Roundabout 101

It would be nice if all drivers approaching a traffic circle would signal which way they are turning to avoid confusing other drivers.

Kurt Vieten

Sequim 

The creeps cannot take our trail

It was with much sadness and great anger that I read the recent news reports about the woman who was attacked on the Olympic Discovery Trail. My utmost respect goes to her for successfully fighting off her attacker.

Our community has worked tirelessly to gain every inch of this trail. The Peninsula Trails Coalition, Clallam County, cities of Port Angeles and Sequim, the federal government and countless community volunteers have all worked collaboratively to make this trail happen. How dare some creeps bring their violence here! 

Are we willing to let these thugs take our trail from us? I am not and encourage each of you to join me. I refuse to let violence win and will continue to use the trail regularly. Will I be more vigilant in watching my surroundings? Yes. Will I carry a weapon? Possibly. Will I travel in a group, when possible? Yes.

Let’s continue to show the community support that it took to build this trail. Use the trail in masses. The more users out there, the less the creeps will bother us. 

Outnumber the bad with the good. Bring your families, your friends and your dogs. Take our trail back. To our neighbors who live on the trail, thank you for being aware of what happens in your backyard. 

There is no room for your type here, Creep. Go back to where you came from.

Carrie Wanner

Sequim

Sequim’s sales tax escalator

Under the guise of public safety the city government is seeking a sales tax increase to build a $7.6 million Taj Mahal which includes a police station.

Ever experience a tax that doesn’t hang around and grow like cancer? The terms and conditions of the proposed sales tax imposes increased taxes on purchased goods and services, and ESCALATES as the cost increases thereby taking larger dollar amounts out of pocket.

Frankly, I don’t believe the sales pitch, cost analysis is based on speculation, conjecture and over-reaching assumptions to justify its approval.

The city’s track record of costly utility services that continually ESCALATES and bleed the citizens, demonstrate the city’s established demeanor.

Alternatively, the city is overdue for restructuring to maximize the use of existing resources to more prudently manage them. There are better locations and lower-cost options available for a new police station.

This also exemplifies a wrong priority, citizens have requested resolution of the traffic flow issues from which the city responds, we lack resources … but deceptively paid $1.2 million for the proposed Taj Mahal property.

More box stores, more restaurants, more traffic and the same insufficient roads.

Proposition 1 is not about public safety, just another ploy for government expansion attempting to grab $6.4 million.

Title this proposal "GOVERNMENT EXPANSION" and VOTE NO to Proposition 1.

Don Albright

Sequim

U.S. ‘still the best hope’

Believing that commemoration of our American values, i.e. “In God we trust,” Liberty, and E pluribus unum,” is vital to our culture, Dennis Prager, (Still the Best Hope) broadcasted on Independence Day. On this holiday immigrants are often those most eager to express their gratitude for the USA. 

However, Dennis’ first call came from an Aussie (at 2 a.m., Australian time) saying, “I called to wish all Americans a happy Fourth of July. Thank you very, very much for all you have done for the world. Long may you be brave and free.”

Calls continued. Marie (Mexican immigrant) talked about her visit to the Vatican where she carried our flag, was greeted by a stranger voicing his love for the USA, and cheering onlookers, chanting “USA!” Sol (Mexican immigrant), stated, “Upon waking this morning, I said a prayer to thank God for America.” Carlos, immigrant from Mexico said, “I want to say how much I love this country, such a wonderful gift to be in pursuit of happiness."

Alex, from Russia, said, “God Bless the United States, in the spirit of E pluribus Unum,” then reported that Moscow‘s “Russian Liberal [original meaning] Radio website posted our full Declaration of Independence, openly telling Putin that he is a tyrant and despot.”

Dennis clarified, “Those who love liberty love America. Those who love equality love Sweden.”

America has failings, especially compared to Progressives’ imaginary, unattainable, perfect state, yet we remain “still the best hope.” 

As Washington’s next governor, Shahram Hadian (Iranian immigrant) will unwaveringly promote American values.

Susan Shotthafer

Port Angeles

Support for Rohrer

Only one of the candidates vying to be our next Clallam County Superior Court judge knows what it means first-hand to serve as an elected judge and that candidate is current District Court II Judge Erik Rohrer. 

Erik’s vast and varied legal and judicial experience makes him not just well-qualified, but best-qualified to serve as our next Superior Court judge. With over a decade as head of the peninsula’s first Attorney General’s office and over a decade sitting on the bench in District Court – and not one decision reversed on appeal — I urge you to vote for the most experienced and prepared candidate for this important position. 

This county has recently seen an upswing in serious crimes; now more than ever, the citizens of this county need to be able to rely on our judges to hold those who commit crimes accountable. The candidate we elect to replace retiring Judge Ken Williams needs to have the smallest learning curve possible so that justice can be served. Judge Rohrer has already presided over numerous jury trials on the bench – again with no reversals on appeal.

What that means to the taxpayer is that justice is served the first time, dockets are not clogged by repeated appeals and justice is swift and fair under Judge Rohrer’s watch.

Don’t miss the opportunity to join me along with many concerned citizens across this county in casting your ballot for Erik Rohrer. 

Sarah Bedinger 

Sequim