To the Editor
July 27, 2010
Economic vitality
With more and more businesses leaving, leaders need to address tax, sign issues
The economic situation for the past two years has been difficult on many, including our plethora of businesses in Issaquah. We have seen many businesses close, such as Sweet Additions, Sherm’s BBQ, GI Joe’s and Blockbuster, to name a few. Issaquah businesses continue to struggle and are fighting just to survive.
Businesses, and the taxes generated from our transactions, are the lifeblood of our city and state. Without these revenues, our vital services, public safety and quality of life diminish.
Having said this, I urge our city, county and state leaders to ensure local economic vitality by carefully considering all policy decisions through the lens of economic vitality and budget sustainability.
One way our city leaders could achieve this is by examining ways to increase the signage for our businesses, knowing that even a slight improvement to a businesses’ visibility will most likely boast exponential results.
There are other areas that must be looked at, such as revisiting current regulations, taxes and barriers to business success, as well as streamlining the internal permitting process that may hinder future business recruitment into Issaquah.
Issaquah is a magnificent place to live. Let’s also make it a magnificent place to own a business.
Renee Zimmerman
Issaquah
Issaquah Valley Trolley
It will be a sad day when it runs again
Just one look at our trolley can inspire — even if it can’t move two inches in any direction.
The other day, I was feeling sad and old, took one look at the trolley hanging up in the air with its innards all over the floor and felt worlds better. When my son got depressed about the weather, I showed him the trolley with broken windows, moss- and lichen-covered roof — he got all happy that there were clouds in the sky!
When my neighbor had lost a pet, we went to the trolley and it was living inside – thanks trolley! And what of those twisted rails and rotten ties? We walk on them to build stamina and coordination — have not got lock-jaw yet from those rusted nails, but a good source of iron!
It will be a sad day (whenever it happens) when the trolley finally starts running again.
Bryan Weinstein
Issaquah
Decision 2010
Re-elect Marcie Maxwell
Marcie Maxwell is one of the rare breed who believes in the value of underpromise and overdeliver. She doesn’t just talk; she gets the job done. She does the heavy lifting, the late night meetings, the negotiations.
She led the freshman legislators two years ago to pass the strongest education bill in decades. She didn’t say she was going to do it, and still doesn’t take credit for it. But I know, I was there, I watched. Marcie shows up, Marcie does the work, Marcie listens to her constituents.
Marcie is improving education in the state of Washington. We need her to continue this work. Vote for Marcie Maxwell.
Kelly Munn
Sammamish
To The Editor
July 20, 2010
Mountain biking
Include the highlands when making the city a destination for the sport
As a longtime Issaquah resident, I applaud the Issaquah City Council for its foresight in making Issaquah a mountain biking destination.
Issaquah has plenty of hiking trails thanks to the hard work of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club. I can hike a different trail every day for three weeks and not hit a repeat.
However, mountain biking is limited to a few areas, and there is an opportunity for much more. The highlands seems like a perfect location for mountain biking trails, as kids could ride to the trails. At Duthie, there is a large queue of kids waiting to be picked up by their parents; in the highlands, kids could get themselves to the trails. (And hopefully to a new skate park, too.)
I hope the city continues to explore these exciting opportunities. And as part of promoting mountain biking in the area, Issaquah would be well advised to improve road bicycling infrastructure in the city. I have biked thousands of miles through major urban areas and never feared for my life the way I do while cycling in Issaquah.
Kathy Hardy
Issaquah Read more
To The Editor
July 13, 2010
Highlands gas station
Before approving facility, consider broken promises that led to Gulf oil disaster
In response to Mr. Sheehan’s letter in favor of a gas station in the Issaquah Highlands, please consider the news from the Gulf of Mexico.
When the oil companies took more than 10 months to plug the Ixtoc leak (in 160 feet of water) back in 1979, they went on to convince the sleeping officials that they could safely drill in 5,000 feet of water.
Don’t worry, they said, we are prepared to clean up a leak of 200,000 barrels a day if need be. Besides, we know how to contain leaks underwater.
