Letters to the editor
Published on Wed, Jan 20, 2010Read More Letters
National security and survival
I find no correlation between (President Barack) Obama's endless speeches and corresponding actions, therefore consider his messages untrustworthy.
His life's background and cast of associates are transplanted into the foreground, clearly thrusting Chicago-style polities, socialism/Marxism onto the national platform. A radical pretending to be a moderate American.
Systemic failure of the airline security is a reflection of passivity - his sweeping changes to close GITMO, returning terrorists to Yemen, chastising CIA and Navy Seals for doing their jobs, dismantling the existing terrorist defense system - sent a message worldwide, which directly affects the attitude and diligence of those agencies protecting us. A year later and under public pressure he recants his message, stating we are at war with terrorism.
If we are at war, why does he tie the hands of the military and give legal rights to the Afghanistan combatants?
He vows to fix airline security but after a year of breaking his word to have televised health care debates, government transparency, ethical government, returning government to the people, jobs and elimination of earmarks, has diminished all trust.
This country's survival is threatened by Al Qaeda but more significantly this administration threatens the very existence of our democracy and our freedoms.
A passenger saved Northwest flight 253 from a terrorist attack; in a similar manner Americans must join together to save America from this serious internal threat of this administration.
Don Albright
Sequim
A drag on property values
The Gazette reported a survey by the SunLand-Facts group showing that residents oppose being assessed to support the golf club.
Now, the golf club's own survey apparently shows only limited support for an assessment. It's clear there are wide divisions within the club about how to handle their financial predicament. Sadly, there seems to be a hard core element that has torn the community apart to protect their own special interests. They have been unable to face the reality that a golf club is not the appealing feature to today's home buyers they like to think it is.
Geoff Shackelford and Nick Faldo, one of the greatest golfers of all time, write in "The Future of Golf" that "The golf business is in serious trouble because golfers are playing less or not at all ... the sport is not growing, nor has it really grown that much since the 1950s, despite what the marketing folks claim."
The golf club is becoming an increasing drag on property values. SunLand needs to provide something that appeals to almost all home buyers, not a few. We could create enviable marketability by turning much of the golf course into an open space preserve, with perhaps nine holes left for golf. It would be hard for any new home development in Sequim to compete with that. It's time for the golf club to face facts and do what is best for SunLand.
Ron Croft
SunLand
Happy diners
In January 2009, during a house-hunting visit to Sequim, we looked around the area for restaurants with good food, good service and reasonable prices. After considerable searching and many experiences, we discovered Jean's Deli, located on Second Street, which then specialized only in lunches.
There, we found hearty, steaming soups made fresh daily, delectable sandwiches made to order and to-die-for, mouth-watering desserts with friendly, personalized service at very reasonable prices. What was really impressive was the consistency of the quality of the food and service, which we enjoyed several times during that visit.
During an April 2009 visit to our new Sequim home, we were told the deli would begin serving evening dinners in August, the name would be changed to Lipperts' and the evening chef would be Brian Lippert, an award-winning former military chef.
Since moving to Sequim, we have enjoyed many more lunches and several dinners there. The high quality of Brian's dinners, his food presentation and Lipperts' service are what one might find in a fancy "high-end" big city restaurant (without the expensive "ambience"), but with down-to-earth, almost too reasonable, prices.
Lipperts' is a relatively small restaurant so a dinner reservation is recommended and it is first class in every way important to most diners - cleanliness, superior food quality, appetizing presentation, friendly, efficient service and affordable prices.
If you enjoy eating out, you will love Lipperts'. We do. Bon appetit. And don't forget their superlative lunches.
Loretta Flanders and
Dick Hahn
Sequim
Vote 'no'
on the levy
Wake up property tax payer - you are about to be assaulted again. Responsible property tax payers in the
Sequim School District are disgusted with the insatiable and never-ending tax appetites of this school district, its board and administrators.
In short, it is the opinion of many of us over-taxed owners today, that this school district will spend every tax dollar they can get - and there will never be enough. This new levy before the almighty voters is indeed outrageous and clearly overtaxes the property owner once again, embedding until the next time, all of those unnecessary and frivolous luxuries we cannot now afford.
