Letters

Published 11:21 am Monday, March 3, 2008

Politics

Slogans, accusations are replacing debate

Evan Smith is right. Some functions are best filled by appointees or civil-service employees. We have to put a little thought into which are which though, and I think he’s provided us with just the tool to work it all out. We only need ask ourselves which officials do we want to have working for a politician?

Corruption thrives in closely-knit networks where key offices become connected via ideology. I think many in the Northwest recognize this, and that is one reason why we are traditionally ticket-splitters.

The real problem with voting is not that voters have too much to do. We have no trouble tracking the fortunes of our favorite teams and athletes. We have no trouble keeping up with the intrigues and events in our favorite programs. We know all about pop stars, new cars, where the fish are, and who makes the best snowboards. The roads for a mile radius around our shopping malls are seething (in every sense), and our voting places are almost empty.

It’s not just a matter of priorities. Many of us no longer know how to be members of a democratic society. We’ve been reduced from citizens of a republic to consumers of what the two parties offer.

We’ve forgotten how, or lost the inclination, to tell our representatives what we want. We’re steadily replacing debate with slogans, discourse with accusations, and thought in any form with brand loyalty.

R CULPIN

Brier

Wal-Mart

Store will not bring any benefits to Mill Creek

I recently moved into the Silver Firs area and am deeply concerned about plans to build a Wal-Mart on 132nd across from an elementary school.

It’s well known that Wal-Mart stores increase the crime rates in the neighborhoods they move into. The security cameras in the parking lots are mostly to watch their own employees. Shoppers are an easy target, especially at night.

Traffic congestion is already bad on 132nd and the Bothell-Everett Highway

I do not believe Wal-Mart’s business practices align with the Mill Creek/Silver Firs area community sentiment. I understand more than 2,500 signatures have been gathered so far for a petition against the planned Wal-Mart. There are numerous issues with Wal-Mart’s business strategy, including very low wages, manipulation of suppliers, lack of affordable health care for its workers, anti-union practices against its employees, and more.

I have personally observed the shopping at Fred Meyer and Lowes. I have a significant remodeling project on my house, so I am in these stores often. There are rarely any lines at either store and no need for another big box retailer at this time.

I would welcome development of something more along the lines of the Mill Creek Town Center. Very nice job.

The very sight of a Wal-Mart lowers the neighborhood appearance, in my opinion, like having rusted junk cars in one’s front yard.

RAY BROWN

Silver Firs

Mountlake Terrace

Glenmore Estates donation helped needy

On behalf of the clients and volunteers of Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace, I would like to thank the many neighbors of Glenmore Estates for the generous donation.

We appreciate the long and cold hours these fine people spent collecting money and food from the people who drove in to see the beautiful Christmas lights. You all really know the true meaning of Christmas.

DOLORES STERNOLA

Director, Concern for Neighbors

Serving a fine city

has been an honor

It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Mountlake Terrace over these past eight months. I have been privileged to work for Mayor Jerry Smith and all City Council members plus a truly dedicated and professional city staff.

Mountlake Terrace has a unique opportunity to develop an attractive and vibrant Town Center project over the next few years that will become the centerpiece for a terrific community. My very best wishes go to John Caulfield, who of Jan. 9 became your new city manager. Thank you all most sincerely.

JERRY OSTERMAN

Interim City Manager

Mountlake Terrace

City Council must apologize to member

On Monday, Dec. 19 I attended the Mountlake Terrace City Council meeting. I made a request of the council members with the exception of Councilwoman Doug Wittinger. I asked them to verbally and in writing apologize to Councilwoman Angela Amundson, since the prosecutor had dropped all charges against her. I also asked them to write letters of apology to the newspapers. I said that I wanted it to be in the minutes that I asked for these apologies.

My question to Councilman John Zambrano was why did he feel Amundson was the underdog in the election? I had talked to many people before publicity came out and they had planned on voting for her. I know I do not vote for someone because I feel they are the underdog.

ETHEL THRASHER

Mountlake Terrace