Letters To The Editor

SPOKANE MATTERS

Wilkinson support mischaracterized

Re: “County economy at heart of race” (News, Sept. 14).

The assumption that the Spokane Home Builders Association is comprised entirely of developers, perpetuated by staff writer Adam Lynn when he says Karl Wilkinson has “become the favorite son” of developers is a gross error. In fact, of our 900-plus companies, developers comprise fewer than 50. The truth is, contributions to Wilkinson’s campaign represent over 190 different professions that make up our organization.

Second, Commissioner John Roskelley contends we oppose him because we have no regard for the environment, yet he knows we are involved in numerous issues such as aquifer protection, stormwater management, wastewater capacity and the Comprehensive Plan, working to find reasonable solutions for preserving our environment in balance with positive growth. Preserving our environment is not only smart business but also a sincere concern of our members and staff.

Furthermore, let it be clear that the Spokane Home Builders Association does not seek a pawn in political office, as is often reported. Our members, like all citizens, desire fairness, a well-defined set of rules and mutual respect in dealing with the commissioners. We, as an association of diverse interests, support Wilkinson because he knows what it means to run a business and his track record indicates he will fairly weigh all issues. He truly can and will bring people together. Mark J. Richard, Government Affairs Director Spokane Home Builders Association

Larger pool will benefit community

Kudos to Phil Harris. His proposal for the new Valley Mission Pool is exactly why we have elected officials. The proposal to make the pool 50 meters as opposed to 25 yards is what the community should have, period. Who cares if there is no pool there next summer? The pool will be there for many generations to enjoy.

Don’t waste our money on another bad idea. Do it right the first time.

I’m sure many in the community, especially elected officials, would like to see an Olympic participant in swimming from Spokane one day - such as recent gold-medal winner Megan Quann of Puyallup.

The other commissioners need to take their blinders off and see the bigger picture. It concerns me that the 25-yard pool was even first thought to be a sufficient replacement. This is small-town thinking without any vision.

A 50-meter pool could most likely be used for competitions and bring in outside tax revenues for the county that in the long run would more than pay for the additional costs.

This matter should not be pushed to the back burner. The answer is as clear as the water in the pool, regardless of budget negotiations. Let’s do something right the first time for a change.

Incidentally I am not even a member of the swimming community. But I have been inspired by watching swimming events in the Olympics, just as many Spokane children probably have as well. Ty H. Lingo Spokane

Council a discredit to the community

I read both Sept. 26 articles concerning the City Council meeting and I am ashamed to live in a city in which City Council members are more worried about their own petty differences than about doing what’s best for all the inhabitants of our city.

The behavior of the City Council on television the other night was atrocious. They behaved more like my children than the adults they are supposed to be. If they are incapable of doing the job we elected them to do, they should be replaced, just as any employee of any other business would be.

Regarding the dispute over the River Park Square garage, what we are eventually going to end up doing is spending more money on legal fees than the original agreement would have cost the city if we had just paid the obligation at the time.

The representatives we currently have on the City Council are incapable and incompetent. We should have a City Council that reflects the morality and values of our city. We are never going to attract major businesses and industries to our city with that type of behavior from our representatives. Cheryl Albright Spokane

Powers’ strides underestimated

I was interested to review the vote breakdown by districts that The Spokesman-Review printed (Sept. 21, Region). After viewing the breakdown, I was surprised by The Spokesman-Review’s headline, “A city divided” (Sept. 22, News). The headline and voting breakdown simply don’t jibe. What the Review saw as a city divided really shows a city coming together.

Here was John Powers, a political newcomer with no name recognition a few months ago, beating out two experienced career politicians. Although I voted for John Talbott in the last election, I voted for Powers in the recent primary. Principally, because Powers has the empathy, intelligence and experience to reach out to a much broader group of citizens and involve them in community issues and problem solving.

This ability is reflected in the district voting breakdown. It is confirmed in Powers’ victories in North Side, Central and South Side districts, winning over candidates who had shown strong followings in previous elections in those areas. In fact, taking Sen. Jim West out of the question, Powers would have won quite a number of additional precincts in all three geographical areas. Consequently, I believe the Good Paper missed the target on this one. With only a few weeks to a general election, Powers has the unique ability to do what his opponent has already failed to do: unify our community. David A. Kulisch Spokane

CITIZENSHIP

Take time to love this great land

My principal hobby is making audio tapes and CDs from my library of the music of the big bands. In a minor departure from this format I recently had occasion to end a CD with Percy Faith’s versions of “Shenandoah” and “Home on the Range.” Not surprisingly this led to thoughts about my country and to a consideration of the question proposed by Frank Sinatra in his song “What is America to Me?” Here is part of my reaction.

In one sense, America is an intangible something that lives in the hearts of traditional Americans. To me, it is a great and endlessly beautiful land. As my mind’s eye wanders across this magnificent expanse of intriguing geographical diversity my heart swells with pride and appreciation. It is an emotional response to a historic reality.

It is the tradition of America that we have fought and sacrificed for the wonder that this land has become. Obviously, and thankfully, we are the lucky ones. Today, in the midst of endless contention and personal disparagement of one another in the struggle for power, couldn’t we just step back and take a few minutes to admire and to feel grateful for this vision of our blessed land? Kate Smith (“God Bless America”) said it best, didn’t she? Bernard E. Bobb Pullman, Wash.

Don’t pass up chance to vote

Registered voters, you don’t have any excuse not to vote. You are an American and have the right to vote, whether you are Indian, Oriental, Mexican, black or white. Use it.

If you vote your views, your vote is not wasted and you are being true to yourself.

You don’t like Vice President Al Gore or Gov. George W. Bush, either? You don’t have to be a Republican or Democrat to vote. You have Ralph Nader, Pat Buchanan, the Natural Law Party and others to choose among.

Study the views of all candidates and vote accordingly. There are many issues on the local, state and national levels that will affect you.

Let’s have a turnout of over 50 percent. Until Oct. 3 you still have time to register. Ivan E. Utt Spokane

IDAHO VIEWPOINTS

Yes, being openly gay invites trouble

Re: “Intolerance towards gays rampant at Lakeland High” (Handle Extra, Sept. 16).

It’s clear that what the students at Lakeland High School are saying is homosexual is not an acceptable lifestyle. Obviously, if one chooses to follow this lifestyle, what you do on your own time, in your own home, is definitely your business. If you decide to come out of the closet and make public your actions and feelings, you better be prepared to hear from people who don’t agree with them.

Furthermore, when you expect people to accept your actions and beliefs or try to influence people that these ideas are moral and correct, you set yourself up to be attacked, verbally and, ideally, not physically. This compounds when you bring other people’s children into the picture.

You can not push ideas on people who believe those ideas to be wrong and expect them to look the other way or accept them. If you choose to live your life openly in a way that offends people, you must expect to be challenged. Or, you may choose to live where that lifestyle is accepted. Paul D. Hast Coeur d’Alene