In this failing economy, this school district needs to "make due" with what it has or replace the administrator and board with responsible experts in economic frugality, with the property tax payer principally in mind.
Without question, there are far too many non-
property owners voting to spend the hard-earned property owner's tax dollar, and with irresponsible and inadequate justification in these times. Since the property owner here substantially pays these school bills, then we should be the only ones voting. If we don't unite and start voting "no," our taxes will indeed be our downfall.
Dave Munro
Sequim
Success with holiday project
RainShadow Laundry & Car Wash would like to acknowledge those who assisted us in providing Christmas gifts to the foster teens in our community.
This was our first annual "Help Us Help Others" holiday project; it was a great success.
A big thank you to our customers who helped us including Midge Hull, Bob and Marilyn Lore, Beth Garifalos, Dee Miller, Donna Larsen, Shayna Robins, Diana Vance, Sara Brondo, Virginia Foulk, Suzi Schmidt, Kathryn Haapanen and many anonymous donors.
All of our teen foster children were given several very nice gifts, thanks to all of you!
Thank you and a happy, healthy new year to everyone.
RainShadow Laundry
& Car Wash
Sequim
Keep all the services
The levy needs to pass to ensure that all aspects of the Sequim School District's services, including the many hidden jewels, remain available to our children. Olympic Peninsula Academy (OPA) is one of those hidden jewels.
OPA is the Sequim School District's little-known school-within-a-school where home-schooled children come together for core and elective classes. Children in grades K-12 are provided excellent instruction in core subjects (math, language arts) with choices of electives such as Spanish, dance, drama, art, guitar, poetry, sewing, math games, cooking, biology and keyboarding.
It is a happy place where children learn in leaps and bounds. My seventh-grader at OPA is fulfilled every day. The Sequim community should be proud and amazed at what OPA offers on a minimal budget.
Please vote in favor of the levy to continue these special programs.
Virginia P. Shogren
Sequim
Not the way to change the system
I'm voting yes for the
Sequim school levy. I know - it's a tax! But this tax has added a whole lot of value to my children's lives over the years and it adds a whole lot of value to the life of our community.
I'm proud to say that my two daughters are products of Sequim elementary, middle and high schools. The oldest is a wildly successful graduate who got into a selective, private college on the strength of the education our previous levies paid for. The youngest is a two-time national award winning History Day student (kudos to the middle school teachers) who now is playing in high school bands, competing in high school sports and learning from some extraordinary high school teachers. Everything she benefits from now will be pared back if we fail to pass the levy.
But this levy isn't only about enrolled students. My mother-in-law moved up here to be near her grandkids. She wouldn't have felt comfortable making that move if our schools didn't attract good health care professionals. If we don't support the school levy as a community, our whole community suffers.
I had never even heard of a school levy until I moved to Washington. I still think it's a crazy way to fund education. But voting against the levy will never change the system. It will only punish our students and penalize our community.
Please vote yes on the levy!
Henry N. Smith
Sequim
Watch and save
Recently, there was some news about a driver who had a bit of difficulty negotiating one of the Washington Street roundabouts. Seems they did some damage.
Since we're all looking to spend what little money we have wisely - especially government, who pays for the repair?
I called the Sequim Police and asked. They told me if they know the responsible party, they will attempt recompense either directly or through the individuals's insurance company.
However, if the incident is not reported or a bystander does not report it, the city pays. Translation: It comes out of taxpayer coffers.
Likewise our growing problem of graffiti, which leads directly to property damage and crime.
I'm a bit of an expert on graffiti; I attempted to deal with it on and surrounding the UCLA campus in California. All you need is one instance and that creates a beacon for more.
Before you know it, everything is covered in graffiti. And that goes for those "fun" stickers I see are appearing on street signs (another taxpayer cost). Once those stickers are there and the sun hits them, good luck removing them.
At least six years ago, Los Angeles County's budget for graffiti removal was around $5 million a year. And they were fighting a losing battle. It became impossible to keep up with taggings and markings. The cost of which is all on the backs of hardworking taxpayers.
As taxpayers and citizens, we need to keep our eyes open and make sure our tax dollars go as far as they can.
