASHINGTON STATE

Tax cuts good for what ails state

By your logic (“Relief for little guy helps big firms most,” News, Jan. 20) we should oppose a reduction in B&O taxes because large businesses like The SpokesmanReview will benefit from the tax cut far more than Joe’s one-man business. It’s just a tax cut for big business, right? The implication is that the boss gets the money. None of the employees benefit, even indirectly. Certainly the consumer does not benefit. Is that your logic?

Hogwash. Washington state has raised taxes so much that businesses flee the state, growth is slowed and even state government suffers the consequences. A good dose of tax cuts in this state would benefit everyone. Warren J. Riddle Spokane

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION

Spokane schools use money wisely

I have lived in two other cities where attitudes about schools were quite different than in Spokane. In Honolulu, public schools are not supported very well. This translates to the popular opinion that the schools are so inferior that anyone who can should send their child to a private school, and people do.

Prospect Heights, Ill., schools are strongly supported. Since this is a moderately affluent suburb of Chicago, the schools are excellent and there is quite a bit of money spent on programs that could be considered unnecessary. Whether these programs always represent the best use of school funds is debatable.

Spokane is a happy medium. Schools here are excellent and seem to use those precious tax dollars as efficiently as possible. There is not a lot of extra money, but what there is is put to good use.

It is important that we continue to support our schools. They are working very hard to help us raise responsible, intelligent and educated adults. Is that not our common goal? Even citizens who don’t have children in the public school system should care about that.

We must get out and vote yes on the levy on Feb. 6. These funds are not abused. Kathryn Jessen Spokane

District doesn’t deserve yes vote

Initially, I strongly supported the maintenance and operations levy for Spokane School District 81. After all, I still have four children in the public school system. We all want the best education that can be supported by our tax dollars. Unfortunately, it’s time to send a resounding voice of disapproval to the educational practices of District 81.

If the School Board can “make more than 200 decisions without a single no vote” (Spokesman-Review, Jan. 7), then it must be operating without restraints and is getting everything it wants, not what it needs.

If the district can reward alternative school students with a bus pass for attendance (attendance is required by law) then it is sending the wrong message for attendance and education.

If the district has designated smoking areas for minors, then its values are misplaced because it encourages disobedience of laws instead of abiding by state laws.

The district has operated status quo for quite some time with lots of money and many programs. It is delving into areas beyond the scope of authority of the public education system. Academic excellence is no longer as important as are social issues.

It’s time for the district to stop, reorganize and address the issues of academic excellence first. Focus on education first and foremost. A no vote for the replacement levy might just send a message that clearly states reform is needed to make education the No. 1 issue. Ludwik M. Chobot Sr. Spokane

Do your part - vote yes

Are you a senior citizen? Are you married? Are you single? Are you a parent? Do you send your kids to private or public schools? Do you own your home? Do you rent?

Guess what - all of you can and must support your public schools.

Think of your nearby school as a vibrant activity center that keeps your neighborhood strong and our city solid. Whoever you are, you have a role in keeping our schools a vital and integral part of what makes our community a quality place to live. We are all responsible for the future of our public schools and our community. I urge you to vote for the school levy on Feb. 6. Bridget Piper Spokane

Do vote - and make it yes

With an impending reduction in federal fund appropriations for education, it is imperative that Spokane residents go to the polls on Feb. 6 to approve the Spokane School maintenance and operations levy.

It is important to understand that the levy’s purpose is simply to renew the current, expiring levy; it’s passage will in no way increase our taxes.

Since the funds will be put to a very good purpose, i.e. providing basic education services for our children, at no additional cost to taxpayers, there is no valid reason to oppose this measure.

Please remember, too, that an estimated 21,000 eligible residents must vote to approve the proposal, and 60 percent of those votes cast must be pro-levy, for it to be validated. Clay Randall Spokane

Levy passage will benefit many

Even though I am a senior citizen with no grandchildren, I am very much in support of a strong public school system. We will all benefit from passing the maintenance and operation levy on Feb. 6.

This replacement levy maintains the schools not only for daytime student use but for extended programs benefiting kids and their families. Examples include the Scout family potlucks and award ceremonies, use of gyms for evening family recreation, use of rooms and gyms for Parks and Recreation classes and YMCA programs, and organizational meetings for COPS programs.

The M&O levy will also allow kids to continue to participate in band and drama. The younger generation has a tendency to be passive observers instead of active participants. Band and drama are wonderful programs that allow active participation as well as cultivating wholesome interests that will continue into adulthood.

A small percentage of the M&O levy provides the building space for the Express Program, an alternative to potential problems involving latchkey kids. Express adequately supervises kids of working parents until 6 p.m.

I will be certain to vote yes on this levy and encourage all senior citizens to do the same. Gloria Faggetter Spokane

Let’s separate school and state

In the Jan. 20 Your Turn, Kay Hayes hails State-Church Separation Month.

Yes, our U.S. Constitution wisely prohibits establishment of a state religion. We have a high degree of harmony because government may not require religious funding, attendance or practice. This has been America’s experience with religion.

How about separation of school and state?

Today we have much conflict in our schools about academic achievement, values (taught or caught), parents’, teachers’ and students’ rights; discipline; federal, state and local controls. Many schools just do not work, even with the best of teachers and tremendous tax funding.

Ours is a common school system - one size fits all - but one size does not fit all.

As we consider the failings of this system, many ask, “Where are the parents and why have they abdicated their duties? I answer: because government has taken over their responsibilities under the theory that every child has a right to a quality education at taxpayers’ expense.

Parents have both the responsibility and the right to see that their children grow into competent adults.

We need true educational freedom. The word “freedom” means precious rights for all mankind, an innate desire that needs to be addressed, and it entails responsibilities. Government can’t handle them effectively for us.

Separation of school and state is an idea whose time has come. Remember, ideas have consequences. Eileen L. Wilson Spokane

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Far-right types way out in left field

As I listened to the president’s State of the Union address and the Republican response last week, I was disgusted by the Republicans’ lack of support for raising the minimum wage and by their efforts to cut environmental enforcement by 25 percent.

But most of all, I was sickened by the overwhelming lack of support for the basic idea of working together to find common ground. When only one Republican stood to applaud this concept, the Republican Party lost all sense of credibility and practicality.

The polls after the speech clearly showed that President Clinton is aligned with the center, the majority, or the middle of the bell-shaped curve concerning the range of American political positions.

Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, House Speaker Newt Gingrich and the Republican freshmen are making a big mistake by pandering to the views of the minority, the right wing or those Americans positioned more than two standard deviations to the right of the mainstream.

In the coming election year, ask yourself the following question, keeping in mind the bell-shaped curve analogy: Who do you think aligns more closely with the views of the majority of Americans? Curtis Durrant Valleyford, Wash.

Make mine the lesser of evils

Jon J. Tuning would like to claim that the present income tax system is a Marxist plot and goes on to show his desire for a tax-free paradise (Letters, Jan. 26).

However, in the real world, the lack of a graduated income tax system would only mean the states and the federal government would make up the shortfall by levying additional taxes and fees to maintain the functions of government.

Or they could print more money. And with the resulting inflation, we could become a Third World nation with worthless cash. Given the alternatives, I believe taxpayers would rather keep the devil they know. And improve on it. Joan E. Harman Coeur d’Alene