Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Armchair scoffers contribute little

Re: “Area commission laughable,” (Letters, May 1; Gold Pen winner, May 15) by Greg D. Holmes.

After reading this convoluted letter, it appears the second most vile instrument of transgression against human rights is Holmes. Why is it always people most content sitting on the sidelines who think they know it all? The only thing that is laughable is his disregard for the effort and commitment the people of the Human Rights Commission represent.

It is important to remember that the commission is made up of volunteers. Many of the commissioners are hard-working professionals from various walks of life who have agreed to come together to donate their time and talents for the city of Spokane.

Diversity and human rights are key issues that help shape the perception of our community. They contribute more than most realize to economic growth potential and the recruitment of a talented work force as well as thriving industries. Every group, government based or otherwise, experiences growing pains and, at various times, experiences the need to understand diverse communication styles.

What we have witnessed recently within the commission is unfortunate. However, since when is it acceptable to condemn an entire group for something that only involved a small handful of individuals? The commission acted within its jurisdiction and within the policies established.

If Holmes thinks he can do a better job of being perfect, I challenge him to walk his talk and leave his history lesson at home. L.A. Nelson Spokane

Story about so-called loan faulty

The Spokesman-Review story regarding the city being ordered to loan money to the River Park Square parking garage was another blow to the citizens of Spokane. The story omitted the fact “we” have already granted a $200,000 loan to the garage.

This money, according to consultants, will never be paid back. I guess Judge Donohue felt our pockets were deep enough to continue granting corporate welfare to bail out the parking garage. Give more, says the good judge, even though the citizens were led to believe we would not have to dip into the public cash register to supplement income generated by the garage.

The attorney for the developer continued bragging about the tax revenue the River Park Square project was generating. If the tax revenue, already in the millions, as stated in court by the attorney for the developer, should we as taxpayers, forget the real estate tax the garage did not pay on April 30, when we paid our taxes as required by law?

There are real dollars and baloney dollars. I guess the taxpayer is stuck again footing the bill for the services the garage is receiving, i.e. police and fire protection, etc., notwithstanding helping out Nordstrom customers with their parking needs. The difference, fellow taxpayers, are baloney dollars. If the dollars are real, why would we be concerned about fixing the streets? The millions of additional dollars, as stated, will take care of any shortfall come city budget talks for street repairs. Dick D. Adams Spokane

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Crosswalks: Cops not in the wrong

Re: “Crosswalk stings wrong, wasteful” (Letters, June 2).

Ellie Ferency complains that it is wrong and wasteful to use decoys to catch drivers ignoring pedestrian right-of-way in crosswalks. Would it have been any less wrong if the police had not used a decoy and she was ticketed because a citizen was in the crosswalk dodging her car? I don’t think so.

Ferency undoubtedly would not have been stopped and ticketed if she was not in violation. It is standard police procedure to use decoys. Something tells me she is just mad that she got caught.

I think it’s great if pedestrian right of way is being enforced. Spokane is one town where if you are on foot, it’s a common to feel that you are taking your life into your own hands when crossing a street, whether at signed or signal-controlled intersection. Penny Schwyn Spokane

Crosswalk checks: Just do it

As one of the pedestrians hit by an automobile during the past year, I want to commend the police department on its crosswalk patrol.

I was walking with the walk light, in the crosswalk, and was still hit by a car making a left turn. Since that time, everyone who knows me has been almost paranoid about crossing streets, especially in the downtown area. I watch daily close calls and hear reports of the same.

It is time Spokane drivers wake up to the fact that the pedestrian does have the right of way and their busy schedule and/or cell phone should always come second. No decent person wants to injure or kill someone. Please don’t begrudge the patrol.

A more careful driver would have saved me and the insurance companies thousands of dollars and permanent injury! If it takes a ticket to make people more aware, so be it. Roberta Hulsizer Spokane

APPRECIATION

Silverwood’s support helps children

We just want everyone to know what Silverwood did for the students here in Newport.

There was a 10-hour reading program for the students in the grade and middle schools. If the students read 10 hours during this school year at home they received a free one-day pass to Silverwood.

Silverwood, thank you so much for caring. My son and daughter are so proud to have earned their free trip. I know a lot of people in this community think a lot about a corporation that cares! You and the people who work at Silverwood are doing a great job for this area. Silverwood, I applaud you! We will be going there as a family this year. Bill and Donna Lands Newport, Wash.

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Rude law enforcement bad for tourism

Most tourist-dependent cities work hard to project a favorable public image in an attempt to ensure visitors will want to return and to tell their friends what a great time they had. It’s a constant public relations campaign in an attempt to project an area as being friendly, desirable and welcoming. This is what makes a tourist destination viable. Unfortunately, Coeur d’Alene is falling far short of the mark.

I encountered a hopping-mad tourist who had been approached (I think she used the word “accosted”) by the police department’s animal control officer and rudely told to leave the park with her small dog. She wasn’t even in the park but in the Diamond parking lot adjacent to the park. On her way back, he told her that he could have her “thrown in jail.”

Public relations is defined as the art or science of creating reciprocal good will. Coeur d’Alene, under Steve Judy’s leadership, is falling short. It seems to me that we have enough public relations problems, thanks to the Aryan Nations, without innocent people being threatened for something so benign as walking their dog.

In letters to the editor citizens have cited the arrogance of City Hall and their encounters with Judy and company. Can anyone see a pattern here? I and others only want to walk our dogs through the park on the way to Tubbs Hill or for a casual stroll. Judy has turned it into a punishable crime. I guess that’s why they need a new jail, anticipating all the hard-core dog walkers to be eventually busted. Katherine von Hagen Coeur d’Alene

Hayden not prepared for more people

Re: “Hayden Lake business group will sell area” (Handle, May 31): Before you people think about bringing more people into the area, you’d better think about infrastructure. Government Way in Hayden already is pretty crowded at peak drive times. What about sewage and water? I know my water pressure already is low. Let’s bring in more people and make it worse. Jim Baxter Coeur d’Alene

Many helped make parade great

The Post Falls Festival Days Parade was a rousing success, thanks in part to dedicated volunteers, enthusiastic participants and Mother Nature, who provided blue skies and sunshine.

While the thousands of spectators lining Seltice Way were treated to an entertaining display of floats, clowns, marching bands and antique cars, it’s the behind-the-scenes activity on parade day that’s truly remarkable. Our appreciation goes to early risers who handle the parade lineup with precision and good humor every year: Skip Hissong, Bobby Frazey, Bert Thoreson, Steve Bruno, Scott and Alyssa Huft, Wayne and Diane Gordon, Jim and Cyndie Hammond, Sarah Polk and Terry Werner. Chief Cliff Hayes and the Post Falls Police Department and the Post Falls Street Department are integral parts of our parade’s success each year, as well.

Thanks to Bruchies for hosting the parade crew breakfast and to parade announcers Randy Wells and Joe Doellefeld. The Links Golf Course provided carts for the parade officials and Post Falls Mazda provided convertibles for the dignitaries.

Idaho’s River City has a lot to celebrate and we thank everyone for their participation and attendance. Kerri Thoreson, executive director Post Falls Chamber of Commerce