Press Editorial
July 27, 2010
Anderson, Willard should move forward
Voters in the 5th Legislative District — primarily those in Issaquah, Sammamish and Maple Valley areas — face two solid choices in the upcoming contest for a state representative. Mail-back ballots for the Aug. 17 primary election will reach voters this week.
In Glenn Anderson, voters have a seasoned representative who has learned to navigate the Capitol corridors as a member of the oft-marginalized Republican Party. Democrat Dean Willard presents a chance for a fresh perspective.
Willard presents the most credible challenge Anderson has faced in years. With his background in the Eastside technology industry, he has a good grasp of the concerns facing owners of local businesses, small and large alike.
Like his GOP opponent, Willard has also highlighted the importance of education in the campaign, certainly a critical topic in the 5th District. Willard pledges to strengthen the school system to make local students more competitive in a tough global workforce. Anderson has long been an advocate for education funding reform.
In campaign material, both Anderson and Willard say the race hinges on the economy. We look forward to a spirited debate in the months ahead about the role the Legislature should play in jumpstarting the stalled economy.
Press Editorial
July 20, 2010
It’s painful to think that people out to enjoy our beautiful Lake Sammamish State Park turned it into a shooting gallery last Saturday night. Our sympathies go out to the families of the dead and wounded men, those who witnessed the bloodshed and the park rangers who responded to the terror of the moment.
Already, there are comments from some who say they will not go back to the park, fearing it to be unsafe. We understand the initial knee-jerk reaction to stay away — but a few days from now, that might look different.
The people of Washington state may own the park, but to residents of Issaquah and Sammamish, it is “our” park, at least in mind and heart. Don’t stay away from the beaches, the walkways along the water, the picnic tables inviting you to bring a sack lunch, the volleyball and Frisbee games yet to be played, the nearby heron rookery, children with sand buckets, the breeze in the trees, the boat launch or fishing from the sand bar — that is the Lake Sammamish State Park we know and love. Read more
Press Editorial
July 13, 2010
No summer complete without an election
Summer is a great time to relax, but in just a few short weeks, voters will need to get back to business and prepare for the Aug. 17 primary election. Many of us would rather be taking it easy and playing in the summer sun, but voters might want to take along the voters’ pamphlet for some lounge-chair reading.
Ballots will be mailed beginning July 28.
Voters need to keep in mind that among local and state elections, primaries are extremely important. Many of the most important decisions affecting county and state government will be made during the dog days of summer.
The election winnows the field among candidates and sets the stage for the November general election ballot. This year, we’ll choose from among 15 candidates for U.S. senator, and nine vying for U.S. representative for the 8th Congressional District. State representative incumbents all have challengers in the 5th and 41st districts. Northeast District Court judges will also be vying for your votes on the primary ballot.
Consider adding the primary voters’ pamphlet to your list of good summer reads. To get a jump start, the elections department has a copy of the primary ballot on its website.
Residents who aren’t yet registered have even less time to get involved. Register online or by mail by July 19 to vote in the August primary. Forms are online here.
Historically, voter turnout for primaries has been woefully low. The average election turnout in presidential elections barely tops 50 percent. School levy elections and primaries have even fewer voters. That means those who vote in primaries have a greater impact on the election’s outcome than voters in general elections. Your vote does matter.
So, pack the voters’ pamphlet along with the sunscreen. Embrace democracy by becoming a 1) registered and 2) an informed voter, and then be sure to vote when your ballot arrives in the mail.
Press Editorial
July 6, 2010
Names on public petitions should not be hidden
The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in an 8-1 decision that petition signers in Washington state do not have a constitutional right to anonymity. But it left room for lower courts to consider whether special circumstances in any case warrant exceptions.
The court upheld two of democracy’s critical attributes: transparency and responsibility.
Washington’s initiative process has a low threshold to get on a ballot. It cannot take place in the shadows but must be conducted — and verified — in the public light. People should think before signing every petition — do I want my name publicly attached to this petition?
The case in question, Doe v. Reed, began last year when opponents of a domestic partnership — or “everything-but-marriage” — law began a petition drive to repeal the law.