All of these gas station promises will be sitting on top of your drinking water, so as you turn on the tap, think about the Gulf of Mexico, BP and those who are now watching their way of life erode away. Of course, the gas would be closer to home.
Hank Thomas
Issaquah
Greenpeace
Protest exposes Costco’s hypocrisy
I am writing in response to Warren Kagarise’s article (July 7) about the Greenpeace blimp flying around Costco. The article brought attention to several interesting aspects.
I think the article did a good job pointing out the hypocrisy of Costco. It can’t deny that it’s selling species such as orange roughy, Chilean sea bass, Alaskan pollock and many more species whose populations are dwindling. At the same time, it has a “sustainability statement” and its spokesperson says it is mostly selling farmed fish.
Still, we all know farmed fish can be even worse than commercial fishing — just take a look at Atlantic salmon. With the seafood Costco is selling, it is contributing to ruining a commonly shared resource by supporting bottom trawling, overfishing and depletion of species. How sustainable is that?
I think it was honorable that the Costco president met with the protesters, though. That shows that he at least gives a damn.
Anna Tilman
Greenwood Point
To The Editor
July 6, 2010
Dog ordinance
Draconian blanket ban on walking dogs punishes responsible owners
I was at the new Cybil Madeline Park recently at the end of an Issaquah Environmental Council Work party. Next to one of the large piles of freshly removed invasive vegetation and garbage, I noticed the temporary sign for the park and another that bans dogs.
It quotes Municipal Code 6.08.021, Ord. 1567, which states: “It is unlawful for the owner or custodian of any domestic animal to cause, permit or allow such animal to enter any city park where posted.” Being a dog owner, walker, taxpayer and previous supporter of this park, I was taken aback by this.
To me, it seems ridiculous to totally ban dogs from our parks. I think that dogs should be licensed, leashed, stay out of the tot lots, off the sports fields, and the owners need to be responsible and pick up after their pets. However, it is crazy to me to totally ban people from responsibly walking their leashed dogs through a public park. I thought Issaquah was supposed to be a Trail City and Cybil Madeline Park was going to be our Central Park?
After a bit of thought, I realized that this draconian policy probably got slipped in on us last year when there were problems at Timberlake Park. That park is rather small and isolated, so maybe banning dogs there made sense to someone. However, it makes no sense to me to make the ultimate solution to an isolated problem at one small neighborhood park to totally ban dogs from every city park in Issaquah.
This blanket ban of dog walking in all of our parks is a ridiculous policy, and one I am going to remember the next time I am asked to open my wallet for the next park bond.
C.A. Christensen
Issaquah
Trail system
No fix is needed; bikers already have paved streets for their paths
Mark Lyon’s letter last week rightly celebrated the beauty of our Issaquah trail system. However, his suggestion that we should pave paradise — or at least the part of it that runs behind the high school — would move the trail system in exactly the wrong direction.
As a biker, Mark has miles of trails on which to ride: They’re called streets. As one of many local dog walkers and hikers, we cherish those few paths that get joyously muddy, offer sloppy puddles and otherwise merge into the surrounding charms of Tiger Mountain. The trail ain’t broke and there’s no need to fix it.
Wes Howard-Brook
Issaquah
To The Editor
June 29, 2010
Relay for Life
Many contributors helped make event a success, raising $242,000
On June 5, members from our community took to the track at Skyline High School for another great Relay For Life event. While the sunny weather was a great addition, it was the people involved who truly made this year’s Relay For Life an outstanding event and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
We’d like to extend our gratitude to the following contributors: the planning team of volunteers who spent the year organizing the event; the team captains and team members who raised money and awareness for cancer education during the relay season; our day-of-event volunteers who helped set up and prepare; and our sponsors and community businesses that made generous donations.
Most importantly, we want to recognize the individuals who demonstrated determination and passion for life as they walked the first lap, dedicated for cancer survivors and their caregivers. Thank you to those who chose to recognize loved ones by dedicating a luminaria in their name for the evening ceremony. And thank you for those who walked through the night and continued on in the rain. Together, everyone who attended this year’s relay event was a great example of why we fight back to support the American Cancer Society’s efforts to create a world with more birthdays.
