Letters To The Editor
WASHINGTON STATE
Vehicle tax initiatives badly designed
A commonly held belief is that all of the motor vehicle excise tax proceeds are used for transportation needs. The motor vehicle excise tax was established in 1937 in lieu of a property tax. It originally supported K-12 education but over the years has been allocated so that it supports a number of general government purposes. Of these funds, 23.4 percent goes to the state general fund, 15.9 percent to transportation, 36.2 percent to transit districts and the ferries, 2.1 percent to light rail projects, 20.9 percent to cities and counties, with 1.5 percent going to administration.
With the above in mind, Initiative 690 would establish a new fee schedule for the MVET. Eighty percent would go to transportation construction and maintenance projects. Nowhere in the text of the initiative is there funding for transit, a key component in reducing congestion and pollution. Also, the new fee schedule falls short of current revenue levels and does not bridge the gap that would be left in the budget.
I-691 would eliminate the MVET by the year 2000. It would leave an $800 million gap in the state budget. Cities and counties already strapped for funds would be left to search for alternative resources, as would other government agencies. To reduce taxes or eliminate them with no plan in place is irresponsible.
A vibrant and growing economy requires a solid and expanding infrastructure that includes health and education. It also requires it to have adequate and comprehensive funding. Neither initiative, 690 nor 691, do that. Please do not sign initiatives 690 and 691. Jim Fitzgerald Spokane
Paraphernalia law draws needed line
I read, with interest and some concern your April 13 editorial on newly passed legislation that increases penalties for those selling drug paraphernalia. While I can understand your perspective that this law was passed simply as “campaign fodder for an election year,” I need to tell you why I prime-sponsored House Bill 2772 and what it is intended to accomplish.
In my district, which covers Puyallup and much of rural Pierce County, a business selling drug paraphernalia recently opened right across the street from Firgrove Elementary and Ballou Junior High schools. That means, the 1,180 kids who attend these two schools daily are taught and told about the dangers of drug use, and then are sent outside to see a “head shop” just across the road. I think this sends, at best, a mixed message to our children.
The new law plainly states that anyone selling or giving drug paraphernalia to another person can be charged with a civil infraction and a $250 fine, but now, the person selling the pipe, bong or vial cannot claim ignorance by not knowing what it was going to be used for. This change in statute will clearly make it much easier to enforce.
I agree there needs to be additional focus on drug use and outlawing paraphernalia is only a small step. But the message needs to be clear that we will not idly stand by and let our neighborhoods and quality of life continue to deteriorate. Somewhere, the line needs to be drawn - and not on some cocaine mirror in a junior high school bathroom. Rep. Joyce McDonald 25th Legislative District, Olympia
State has bad workplace safety record
In a recent ceremony, 87 working people who were killed on the job in this state last year were remembered. Three of those killed were from Spokane.
Nationwide, about 900 people are killed on the job each year, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This gives the state of Washington a high rate; close to 10 percent of the nationwide fatalities are in this state.
Where is our state Department of Labor and Industries, whose job it is to address worker safety? And where are the members of our state Legislature?
Who speaks up for worker safety? Greg J. Works Spokane
SPOKANE MATTERS
Great race but bring back the music
The 1998 Bloomsday race was great! Everyone at Spokane’s annual race party seemed to be having a grand time. I know we did; we just wouldn’t be anywhere else on the first Sunday of May, as long as our health holds out, anyway.
It’s a special event, and organizers are to be commended for their work in putting on the race each year.One criticism, though: I missed hearing the theme music from “Rocky” when I crossed the finish line. Maybe the music has been retired now, but I surely did miss it. That particular piece has been a part of all the Bloomsday races I’ve been in, which number 19 now.
Compliments to the nice people at the Spokane Transit Authority. Even though it was past the time to catch the express buses, STA people called for a vehicle to transport my friend and me back to our car. They waited to make sure everyone who wanted a bus ride had one. We really appreciate their work in getting us into Spokane for the big race and back out again.
Thanks, everyone. It was a great time. Bunny Lawhead Tekoa, Wash.
Millenium event story a disservice
Recently, at our mayor’s request, I’ve made presentations to both the Spokane City Council and Spokane County commissioners regarding a realistic Spokane new millennium observance. But with your staff writer’s incomplete and flippant article, “Promoter wants to party like its 1999,” the public could miss out on the real message of these presentations.