Shelley Taylor
Sequim
Invest wisely
As our county, state and nation reel from the recession we are currently in, many people are disheartened. Unemployment is high, retirement accounts are low and government services are being cut.
But I remain optimistic. Our country is strong. The American Dream is solid. And we will persevere through this downturn.
One of the brightest hopes for our future and turning America around is our children. Our children will be tomorrow's leaders, they are our outlook, our prospect and their destiny lies in our hands. How well they mold and shape the future is dependent on the tools we give them now, while they are in school. If we invest in our children, they will be capable of meeting any challenge, including the ones we face now.
We currently have the opportunity to help our children.
The Sequim School District is seeking the renewal of the established levy. With a renewal of the levy, the school district will be able to continue teaching children how to overcome challenges. Without the renewal of the levy, the school district will be met with a major challenge and more services will need to be cut.
Please join me in voting Yes on the renewal of the Sequim School District levy and investing wisely in our future.
Kevin Van De Wege
Sequim
Editor's note: Kevin Van De Wege, a Democrat, is the state representative from the 24th District that includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
One vote
Per (Berg) has what it takes to be the Gazette's next cartoonist.
We like his art and his message.
He's got my vote - so far.
George Will
Sequim
I find no correlation between (President Barack) Obama's endless speeches and corresponding actions, therefore consider his messages untrustworthy.
His life's background and cast of associates are transplanted into the foreground, clearly thrusting Chicago-style polities, socialism/Marxism onto the national platform. A radical pretending to be a moderate American.
Systemic failure of the airline security is a reflection of passivity - his sweeping changes to close GITMO, returning terrorists to Yemen, chastising CIA and Navy Seals for doing their jobs, dismantling the existing terrorist defense system - sent a message worldwide, which directly affects the attitude and diligence of those agencies protecting us. A year later and under public pressure he recants his message, stating we are at war with terrorism.
If we are at war, why does he tie the hands of the military and give legal rights to the Afghanistan combatants?
He vows to fix airline security but after a year of breaking his word to have televised health care debates, government transparency, ethical government, returning government to the people, jobs and elimination of earmarks, has diminished all trust.
This country's survival is threatened by Al Qaeda but more significantly this administration threatens the very existence of our democracy and our freedoms.
A passenger saved Northwest flight 253 from a terrorist attack; in a similar manner Americans must join together to save America from this serious internal threat of this administration.
Don Albright
Sequim
A drag on property values
The Gazette reported a survey by the SunLand-Facts group showing that residents oppose being assessed to support the golf club.
Now, the golf club's own survey apparently shows only limited support for an assessment. It's clear there are wide divisions within the club about how to handle their financial predicament. Sadly, there seems to be a hard core element that has torn the community apart to protect their own special interests. They have been unable to face the reality that a golf club is not the appealing feature to today's home buyers they like to think it is.
Geoff Shackelford and Nick Faldo, one of the greatest golfers of all time, write in "The Future of Golf" that "The golf business is in serious trouble because golfers are playing less or not at all ... the sport is not growing, nor has it really grown that much since the 1950s, despite what the marketing folks claim."
The golf club is becoming an increasing drag on property values. SunLand needs to provide something that appeals to almost all home buyers, not a few. We could create enviable marketability by turning much of the golf course into an open space preserve, with perhaps nine holes left for golf. It would be hard for any new home development in Sequim to compete with that. It's time for the golf club to face facts and do what is best for SunLand.
Ron Croft
SunLand
Happy diners
In January 2009, during a house-hunting visit to Sequim, we looked around the area for restaurants with good food, good service and reasonable prices. After considerable searching and many experiences, we discovered Jean's Deli, located on Second Street, which then specialized only in lunches.
There, we found hearty, steaming soups made fresh daily, delectable sandwiches made to order and to-die-for, mouth-watering desserts with friendly, personalized service at very reasonable prices. What was really impressive was the consistency of the quality of the food and service, which we enjoyed several times during that visit.
During an April 2009 visit to our new Sequim home, we were told the deli would begin serving evening dinners in August, the name would be changed to Lipperts' and the evening chef would be Brian Lippert, an award-winning former military chef.