Supporters of the law threatened to put the names of petition signers — which are public record — on the Internet. Fearing intimidation, opponents sued to protect the privacy of petition signers.
Press Editorial
June 29, 2010
The Fourth of July is more than a parade in Issaquah. It’s a day filled with a whole lot of flag waving. Red, white and blue streamers, and bunting and T-shirts will be in the parade of kids, their assorted pets and parents. The colors of patriotism will fly from tricycles, bicycles and wagons as the menagerie walk the length of Front Street North.
But amidst the hoopla, it’s the country’s flag that will wave as much as the people lining the street to cheer on the processional.
Old Glory will be celebrated across the land. For some, it may bring memories of war days gone by. For others, it may mean a GI Bill that paved the way for a college education. Some will be reminded of the constitutional rights guaranteed to us all — free speech and a free press, the right to bear arms, freedom of religion, the right to a speedy trial, the abolishment of slavery, women’s suffrage rights and many others.
Political hacks may get excited that election time is nearing once again, while the person seated next to them is reminded of the good effort of our U.S. athletes in world competition. Some will stand in honor of the passing flags, others will place a hand over their heart. Most will keep silent, enjoying the moment of a town and its citizens that have come together to celebrate all of the above.
The Downhome Fourth of July is an Issaquah tradition, but it’s built on an American tradition — of pride, of hope, of promise.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. Hope to see you there!
Press Editorial
June 22, 2010
Sometimes, the Issaquah School District needs to put its integrity ahead of student interest. Last week, its integrity slipped when district officials tried to change a long-standing contract with the city of Sammamish.
The city upgraded the fields at Skyline High School with lights and turf in exchange for community use between 6 and 9 p.m. The city has assured nearby neighbors that the field lights would be off by 9 p.m.
Circumstances are changing for the school as it adds a freshman class, and more playing time on the fields is needed for freshman teams. It was suggested the city move its community play time an hour later and just keep the field lights burning until 10 p.m.
The school district’s not-so-veiled threat to Sammamish – give us more time or we won’t let you use the fields at all – was both wrong and a poor bluff. We are troubled by the district’s lack of concern for the community at large and the adjacent property owners, who would have to put up with lights and noise until 10 p.m.
As Sammamish Councilwoman Nancy Whitten pointed out, the school district was asking for all of the sacrifices to be on the city’s end of the deal. This is no way to maintain a relationship with the city, or with the neighbors.
Both sides are fighting for the good of overlapping constituencies of taxpayers.
The city of Sammamish took the high road – agreeing to give Skyline an extra half-hour of field time while trying to work out a more permanent solution. School officials should take a lesson.
Press Editorial
June 15, 2010
Despite chatter to the contrary, the Central Issaquah Plan that will shape the future of the present business district remains very much unfinished, as a task force of city board members, business owners, environmentalists and residents works to complete a recommendation.
Mayor Ava Frisinger and the City Council hope the final plan guides development on 915 acres south of Interstate 90 in coming decades.
The conversation about a possible downtown park complex and greenbelt through the urban core, an efficient inner-city transit system, urban residences amidst commercial districts and other exciting prospects are still visions. Stay tuned to learn more this fall as the vision comes to the community for input.
When the task force delivers a draft in early fall, the real work begins. Planning Policy Commission members will work to refine the plan, and then send the draft to the City Council.
The long process will also allow plenty of opportunities for the public to weigh in on the final result. In the meantime, residents may attend task force meetings, although that discussion is limited to task force members.
Though tangible results remain years from fruition, the final document should provide a sweeping roadmap to redevelopment in the city’s commercial core.
Central Issaquah could be reshaped from car-centric sprawl defined by strip malls into a walkable community a place where — to borrow a phrase from the Issaquah Highlands developer — residents can live, work and play in close proximity to amenities.
Though the plan could remake Issaquah as we know it, we have faith in the task force and its chairman, former City Councilman Joe Forkner, to preserve Issaquah’s character and small-town charm. Early hints at the final plan hint at emphasis on greenbelts and mass transit — both encouraging signs for a “green” city such as ours.
