Letters

Lakes Middle School needs your help

Just ask – those were the words I heard as I listened during one of the school district’s levy forums. Later, I opened an e-mail from my sister in Illinois asking for support of a fundraiser on which she is working. My sons are constantly asking for something – permission to go to a friend’s house, food, money to buy food.

So, I have been thinking … why don’t I … just ask?

So here it is, Coeur d’Alene. Lakes Middle School needs your help. For some time now, Principal Chris Hammons and the teachers and coaches at Lakes have been interested in raising money for new sports equipment and uniforms for the boys’ and girls’ teams. None of them have time with their schedules to coordinate a fundraiser, and it takes a lot of work and enthusiasm. Lakes PTSA has spent tens of thousands of dollars supporting math programs, social studies enrichment, wood shop equipment, a pottery kiln and supplies, Marimbas and more. Our resources have gone to support academic programs while our athletic programs have suffered.

This summer, I am asking you to help in one of four ways.

•Clip BoxTops for Education coupons and Campbell’s labels, save them in an envelope and mail them to Lakes Middle School at 930 N. 15th St.. We will process them and the money/rewards will be used to support our student athletes. For more information on what to clip, check out these Web sites: www.boxtops4education.com, www.labelsforeducation.com.

Keep saving them all year – we’ll find a use for the money/rewards.

•Send a check payable to Lakes Middle School in any amount and write Lakes Sports in the memo line. We’ll use it to buy uniforms that help build pride in our school.

•Support our Wolverine Card – whether as a business who can offer a discount or by purchasing one in the fall. This $10 card brings savings to you, but brings greater value to Lakes in the form of enrichment programs for our children.

•Ask a friend to help. Ask your employer. Ask your neighbor.

Thanks for your support of our Lakes community. Lakes is a great place to learn, work and play. Just ask us.

Mary Larson

Past chair, Lakes PTSA

Hayden Canyon unsuitable for area

I read Amy Cannata’s article “Hayden Canyon opponents unite” in the July 12 Handle Extra. Mr. Lanker reportedly said that those who have spoken out against Hayden Canyon don’t live in the city. I was at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, and this is what I observed. First let’s talk about those who testified in favor of annexation. They came from Sandpoint, Post Falls, Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake and two or three from Hayden. Those in favor were generally in business as contractors, engineers or real estate who, I imagine, will see some financial gain, if this project goes forward.

The people opposing the project and annexation were either from the city of Hayden or within the city of Hayden impact area. We, not the supporters, are the ones who will be adversely affected for years to come if annexation is approved. Please lend your support to High Density Development Hurts Inc.

The average size lot within a one-mile radius of the proposed development’s center is over four acres. The developer of Hayden Canyon is asking for three units per acre, which is not compatible with its surroundings.

Robert M. Rosie

Hayden

Hayden Canyon not good for the city

Comments on the Handle Extra article by Amy Cannata, “Hayden Canyon opponents unite,” July 12, 2008. “Lanker said the project would benefit the community by donating land for police, fire and school use and increasing the tax base.”

I have followed these and many other money promises Mr. Lanker has made in the last two-plus years – they all end in a whiff of vapor. The land is by far the cheapest part of required public facilities; facilities that would be required only because of Hayden Canyon. Residential housing never pays for itself, it costs the city money.

“Lanker said most of the people who have spoken out against Hayden Canyon and who are involved in the new opposition group don’t live in the city.”

True, we live right next to where Hayden Canyon would be built in Hayden’s Area of City Impact. The 618 acres is not in Hayden, and Mr. Lanker doesn’t live in Hayden or its ACI.

I believe Hayden Canyon would be an albatross hung around Hayden’s neck. What would be best for Hayden is for the City Council not to hang it there.

Philip A. Clements

Hayden

CIT program strongly supported

I’m glad efforts are being made to improve the quality and reputation of our law enforcement (“Law enforcement views CIT program,” Handle Extra, July 19). In the event of a mental health circumstance, I think too often many police officers overassess the situation and cause more harm than good. My best friend’s older brother who suffers from schizophrenia was recently arrested at a local AM/PM gas station for allegedly knocking over a food stand. When the deputies arrived on scene, he was wandering back and forth shouting obscenities at the clerk behind the counter. The officers who detained him did not take into account his mental state and rather grabbed him from behind and aggressively took him to the ground. Even after he was detained he still received handcuffs and despite his illness was hauled off in the back of a police car.

Although it was the officer’s duty to manage the situation, I think it would have been more appropriate if they had just calmly talked and safely escorted him from the scene.

That’s why I strongly advocate programs such as Crisis Intervention Teams because I feel they help protect people like my best friend’s older brother.

Nick Bial

Pullman