Since moving to Sequim, we have enjoyed many more lunches and several dinners there. The high quality of Brian's dinners, his food presentation and Lipperts' service are what one might find in a fancy "high-end" big city restaurant (without the expensive "ambience"), but with down-to-earth, almost too reasonable, prices.
Lipperts' is a relatively small restaurant so a dinner reservation is recommended and it is first class in every way important to most diners - cleanliness, superior food quality, appetizing presentation, friendly, efficient service and affordable prices.
If you enjoy eating out, you will love Lipperts'. We do. Bon appetit. And don't forget their superlative lunches.
Loretta Flanders and
Dick Hahn
Sequim
Vote 'no'
on the levy
Wake up property tax payer - you are about to be assaulted again. Responsible property tax payers in the
Sequim School District are disgusted with the insatiable and never-ending tax appetites of this school district, its board and administrators.
In short, it is the opinion of many of us over-taxed owners today, that this school district will spend every tax dollar they can get - and there will never be enough. This new levy before the almighty voters is indeed outrageous and clearly overtaxes the property owner once again, embedding until the next time, all of those unnecessary and frivolous luxuries we cannot now afford.
In this failing economy, this school district needs to "make due" with what it has or replace the administrator and board with responsible experts in economic frugality, with the property tax payer principally in mind.
Without question, there are far too many non-
property owners voting to spend the hard-earned property owner's tax dollar, and with irresponsible and inadequate justification in these times. Since the property owner here substantially pays these school bills, then we should be the only ones voting. If we don't unite and start voting "no," our taxes will indeed be our downfall.
Dave Munro
Sequim
Success with holiday project
RainShadow Laundry & Car Wash would like to acknowledge those who assisted us in providing Christmas gifts to the foster teens in our community.
This was our first annual "Help Us Help Others" holiday project; it was a great success.
A big thank you to our customers who helped us including Midge Hull, Bob and Marilyn Lore, Beth Garifalos, Dee Miller, Donna Larsen, Shayna Robins, Diana Vance, Sara Brondo, Virginia Foulk, Suzi Schmidt, Kathryn Haapanen and many anonymous donors.
All of our teen foster children were given several very nice gifts, thanks to all of you!
Thank you and a happy, healthy new year to everyone.
RainShadow Laundry
& Car Wash
Sequim
Keep all the services
The levy needs to pass to ensure that all aspects of the Sequim School District's services, including the many hidden jewels, remain available to our children. Olympic Peninsula Academy (OPA) is one of those hidden jewels.
OPA is the Sequim School District's little-known school-within-a-school where home-schooled children come together for core and elective classes. Children in grades K-12 are provided excellent instruction in core subjects (math, language arts) with choices of electives such as Spanish, dance, drama, art, guitar, poetry, sewing, math games, cooking, biology and keyboarding.
It is a happy place where children learn in leaps and bounds. My seventh-grader at OPA is fulfilled every day. The Sequim community should be proud and amazed at what OPA offers on a minimal budget.
Please vote in favor of the levy to continue these special programs.
Virginia P. Shogren
Sequim
Not the way to change the system
I'm voting yes for the
Sequim school levy. I know - it's a tax! But this tax has added a whole lot of value to my children's lives over the years and it adds a whole lot of value to the life of our community.
I'm proud to say that my two daughters are products of Sequim elementary, middle and high schools. The oldest is a wildly successful graduate who got into a selective, private college on the strength of the education our previous levies paid for. The youngest is a two-time national award winning History Day student (kudos to the middle school teachers) who now is playing in high school bands, competing in high school sports and learning from some extraordinary high school teachers. Everything she benefits from now will be pared back if we fail to pass the levy.
But this levy isn't only about enrolled students. My mother-in-law moved up here to be near her grandkids. She wouldn't have felt comfortable making that move if our schools didn't attract good health care professionals. If we don't support the school levy as a community, our whole community suffers.
I had never even heard of a school levy until I moved to Washington. I still think it's a crazy way to fund education. But voting against the levy will never change the system. It will only punish our students and penalize our community.
Please vote yes on the levy!
Henry N. Smith
Sequim
Watch and save
Recently, there was some news about a driver who had a bit of difficulty negotiating one of the Washington Street roundabouts. Seems they did some damage.
