Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

We’re not making much good sense

Did anyone else notice the irony contained within last week’s paper?

On June 22, a front page article examined the county commissioners’ impact fees cash payback plan to developers, negating about the only source of income for county parks.

Then, on June 23, a large, multi-page article appeared concerning the Cheney-Pasco rails-to-trails project; with a special article decrying the incredibly dilapidated and downright unsafe condition of the county park at Fish Lake.

So follow me, if you will: On one hand, the cash-strapped county cannot afford to even pay for the bare minimum of upkeep to keep the county’s parks clean and safe. On the other hand, we have the county commissioners giving away the very money collected to create and maintain county parks.

Did I miss something? Terry J. Smith Spokane

Tell commissioners to keep hands off

It is time for residents of Spokane County to let their voices be heard on the consideration of the county commissioners takeover of the health district.

When Spokane County is already struggling with its finances, why would they want to spend $400,000 to $600,000 just to have control of the health district? What is the motive? Could it be to strip regulations that now protect our aquifer?

It is clear to me that our health district is serving our county very well and should remain as a regional entity with a separate board.

A power grab of the health district by the county commissioners will not serve our communities’ best interest. Ron Hormann Spokane

County needs McCaslin’s leadership

As a lifelong resident of Spokane County, I have observed many changes over the last 35 years as the Spokane area has grown from being a sleepy little railroad town to a more intense activity center for banking, agriculture and the arts.

While we sometimes lament the demise of uncrowded streets and the growth of the urban area, many would agree that today the Spokane area is in many ways a uniquely balanced community in which people can live a lifestyle that combines both numerous outdoor opportunities with the advantages of a larger urban area, such as competitive wages and a variety of theater and music events. Maintaining this balance, however, will require professional, thoughtful, yet decisive leadership from our county government.

Kate McCaslin has all of these leadership qualities and the experience to bring a balanced approach to addressing the many challenges facing Spokane County. As a resident of the Spokane Valley since 1967, she also has experienced firsthand the benefits and drawbacks of urban growth. As a member of the business community, she has experienced the rewards of Spokane’s strong economy.

I will vote for McCaslin because she will listen to everyone’s concerns - concerns about the need for a viable business environment as well as the need for environmental protection.

Our votes for McCaslin will be votes for professional, thoughtful and decisive leadership in county government, votes for someone who recognizes the need to maintain Spokane’s unique balance of opportunities. Rod Pharness Spokane

Good city deserves good streets

Now comes the time to repair our streets. It will cost some money. The streets in Spokane are an embarrassment and they must be maintained. It costs dollars to live in a first-class city.

Please don’t listen to the naysayers. They were out in force, railing against a new arena, but we built it and it’s a roaring success. They were against the waste to energy plant, but it also is unquestionably successful.

We need a bond issue to repair the streets and we need it promptly. Let us keep in mind that the city needs the county and the county needs the city. Things that divide the city and county serve no one, but only serve to delay progress. We need to work together. Maury Hickey Spokane

Help a child in a lasting way

Recently a recipe for delinquency was put forward in the editorial section. While I agree with it, I prefer to promote a recipe of hope.

The answer to delinquency is positive adult role models in young people’s lives. The premium mentoring program is Big Brothers and Sisters.

The following six needs were outlined by Karen J. Pittman in 1991 as being essential to healthy development: 1. sense of safety and structure; 2. sense of closeness in relationships; 3. sense of independence - control of one’s life; 4. sense of belonging; 5. sense of self-worth and contributing; and 6. sense of competence and mastery.

A Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer helps a child fulfill all six of these senses. In addition, an even bigger thing happens: friendship.

So often our Bigs say, “Although I know I’ve helped a young person, I’ve received even more than I’ve given.”

I recently heard from a former Big Brother who had struggled through a divorce after many years of marriage, and then the unexpected death of his second spouse. He said the person who calls most often to boost his spirits is his little brother of 20 years ago, who, because his six senses were properly nourished, grew to be a productive adult and is now giving back to his mentor.

Get involved. The kids will be adults for 60-plus years, but they’ll be kids for only a short time. Donald N. Kaufman, general managing director Big Brothers and Sisters of Spokane County

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

That wasn’t a take, it was a dump

I found “Take on Hillary,” by staff writer D.F. Oliveria (From both sides, Opinion, June 28) overflowing with hate. Why? If the first lady was a Republican, what then? Hillary Clinton is representative of a new and dynamic culture of professional and assertive women.

This unprecedented high profile for a first lady says a lot for her courage and for the president. The president is not intimidated by the professional support the first lady can provide.

Oliveria stated, “Richard Nixon was run out of office for similar behavior.” Hillary is not the president. Oliveria’s comparing Hillary to Nixon shows a lack of reasoning. There is an old saying that unjustified hate negates reason. Oliveria is blind to the faults of House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his ill-bred Republican freshmen. He whines when any Republican is bashed. I suppose objectivity in reporting wasn’t taught in Journalism 101.

Some say there exists an animus against strong women. These women have to be strong to survive in a culture dominated by men.

When is the litany of malicious attacks on Hillary Clinton going to stop? I wonder how many of these righteous Hillary bashers can match her fortitude and composure during the many long hours of dialogue with the legislative and investigative committees?

Oliveria postulates that Hillary is guilty on all counts. I’m sorry, I cannot call Oliveria the voice of justice. I sincerely hope the women voters of 1996 can identify with Hillary’s struggles in this political arena. Politics is a tough career, always open to cruel attacks. Ray Aleman Osburn, Idaho

Try a page from the Gipper’s book

One of the biggest mistakes that President Clinton has made in dealing with Republican members of the House and Senate is not following the example of some of the recent Republican presidents.

Apparently, there wasn’t much wrong in having the security chiefs of the FBI, CIA and attorney general in Reagan’s pocket. What could be wrong with lying to Congress by Reagan’s staff during the Iran Contra congressional hearings, or selling arms to Iran secretly?

It must have been OK to claim executive privilege on almost all documents, or just shred them if they were embarrassing, as Oliver North did. A convicted felon, they tried to get him elected into the Senate, as one of them.

Last but not least, Clinton should make Hillary act like a shrinking violet. Nancy Reagan captivated the country with that act. Stephen J. Hancock Post Falls

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Take a bite out of … integrity?

On June 14 I pulled into the PDQ gas station on the Newport Highway. I watched three young men at the pump in front of me remove the license plate from the back window of their pickup. After filling the pickup’s tank the three men sped away from the gas station without paying.

I followed the truck and watched as they restored the license plate to the back window of the pickup.

Within a few minutes I called the Washington State Patrol. I gave my name, the license plate number of the truck and a brief description of what had occurred. I was left dumbfounded by the response I received from the state trooper.

He said, “Sorry, we no longer handle these crimes because there are so many. The gas station’s only recourse is through the small claims court.” I shudder at the message we are sending. Yes, it is stealing, and it certainly is against the law, but because so many steal gasoline we no longer enforce this law.

Oh, by the way, because so many are stealing, honest taxpayers are saddled with the bill!

The principle, in a word, is erosion - the silent toll of deterioration. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, what once was rejected is now accepted. What was once considered wrong is now silently tolerated.

The erosion leaves a gap that grows wider and wider as moral erosion joins hands with complacency. When does the gap become an overwhelming canyon? I think it is so when we remain silent. Jason Knott Spokane