The new Arlington library is a bargain. Think about it its free continuing education for the entire population. All children from kindergarten through high school graduation have the privilege of a free public education. We all know that the desire most of us have for our young ones is that they grow up to be lifelong learners, and the local public library is a vital resource to make this possible. Why should education only be important until a person reaches the age of 18? What about the other 70 or so years in our lives? A spacious library with plenty of room for people to gather and for people to learn shows that we value learning for people of all ages. When our population outgrows its public school buildings, we fight to expand them. We should have the same passion for our public library. A life long value for learning is essential for our community to thrive.
Michelle Heiderers response (10/25) to my letter to the editor (10/18) regarding new library metrics missed the point. I made mention that our present library was overcrowded, and didnt suggest that the Internet entirely replaces the library. The data indicates that the Internet reduces library use per capita so growth is slower than it once was, which can cause planners to overstate future needs. There is no doubt that a good library is a valuable asset for an educated public.
The individual property owner is one of the most victimized minorities in this country. Property taxes are taken by force from individual property owners to fund governments controlled by elected legislators and non-elected bureaucrats (officials). At the property owners expense, these officials impose and enforce laws, regulations, restrictions, conditions, covenants, ordinances, statutes, policies, prohibitions, protocols, standards and guidelines granting every non-owner, especially themselves, the unjust right to dictate to the actual property owner how that property owner may ultimately use his own property. This begs an obvious question: If non-owners have the right to decide how a property may be used, then why dont the actual owners have the same right?
What justifies keeping a person in prison for his entire life with no hope whatsoever? The sentence of life without the possibility of parole is certainly cruel and unusual punishment for those who have not harmed anyone.
Last spring I participated in a phone survey regarding the expansion of the Cascade Valley hospital. I answered the questions. In the end I told her that yes, I did indeed support the Hospital since myself, family and friends have all used it and it was good for the community.
A recent American Experience program on Channel 9 presented the partnership of John and Abigail Adams. Their loving and lasting relationship through the trials of separation, war and death brought the travails of the Revolutionary war and the birth of our nation vividly to life. Her letters to him always began dearest friend. The love expressed was clear, even in the less torrid (than our times) language used.
This letter is in response to your editorial piling on to stomp President Bush over his commutation of jail time for Libby. It reminds me of a bunch of schoolyard bullies who, when finding one of their own (special prosecutor Fitzgerald) caught out and denied, put on their hobnailed boots and gang stomp the good Samaritan (President Bush), who has righted the injustice done to (probably innocent and certainly irrelevant) Scooter Libby.
My sisters and I would like to thank all the family and friends that attended the celebration of life for our dad, Pat McKenzie. It has been a very difficult time for us and seeing you all there was a great comfort. Our mom and dad were taken away much to soon, so I hope everyone takes a moment to realize how precious this life is and never take it for granted. Rest in peace, from Shari Lopez, Lori Gardner and Alena Barlow.
I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who came to my assistance at the tragic accident near Island Crossing on Highway 530 on June 14, 2007. I know that several surrounding fire/aid units responded.
For those who use the Mt. Loop Highway east of Granite Falls, please be aware of a major proposed project that, if allowed to develop, will completely change the quiet and natural beauty enjoyed by so many. Whether you live, hike, bike, fish or just enjoy an occasional scenic drive along this beautiful two-lane highway east of Granite Falls, you will be impacted.
First, let me thank the city of Arlington for punting during this years Festival. Having the street torn up made things quite a challenge, but overall I think you did a wonderful job. I will miss the Street Fair, but am sure that next years will more than make up for the lack of one this year. I do, however, have a question and a comment regarding this years festivities. My question is, why didnt we ask the local cannon-owners back for the opening Duck Dash shot and instead decided on the Seafair Pirates? While they may have attracted a lot of children, they were also quite lewd in many instances and demanded a bit of attention (not always of the good kind). My comment is, there was a definite decrease in the number of people at Haller Park for the Duck Dash this year, which was sad. I wonder if its because there were a very limited number of places to sit or stand where you could see the water. It would havebeen nice if the city had been a bit more proactive, knowing that more than a thousand people may want to watch the ducks, and either cut or at least topped all the trees that have grown so tall by the river. I believe that would have made the park much more people-friendly and more would have come to the party. On a positive note, the fireworks show was fabulous. Thank you for providing a place where everyone can be safe and enjoy a wonderful show. See you all at the Fly-In.
In David Meyerings letter to the editor published in the July 4 edition of the paper, the last section of the letter should have read, Hospitals are closing all over the nation because of demographics and mandated but unfunded congressional requirements that emergency room care be given to anyone who shows up. Now, here we are, barely keeping our heads above water and we pass a bond to double the size of our facilities while reducing the staff. The unfunded was erroneously printed at unfounded.
I have served on the Arlington Planning Commission for the past three years. During that tenure, it has been clear to me that Arlington is at a crossroads. We have in place a comprehensive plan for our city which lays out an aggressive 10-year path for population and business growth. The details of that plan have not been filled in.
