Letters to the Editor

Thanks

Christmas tree recycling works

On behalf of the scouts and families of Boy Scout Troop 312, we would like to thank the Edmonds community for its support of our annual Christmas tree recycling project.

This year was our best ever. We recycled over 400 trees and raised $3,912 which went into our boys’ “Scout Accounts.” Each scout that worked at the recycle can use the funds he earned to pay for scouting equipment, summer camp or other scout activities.

We also want to thank QFC at 196th and 76th and Rabanco for their support of our fundraiser.

Thanks again and look for us next January!

John McDonald

Edmonds

Election ‘07

Some advice for council candidates

Wanna run for city council?

Good show. We need more candidates and the upcoming campaign promises to be just as informative as the last one. I have watched a few of these campaigns and am beginning to think I could be a campaign manager. I’ve got some good ideas and want to share them with potential candidates – at no fee!

First, here’s a piece of advice that will make your campaign a “slam dunk.” This is a tried and true methodology that works. Look at the winners of the last campaign and you’ll see I’m on to something. All you have to do is start all campaign material and speeches with this line: “I am opposed to tall buildings!” It will be helpful to sprinkle both with “My opponent is in favor of tall buildings!”

You also need to know the value of the word “developers” and the importance of associating your opponents with them. “Developers” are not good people and by using that word and your opponents’ names in the same sentence you will be able to define them as the “Axis of Evil” (and you know how effective that phrase is in building up one’s own image).

You are eventually likely to be in front of a semi-hostile audience and someone is going to try to force you say something beyond your tag line of “preserve Edmonds as it is.” We have to be prepared for citizens who just might ask long questions that carry potential damage to you. I’m going to give you a sample question — keep smiling and listen attentively. Don’t worry – we’re ready for them. Here’s the question:

“I have listened to your speeches and read your material so I think I know what you are against. Might you say something about what you are for? In responding, could you please tell us what you plan to do as population increases, more people migrate into Edmonds and this region continues to be among the leaders in the nation in economic growth? In the last city where I lived the council spoke about “Managed Growth” and the county had some plan they called “Smart Growth.” I wonder if you have any thoughts about working with the city government to define and adopt a specific plan that encompasses the needs and desires of all Edmonds residents? And finally, can you assure us you will not drag out Tuesday evening deliberations and avoid endless delay and obfuscation?”

OK partner, lay it on…”I am opposed to tall buildings!”

I was sweating a little there but, you didn’t let me down. We’re in.

Bob Rinehart

Edmonds

Edmonds schools

Scriber, EHRC getting a bad deal

On Wednesday, March 7, at the Snohomish County Courthouse, Judge Kurtz denied our motion for preliminary injunction against the Edmonds School District. Co-locating Scriber/Options High and the Edmonds Homeschool Resource Center is a terrible idea, but apparently it wasn’t quite terrible enough, at least not today.

For the record, Scriber/Options High is getting a bad deal too. These kids bear the burden of cost overrun and time delays. As the last project on the list, if the money runs out, that’s what gets short-changed. Scriber/Options’ remodeled school (in addition to the migration to and from the EHRC campus) will cost $18 million and the new District Support Center will cost $44 million, according to Integrus Architecture. A large project can lose money off its budget with less strain than a small project. Scriber/Options High is likely to remain at the EHRC campus indefinitely, if we want to be realistic. But if the 130,000-gross-square-foot district headquarters aren’t built first, the current board members might not get to occupy them. They are elected officials, and therefore have limited terms of office (of course, high school students have “terms,” too – so few of the affected students will get to enjoy the remodeled school, but the district doesn’t care). So they are forging ahead with their plan – jeopardizing our safety and Scriber/Options’ chance of a new, “adequate” school (which is already being done on the cheap) for their own giant glass heaven.

Anna Veillon

Seattle

Health care

More funding needed for nursing homes

My name is Marion Steele. I am 87 years old and a resident at North Creek Care and Rehab in Bothell. I am writing to urge our legislators to increase funding for nursing homes across the state.

Every day, seniors like myself are sent to nursing homes like the one I live in. Everyone gets old and everyone needs help, regardless of their ability to pay. Most of us at this facility have worked hard our whole lives and deserve to live with dignity while receiving quality care. Unfortunately, the amount of funding the state provides does not begin to cover what is needed.

I urge all our lawmakers to think of those who depend on the state when they write out their budget this year.

Marion Steele

Bothell