We are happy to announce that we have surpassed our goal and have so far raised $242,000 in the fight against cancer. Thank you! The 2010 Relay For Life of Issaquah is continuing to raise money until August. If you would like to make a donation or participate in next year’s event, please go to www.issaquahrelayforlife.org.
Karen Conley and Stacy Strickland
Issaquah Relay For Life Event co-chairs
To The Editor
June 22, 2010
Highlands gas station
Benefits, improved safety measures makes this a good proposal
Despite emphatic objection by the residents of the Issaquah Highlands due to fear of gas leakage, I think that a gas station located somewhere within or near the highlands would be a highly advantageous prospect to consider.
For example, commuters would then be able to fill up before leaving the plateau. A gas leak or land contamination is highly unlikely due to recent safety precautions that have been instituted. Powder coated storage tanks greatly reduce possibilities of rust and long term caustic decay. Double layering also rules out land contamination, because each storage tank has an exterior tank in place in order to contain any possible spillage.
Not only would a gas station be beneficial for commuters, but it would also be good for residents.
Sam Sheehan
Issaquah
To The Editor
June 15, 2010
Public paths
Trail should be cleaned up and patrolled
There is a beautiful, tree-shaded walk along the east side of our community center all the way to where Second Avenue connects with Front Street South.
Beautiful, that is, except for all the trash and litter the high school kids who gather there leave behind. It’s a place where people walk their dogs and their kids in strollers — a little jewel of a place — but it is ruined with the hoards of smoking and littering kids. We’ve even seen what looked like it might have been a drug deal going down in the trees in there.
I would hope to see this area cleaned up and patrolled. I realize our police force is more than busy already, but it seems such a shame to have this beautiful place look like a slum.
Barbara Extract
Issaquah
To The Editor
June 1, 2010
Veterans
Thank you to all the sponsors who helped make veterans section a success
To the sponsors of the Honoring Our Veterans section of The Issaquah Press — Aegis of Issaquah, Brown Bear Car Wash, Flintoft’s Funeral Home and Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in,
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thanks for helping us honor the veterans of the Issaquah area. Veterans are an important part of our community history and it is special to partner with you in highlighting those members of the community who have served our nation with a commitment to the Armed Forces of America.
We observed Memorial Day in the city of Issaquah as we gathered at Hillside Cemetery to remember those who have served and are currently serving our country. We appreciate your contribution and support of this tradition.
Steve Johnson
VFW Post 3436 commander
City park
Hiring an architect can’t improve upon the appreciation of natural beauty
The city has hired a landscape architect to plan and develop the downtown “crown jewel” park. I’m not clear on what we are asking the architect to do.
The location of this park is currently a very beautiful, scenic area. It was my hope — and that of many others I talk to — that this area would remain protected and undeveloped, except for some walking trails and maybe a couple of benches.
There is nothing particularly beautiful about grass, so unless we are looking at creating a mini Butchart Gardens (Hey, not a bad idea!), let’s let the natural growth of the area provide us with the beauty we seek on a pleasure walk.
Barbara Extract
Issaquah
To The Editor
May 25, 2010
Schools
District officials need to educate parents more about realities of budgetary limits
The Issaquah School District has done an amazing job of being fiscally responsible and conservative during a time of shrinking state funding toward education and an increasing burden on local dollars to provide a quality education.
Unfortunately, I don’t see things getting better anytime soon and I believe that cuts will continue to be made to the district’s education budget.
My suggestion would be to create more opportunities for parent discussion, through roundtables or forums, where district officials can educate everyone a bit about the realities of what can and can’t be changed. Parents can have a chance to talk about what they value the most for their kids and can help brainstorm solutions that will be in the best interest for everyone. We’re all going to need to work together.
I think the district has done a great job trying to become greener, but I think there is a lot more they can do to move in that direction. I think more teachers can post handouts on a webpage or send to students in an e-mail instead of printing off so many copies. Read more
To The Editor
May 18, 2010
Post office
Thank you for taking the time to clean up the formerly run-down grounds Read more