Since we're all looking to spend what little money we have wisely - especially government, who pays for the repair?
I called the Sequim Police and asked. They told me if they know the responsible party, they will attempt recompense either directly or through the individuals's insurance company.
However, if the incident is not reported or a bystander does not report it, the city pays. Translation: It comes out of taxpayer coffers.
Likewise our growing problem of graffiti, which leads directly to property damage and crime.
I'm a bit of an expert on graffiti; I attempted to deal with it on and surrounding the UCLA campus in California. All you need is one instance and that creates a beacon for more.
Before you know it, everything is covered in graffiti. And that goes for those "fun" stickers I see are appearing on street signs (another taxpayer cost). Once those stickers are there and the sun hits them, good luck removing them.
At least six years ago, Los Angeles County's budget for graffiti removal was around $5 million a year. And they were fighting a losing battle. It became impossible to keep up with taggings and markings. The cost of which is all on the backs of hardworking taxpayers.
As taxpayers and citizens, we need to keep our eyes open and make sure our tax dollars go as far as they can.
Shelley Taylor
Sequim
Invest wisely
As our county, state and nation reel from the recession we are currently in, many people are disheartened. Unemployment is high, retirement accounts are low and government services are being cut.
But I remain optimistic. Our country is strong. The American Dream is solid. And we will persevere through this downturn.
One of the brightest hopes for our future and turning America around is our children. Our children will be tomorrow's leaders, they are our outlook, our prospect and their destiny lies in our hands. How well they mold and shape the future is dependent on the tools we give them now, while they are in school. If we invest in our children, they will be capable of meeting any challenge, including the ones we face now.
We currently have the opportunity to help our children.
The Sequim School District is seeking the renewal of the established levy. With a renewal of the levy, the school district will be able to continue teaching children how to overcome challenges. Without the renewal of the levy, the school district will be met with a major challenge and more services will need to be cut.
Please join me in voting Yes on the renewal of the Sequim School District levy and investing wisely in our future.
Kevin Van De Wege
Sequim
Editor's note: Kevin Van De Wege, a Democrat, is the state representative from the 24th District that includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
One vote
Per (Berg) has what it takes to be the Gazette's next cartoonist.
We like his art and his message.
He's got my vote - so far.
George Will
Sequim
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Your opinions on issues of community interest and your reaction to stories and editorials contained in your Sequim Gazette are important to us and to your fellow readers. Thus our rules relating to letters submitted for publication are relatively simple.
• Letters are welcome. Letters exceeding 250 words may be shortened. We strive to publish all letters.
• Letters are subject to editing for spelling and grammar; we contact the writer when substantial changes are required, sending the letter back to the writer for revisions. Personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations are not printed.
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• Deadline for letters to appear in the next publication is noon Friday. Because of the volume of letters, not all letters are published the week they are submitted. Time-sensitive letters have a priority.
• Letters are published subject to legal limitations relating to defamation and factual representation.
• To submit letters, deliver to 147 W. Washington St., Sequim; mail to P.O. Box 1750, Sequim, WA 98382; fax to 360-683-6670 or e-mail news@sequimgazette.com.
Your opinions on issues of community interest and your reaction to stories and editorials contained in your Sequim Gazette are important to us and to your fellow readers. Thus our rules relating to letters submitted for publication are relatively simple.
• Letters are welcome. Letters exceeding 250 words may be shortened. We strive to publish all letters.
• Letters are subject to editing for spelling and grammar; we contact the writer when substantial changes are required, sending the letter back to the writer for revisions. Personal attacks and unsubstantiated allegations are not printed.
• All letters must have a valid signature, with a printed name, address and phone number for verification. Only the name and town/community are printed.
• Deadline for letters to appear in the next publication is noon Friday. Because of the volume of letters, not all letters are published the week they are submitted. Time-sensitive letters have a priority.
• Letters are published subject to legal limitations relating to defamation and factual representation.
• To submit letters, deliver to 147 W. Washington St., Sequim; mail to P.O. Box 1750, Sequim, WA 98382; fax to 360-683-6670 or e-mail news@sequimgazette.com.
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