An organized recognition of the new millennium grants us the opportunity to draw closer as a community, celebrate Spokane-area accomplishments and helps to kick-start our region’s successful future. A one-year celebration (not 30 months, as reported) is a modest but effective strategy that allows for proper commemoration and broad-based communitywide participation.
Yes, it was suggested that funding for this program be a public-private partnership. A fiscally responsible community project budget will take citizen generosity, entrepreneurial spirit and support from local governments. And, as recommended, almost three years to raise the full amount.
Don’t be discouraged by what might appear to be City Council and county commissioner disinterest. It only appears that they have not given this community opportunity much previous thought. That was the reason for the presentations.
While other communities enthusiastically celebrate the arrival of the new millennium, Spokane can either get organized and draw favorable attention to ourselves, or we can just be obvious by our indifference and our absence. This really should have been a more positive story. Bill Burke Spokane
Traffic circles still make sense
I guarantee that red-light running can be virtually eliminated if the city, county, state and nation were to implement a suggestion I’ve been making for the nearly 12 years I’ve been in Spokane. That is to switch out all major traffic intersections from traffic lights to British-style traffic circles, or roundabouts, instead of in low-traffic areas where they are no more than superfluous novelties.
But why should anyone listen to me? I’ve only driven in most major cities in this nation, the world’s capitals in about 15 other nations and spent 18 years either in Britain or in former British colonies.
In this nation, I guess the fact that no one can run a roundabout and that it’s the best way to ease traffic congestion must be irrelevant? Philip J. Mulligan Spokane
THE ENVIRONMENT
Please, no dam solutions from Congress
Despite his customary jabs at environmentalists, Opinion editor John Webster’s arguments (Opinion, May 3) for a reasoned approach to the management and possible removal of hydroelectric dams are surprisingly sound. Except when he declares that the debate about dams can be best handled by Congress, especially a conservative, anti-environment Congress bought and paid for by the very corporate interests that have the most to gain by a continuation of the status quo regarding dam operation.
Our society has always found it easier to build a dam than to destroy one. Once a dam has been built, the benefits and rewards make it easy to live with the adverse environmental effects and the marked changes inflicted on a dammed river. In the end, it comes down to discovering the best methods to use so a dam can be operated to maximize all of its benefits and minimize all of its costs.
Arriving at cost-efficient, environmentally sound methods of dam operation means setting aside political and personal biases, and honestly stating what we want from a dam and it’s river. It means accurately and objectively evaluating all the dimensions and ramifications of a dam’s effect on the river’s ecosystem and the people who live within that system.
The methods of science, and impartial scientists, can better conduct these evaluations, and provide the best management strategies. Profit-driven market forces and the politicians heavily influenced by these vested corporate interests are not. Russ Moritz Sandpoint
What I oppose is EPA overkill
U.S. News & World Report has inaccurately portrayed my concerns about the cleanup of the Coeur d’Alene Superfund site (“Taking back the land that once was so pure,” May 4). It is not only irresponsible but insulting for the magazine to suggest that I oppose the cleanup of areas that pose a real risk to human health and the environment.
I have never opposed the cleanup of the 21-square-mile Superfund site, as the story suggests. I do, however, oppose the Environmental Protection Agency’s arbitrary decision to expand the Superfund site to 1,500 square miles, in violation of its own procedures, without public input or scientific justification.
Before the EPA single-handedly devastates the recreation-based economy of Coeur d’Alene, it should provide evidence that the expansion of the Superfund site is appropriate. If additional contaminated areas are discovered, efforts should be focused on cleaning up those sites, rather than broad-brushing the entire region with a Superfund stigma. That would truly be a Draconian step. Dirk Kempthorne, U.S. senator Boise
Coeur d’Alene Tribe should speak up
I read with amazement the misinformation provided by U.S. News and World Report, a magazine I had previously respected for truthful reporting. I am amazed the EPA intends to do more tests on our lake and the Spokane River. These tests have been done once, at the expense of the taxpayers, and the results are tied up in the litigation initiated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. We spent an estimated $20 million to complete 37 studies on our environment to be used in the lawsuit against the state of Idaho by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and various federal government agencies. Now, another federal agency, the EPA, wants to do the studies again. Who knows how much it will cost this time.
If the original studies had revealed a health hazard, and that information was held in confidence for litigation purposes, what kind of liability would the tribe bear for allowing the continued exposure of the public?
