Letters To The Editor

Spokane matters

Uncalled for smoking ban stunted fair

I’m not surprised at those running the Spokane Interstate Fair trying to say poor attendance was due to the good weather. They say people went to the lakes and such instead. They know the smoking ban was the cause.

I have talked to many people, smokers and nonsmokers, and all agreed the smoking ban at an openair gathering was overly radical. Even designated smoking areas on the fairgrounds is not right. We all agreed that smoking should be banned in the buildings.

Smokers all pay taxes just like everyone else and should not be discriminated against, as they are. In fact, smokers are among the highest-taxed people in America. If all those who think everyone should stop smoking had to pick up the tax load we pay, they would beg us to smoke. You know all the federal, state and local governments dependent on the revenue aren’t going to cut spending to fit a lower income.

The only way we would have gone to the fair this year would’ve been if Commissioners John Roskelley and Kate McCaslin would’ve been handing out free cartons of Camels to everyone with a ticket. Richard G. Kelley Deer Park

Smokers are just being selfish

I can’t believe the big deal people made over the smoking ban at the fair. The things people are comparing to smoking are outrageous.

We have a choice to eat red meat or not eat red meat and drink alcohol or not drink alcohol but we don’t have a choice about breathing in cigarette smoke. We do have to breathe.

Not everyone enjoys the smell of cigarettes. Not only that but breathing it in is bad for you. Why hurt others in when making yourself happy? If people would think about everybody and not just themselves, this would be a much better place. Juanita M. Burns Spokane

Political race a good experience

After 20 years in this country, I still find myself in awe of its many opportunities. Where else can you become a citizen in March and at your first chance to vote have the ability to vote for yourself in a primary election in September?

I was one of eight candidates for City Council position 2. Running for office has been a wonderful learning experience and I enjoyed every moment of it. The sad part is that so few people vote. We need a huge, community-based initiative to educate the public on the hows and whys of this basic right. I was shocked at how many citizens did not even have a clue as to how to vote. I have some ideas to remedy this situation and intend to undertake this as a long-term project.

The other sad part is the intrusion of party politics into a nonpartisan race. Give me liberty or give me death. I remain happily independent. You haven’t seen the last of me. Louise C. Stamper Spokane

There’s value in beautification

Sign and billboard control is good for our community and business. The visual character of a community - the appearance of its streets, neighborhoods and business areas - is essential to its long-term economic viability and helps determine how residents and visitors alike perceive it. An attractive community generates a thriving environment by attracting new industry and encouraging tourism.

The proposed ban on new billboards would be one small step toward revitalizing the economic engine of our community, by making Spokane County a more attractive place. Quality of life issues rank among top priorities that companies list for selecting a place to relocate to.

When a community passes regulations that effectively limit the size and number of billboards, the consumer actually sees more. As a result, businesses do a more effective job of selling at a lower cost and the visual environment is more pleasing for all - a win-win situation.

I hope you will join me in urging our county commissioners to enact the proposed ordinance recommended by our planning board. The proposed ordinance would ban any new billboards and the existing ones would have to go within a predetermined amount of time, as their value is compensated for. Terry Sturgill Spokane

Washington state

Extra elections will be a bargain

Ralph Munro’s letter opposing Initiative 695 illustrates common propaganda about the $30 license tab initiative.

Elections held to approve new taxes are not nearly as costly as legislators having no accountability. The Department of Transportation and all other state agencies will find ways to budget, as do Washington residents, who carry the sixth-highest tax burden in the Union.

Don’t believe the hype concerning I-695. Please join the Libertarian Party of Washington state in voting yes on I-695. Heidi Duty, secretary Libertarian Party of Washington State, Spokane

Threats certain to backfire

Regarding the Spokane Regional Health District raising fees pending the outcome of Initiative 695:

It is wrong for the health district to try to officially influence the outcome of an election by threatening to raise fees if the voters take a certain action. Voters will vote yes on Initiative 695 because they don’t like threats.

I suspect I’m not the only person who did not know that the excise taxes on my vehicles subsidize inspections of restaurants, household connections to sewers, inspections of food demonstration stands, etc. This is a form of corporate and personal welfare which is wrong. How many other foolish subsidies are there in our state supported by the vehicle excise tax?

The health department doesn’t say what the state is doing with the $1.1 billion surplus or what the health department is doing to reduce fees in light of this surplus. Nor is the health department explaining why car and truck owners should bear the brunt of supporting these programs that might best be supported with an increase in the sales tax so everyone can support programs desired by the citizens.

The governor and Legislature have abdicated their duty to citizens by refusing to reduce taxes and fees while we have a surplus. And they have failed to explain what excise tax they could live with, such as $50, $75, etc. Basically, they want everything they can get to spend on new programs and expand old programs. “Restraint” is not a word they understand! Edward Parker Spokane

I-695 will help grow the tax base

Passage of Initiative 695 will cause a budget crunch but the money saved by taxpayers would be a tremendous invitation for many residents to re-license in Washington and also for new immigration to this state, one of the highest-taxed in the nation. By setting license tabs at a flat $30 and capitalizing with computerization, the state may be able to realize a significant savings for taxpayers. Encouraging people to move here would add significantly to our tax base. Neil Von Holt Spokane