Though the plan remains a work in progress, the city and Rowley Properties have already taken the steps necessary to turn 90 acres of strip-mall suburbia into part of the final vision. The public-private partnership shows the willingness of the city to use private dollars and ingenuity for the public good. Frisinger and her team, as well as Rowley executives, deserve credit for pursuing the agreement.
Press Editorial
June 8, 2010
Congratulations grads, enjoy the moment
It’s a big week ahead as Issaquah School District high schools hand out diplomas to their graduating seniors. There will be tears of happiness mixed with apprehensions of an unknown future.
Students will ponder their quest for a job in a very difficult economy, or whether they will be successful in college or what career path they want to pursue. All of those concerns are part of reaching adulthood and are not that much different from the fears of other graduates through past decades.
This week, set the fears aside and take in the glory of a job well done, a 13-year education completed and worth celebrating. You make your community and families proud!
No Party Patrol means more vigilance needed
The King County Sheriff’s Department has traditionally put extra officers on duty during June weekends as students celebrate the end of the school year. Last year, the Party Patrol was a scaled-back program, and this year it will be nonexistent due to county budget cuts.
That could be bad news for the underage partygoers, provided parents step up and fill the gap, along with Issaquah Police. With hundreds of pairs of parental eyes and ears on alert, our teenagers could be safer than ever.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that Issaquah teens have not been part of the underage drinking problem in the past. They have. King County officers almost annually busted big party groups here where alcohol was being consumed during the Party Patrol’s heyday.
In recent years, police have been tougher on parents who host parties for minors with alcohol being served. The law does not allow minors to consume alcohol just because they are under adult supervision on private property.
Parents, teachers, neighbors should not hesitate to call police to report suspected minor consumption. It may be the call that saves a life.
Press Editorial
June 1, 2010
Greet census workers with smile and common sense
Census workers began filling in the gaps last month, going door-to-door to count people in households that didn’t receive or return 2010 census forms. If a form arrived too late to be processed, a census taker will visit the household as well.
Issaquah residents should help the workers to ensure an accurate census. But anytime a stranger knocks on your door, use common sense — verify who is asking questions and never give out sensitive data.
Census workers will only ask questions from the 2010 Census form.
The 2010 census will affect the country, the state and even Issaquah. Census results are expected to give Washington a 10th Congressional seat and will help determine how much state money Issaquah receives.
An accurate census is critically important and that requires cooperation.
So far, 76 percent of Issaquah households returned their mail-back census forms. That is above the state average of 74 percent. Sammamish did even better, returning 80 percent. Still, that leaves nearly one in four houses for workers to visit in Issaquah and one in five houses in Sammamish.
Census workers are trying to do their job, like anybody else. Welcome them and help them collect accurate data. But first, verify who’s at your door. Fraud is a danger.
Census workers must present identification — a badge — with a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and expiration date. They might have a black canvas bag with a U.S. Census Bureau logo. If you’re unsure, ask for a supervisor’s contact information and the local census office phone number for verification.
Do not give out sensitive information. Census workers will not ask for Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers, and will never solicit for donations, or contact residents by e-mail. If they do, don’t answer!
If you see someone knocking on doors in your neighborhood, ask if they’re a census worker. If they check out, ask if they need help finding an address. No reason not to make them feel welcome.
Help them get the job done so Issaquah will have an accurate count to guarantee its fair share of government dollars.
Press Editorial
May 25, 2010
‘Lest we forget’ section honors our veterans
Veterans, we salute you! This issue of The Issaquah Press is the first Memorial Day remembrance of Issaquah men and women veterans “lest we forget.” Please know that your service to our country is appreciated, no matter whether you are currently serving in the armed forces or did your duty decades ago.
We hope this impressive collection of photos remembering our local soldiers will grow and become an annual tradition.
The idea began with two local veterans — Press Editor Kathleen Merrill and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3436 Assistant Quartermaster Dave Waggoner. Together, they approached a few local businesses who willingly agreed to help cover printing costs. The Press publicized the search for local veterans, while Waggoner handed out flyers to his fellow VFW friends and at other locations, including the Issaquah Farmers Market.
The veterans’ photos and details flowed in, submitted either by veterans themselves or family and friends. Reporter and page designer David Hayes, also a veteran, did the design work. Breann Getty scanned nearly 80 photos. Read more