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe wants to be a part of our area’s economic base. It has joined the chamber of commerce and is participating in community activities. The tribe’s gaming operations must be prospering, if you consider what it has given to some of the local schools. The tribe has been working closely with North Idaho College. Now is the time to test its intentions. Either the tribe is part of the problem or part of the solution.
I call them now to release the results of the studies done previously on our lake and, unless the results are different than I expect, to tell the EPA to find another place to spend their money. Maybe they will listen if the Coeur d’Alene Tribe is part of the voice. John W. Goedde Coeur d’Alene
Cleanup bringing welcome reform
We appreciate the April 28 article in your newspaper. There’s no doubt the cleanup of the Bunker Hill Superfund site is bringing positive reform to the Silver Valley.
The cleanup actions did not come easy. For many years all that was accomplished was studies. It was not until the Silver Valley chapter of Idaho Citizens Network, now Silver Valley People’s Action Coalition/CRC, Co., began to organize the community in 1986 that visible cleanup measures began to take place.
So it is with the local job hiring. It took a year for members and staff of this organization to go door to door and hear about the wishes of the people. From there, individuals signed petitions that were taken to cities and their councils, from Mullan to Smelterville, for their support.
Silver Valley People’s Action Coalition/CRC, Co. then reinforced this demand in follow-up meetings with EPA Director Carol Browner and Elliott Laws, national Congressional leaders such as Rep. Mike Crapo, in addition to a few state and local leaders.
To this day, one of our main focuses of work, besides establishment of the Lead Health Project, is the local job hiring. We are happy to see our work producing positive results not only for ourselves, but for our children’s future as well. It proves what people can do when they join together and work for the common good! B. Connie Meehan Kellogg
IDAHO VIEWPOINTS
Pass District 271 levy May 19
I would like to encourage your Coeur d’Alene School District 271 readers to support the proposed school plant facility levy on May 19. The district’s facilities have been greatly improved over the past 10 years but accommodating a growing economy continues to strain existing facilities.
The proposed four-year levy to raise $19.8 million will: build a new elementary school; provide a multipurpose room, gym and classroom additions at Dalton Elementary School; and continue the modernization of Coeur d’Alene High School. Your current tax rate would not differ from last year’s. It would only mean an extension of the current SPFL passed a couple of years earlier to provide funding for the construction of a new middle school.
My children have long since graduated from District 271. As a community priority, education should be right up there on top. Good schools are a good investment. They strengthen families, create community identity and promote our economy. Just remember, the kids of today will be making your decisions tomorrow. Better train them well!
Please vote yes on May 19. Allen G. Miller Coeur d’Alene
Approve funds for school improvement
I am a parent of a child attending Dalton Elementary School. This school is a quality school where I feel my daughter is getting a good education. However, several areas are falling behind and hindering the best education of our students there.
The most noticeable problem at Dalton is the old “Grange hall” built by the WPA during the Depression. This gymnasium-cafeteria has served many students over many years but it now needs much to bring it up to current standards and codes. Also, the school is getting overcrowded.
The school plant facilities levy has been well thought out and will allow much-needed improvements using the same tax rate for school buildings that we have had since 1990.
I encourage you to continue to help our kids and the future of the Coeur d’Alene School District by voting yes May 19. Randy Chandler Coeur d’Alene
Show young musicians you care
I am a third generation Bailey in this city. I believe in it and our educational system. I have taught 28 years and have heard many things for and against our schools. Having traveled many times to other cities on conference, I believe our district is on the cutting edge, even with the lack of sufficient funds.
I attended the recent band and orchestra concerts at Lake City High School. It was great to see so many young men and women playing their instruments so well. They were well behaved and excellent in their presentation. Mr. Sanford was very professional and explained the selections thoroughly.
My concern for our community is that we have many empty seats in the auditorium. My plea is to help our schools and students by letting them know that we appreciate them and want to hear them. We need to recognize that talent is talent even though it is not on a gym floor or play field.
I was so proud of those band and orchestra members. May we each reflect on our priorities and make it important to be there and support our future. How would we act if people didn’t seem to care about accomplishments? Russ L. Bailey Coeur d’Alene
More employment comes at high cost
Re: “Two commissioner candidates differ little,” (May 1). Unfortunately, if you try to bring in too much additional employment opportunity to Boundary County, you will lose the unique qualities of the area, if you succeed. What keeps the place so beautiful and the population in check is the economic restraints. If it lures in more businesses to the area, it will be diminished in ways that are irretrievable. Don L. Brush Spokane