I hope …

Now that we have our new city council, there are a few things that I hope will be reflected in their efforts going forward. The first thing I hope for is transparency. Past councils have lacked transparency and worked privately, presenting us with “done deals” that continue to conflict with our safety and well being. Sequim citizens must be kept informed of all issues that significantly affect us and be allowed input on decisions.

Next, I hope that the council members that took campaign contributions from special interest groups will remember that the community’s priorities must come first.

I hope that Sequim will remain a special place to live. A key component of Sequim remaining special is an effective council, not influenced by special interests, but totally dedicated to the community. I hope that our new council will have the courage to step up to the challenges ahead.

Bob Travis

Sequim

‘Time to pay attention’

“Bad math or reality” (Sequim Gazette, Letters to the Editor, Nov. 22, page A-11) was a response to my Nov. 8 letter. Thank you for that. Word number requirements prevented me from being all encompassing.

The letter writer mentioned coastal tide gauges. They are used to measure a perceived ocean level, but in fact measure continental rise or submersion into or from our oceans as well. Our six continents (earth’s crust) are floating on a liquid core. They rise and fall according to which is pushing over or under another. Wait, six continents? Until Pluto regains planetary status, I will consider Europe part of Asia, as my globe suggests. But I digress.

The writer also mentions the various governmental agencies that have bought into the ocean level rising theory. Interesting to note that the examples are all on the East Coast. The West Coast would counter the premise. Ever hear of Cascadia Rising? If you bury your head in the sand here, you’ll have to keep moving farther out to keep wet.

Our side is rising from the ocean. I believe in science and math, but when a politician (Obama) tells us the science is settled and anyone questioning must be ridiculed, it is time to pay attention.

For what it’s worth, I too think our oceans are rising, but I believe other causes besides climate change play significant roles in the equation.

Mark A. White

Port Angeles