Cama Beach cabins’ upkeep is too expensive for taxpayers

Regarding the fate of the cabins at Cama Beach State Park (“State commission weighs permanent closure of Cama Beach cabins,” The Herald, July 18); many memories are held by families having vacationed in these units over the years. Yet, over the years, and even with frequent upgrades, the facilities’ usefulness expires requiring more and more money to sustain the infrastructure.

As the water levels get higher, the septic systems are easily compromised. Beach front erosion is a natural phenomenon and should be accepted, and we need to adjust and adapt and stop the money pump.

Needless to say, the cabin rentals do not pay for their upkeep. That means many tax dollars are disproportionately spent for a smaller group of beneficiaries. Years before the loggers arrived, the Tulalip Tribes lived on this island. Maintaining this state park but removing the cabins reduces the constant maintenance. The water system, (untested for PFAS and/or plastics), the garbage collection, the grounds maintenance, security, and staff reductions will reduce costs, yet allow for the park to serve the larger community.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Having already spent $20 million for upgrades paid for by others who will never benefit from using this park, is not justified by emotional attachments. Time to let the cabins go, and if they can be sold and moved to other properties, or state facilities, then lets get it done.

Sam Bess

Stanwood

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, April 8

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

South County Fire and Rescue crews responded after a dump truck crashed into an Edmonds home and knocked out power lines last September. (Courtesy of South County Fire)
Editorial: Edmonds voters, study up on fire district vote

Voters need to weigh issues of taxes, service and representation before casting their ballots.

Comment: The struggle to guide masculinity of boys, young men

Boys will always be boys, but now they’re dealing with indifference on one side and toxic messages on the other.

Appreciate honesty, compassion in Sid Schwab’s column

I have admired the unique honesty of Sid Schwab’s Herald column for… Continue reading

Act to end the takeover of our democracy

I believe that the assault on our government and the people of… Continue reading

Clear that Trump doesn’t care about people

I get tired of President Trump continuing to put forth that he… Continue reading

Save funding for health care for low-income families

The fact that the Washington state legislature and Congress are considering cuts… Continue reading

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, April 7

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

The Washington state Capitol building in February. (Bill Lucia / Washington State Standard)
Editorial: Lawmakers puzzle over taxes, cuts and consequences

With the governor balking at one tax proposal, lawmakers look for balance among cuts and revenue.

Brooks: Trump isn’t offering liberation, but stagnation

His tariffs and more are are walling us off from the crossroads of cultures and ideas that made us great.

Comment: Why extending Trump tax cuts could bring more potholes

One way of ‘paying’ for the cuts would be ending municipal bonds’ tax-free status, making them less profitable.

Senate bill would stop cruel treatment of performing animals

As a constituent of Rep. Darya Farivar, D-Seattle, I want to thank… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.