Letters to the Editor

Voter voices...
Dear Editor:
Several previous letter writers supporting Sharon Roy for Whatcom County council have known her for a long time. I have known her only since mid-August, when I read that she was running for District 3. I was immediately impressed with the list of community activities she has been involved with, since returning to our county, from the Birch Bay Planning Steering Committee to Friends of the Blaine Library. Other members of those groups tell me she is a dependable spark plug for the projects she takes on.
I was even more impressed when I met her. She listens! She listens carefully, checks that she understands what you mean, and then responds, with reason and courtesy. She is not afraid to say “I don’t know; I’ll look into it.” When she speaks to an audience, she relates to its interests, and shows her ability to discuss its concerns clearly, logically and without hostility to those who differ.
We truly need her on the Whatcom County Council!
Janet G. Hansen
Blaine

The Editor:
For those who throw Dave Gagnon into the same group as Dave White and Jim Anderson, have any of you called or met with him to discuss his vision and goals for Blaine?
Wanting a better city to raise your family, in real life, goes beyond party lines and partisanship. Using stereotypes and groups is no different than claiming that all Muslims are responsible for the attacks, which is ridiculous.
Dave cared enough about you and his family to get involved to change our city. What are you willing to do to change your world? Before voters make their decisions, it is very important not to lump people into a category or group but to actually talk with candidates, then vote for the one who most closely shares your vision for Blaine. We have been watching businesses leaving our city, but the current administration insists, “It ain’t broke.” It ain’t broke for who? I still have to go to Bellingham to shop, some even go to Bellingham to work.
Our current council and appointed mayor sold us down the track so to speak when they decided it wasn’t in Blaine’s interest to have a train stop here. They want to build a boardwalk, but for who? The new train stop in White Rock has a boardwalk. This election, please, call the candidates and talk to them about their vision and goals for Blaine. When election day comes, vote for candidates who have fresh, common sense ideas for Blaine’s future.
Mandy Gagnon
Blaine

The Editor:
I urge you to vote for Bruce Wolf for city council Ward 2, Position 4. He is a very dedicated person and incredibly positive about the future of Blaine. Bruce is retired so will have the time to work with the present administration, the council, and the citizens of Blaine in order to make Blaine a better place to live, visit, and carry on business.
He has been door-to-door to meet the people of Blaine and to get their input and suggestions and has now covered approximately two-thirds of the town. If that isn’t dedication, I don’t know what is!
Joyce Vanderpol
Blaine

The Editor:
I, being a Republican should go along party lines. Not so. I have talked to many Republicans and Democrats and other party members who look at the person. This is an important trait that a person must have to put into office the best person for the particular position being filled. I believe strongly in my party and it’s platform but can work well with both parties for the common good. I see these characteristics in Sharon Roy. I believe Sharon will preserve our environment and at the same time work for environmentally sound development with all paying their share for this “proper development”. Yes we must, and will, grow but every square mile should be lovingly looked at before acting one way or the other on it’s use. Infrastructure needs upgrading and roads need improvement but in a sound manner. Working with the Native Americans and their needs and concerns is working for the good of all as well. I believe Sharon Roy will do just that kind of job for the whole County.
George Astler
Birch Bay

Dear Editor:
We need candidates with an understanding of Whatcom County based on a history of living and serving here. We need candidates that have paid their dues as “Whatcom Countians.”
For many years, Bob Wiesen has lived and worked here. Bob is a stakeholder in this county. This year Georgia Pacific and Intalco employees were dealt a devastating blow. A ripple affect throughout the community occurs when many are unemployed. Although county council isn’t responsible for creating jobs, restrictive policies implemented by the council are detrimental to people who need employment. Bob’s long-time experience in the community is an advantage to understanding the balance of jobs and environment.
On September 11, 2001, terrorism reached the doorstep of America. The safety of our families is now uncertain, and it will continue to plague us. Our county leadership must be attuned to safety issues, and be advocates for our sheriff’s department. Bob Wiesen’s involvement in county government issues, as a citizen volunteer, is an asset.
Bob Wiesen is the man I trust to take us through these difficult times with thoughtful solutions, and strong leadership. I’m casting my vote for Bob Wiesen, County Council Candidate District 3.
Eileen Sobjack
Custer

Thanks
The Editor:
I want to thank all my friends and family for all their love and concern during my recent surgery.
Sarah Paulsen
Blaine

The Editor:
The Blender would like to take the occasion of our opening to give thanks to everyone who helped to make this center possible.
A great deal of credit goes to Brown & Cole (Cost Cutter grocery stores) for allowing us to use this space. This was something they had never been involved in before but believed it to be a great idea for the community of Blaine. Thank you for believing in us. I would also like to thank Dave Freeman of Automated Mailing Services. Just Like Brown & Cole, Mr. Freeman believed in The Blender before many people even knew about it. His very generous donation provided seed money so that we could get started on making The Blender a reality.
We also received valuable assistance from many others in the community. Carl Bradley of Up Rite Fences found out that we needed a disabled accessible bathroom and promptly offered his materials and time to put up the framing and sheet rock necessary. The Pacific Building Center helped with paint donations and a price break.
These people and organizations are just the tip of the iceberg. There have been many others who have contributed time and finances to see that we are successful. To all of you, thank you.
If you would like to see how you can contribute (volunteering or financial support) please call The Blender at 332-8461. We can also be reached by sending an e-mail to klmartin@telcomplus.net.
To all those high school students out there, we are ready for you. Our open hours are: Wednesday/Thursdays 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m.; Friday 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Saturday 12 – 5 p.m. and 7p.m. – 12 a.m. Closed for dinner. Finally, announcing our next event! Saturday, November 3 at 8 p.m. What do you get when you combine Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon with The Wizard of Oz? Come to The Blender at 8 p.m. this Saturday night and find out. Free popcorn served to enjoy with your movie experience.
Ken Martin, The Blender
Blaine

The Editor:
Over 70 people came out on Saturday for Make a Difference Day in Blaine. Most of the staff and majority of the council were there to clean up and contribute energy to making Blaine a nicer – cleaner attractive town.
Thanks to the volunteers giving a day of their weekend to make a difference. We hope next year even more of you will be able to connect with or be a part of this community.
You can also be part of Blaine and the U.S. this next Tuesday, if you haven’t already voted absentee. Expressing our opinion by voting is one of our privileges that others want to take away.
Dieter Schugt, mayor
Blaine

Do something now
The Editor:
I’m turning to you for protection of the children who cross Boblett Street at Pacific Highway every day. I’m grateful to Georgia Gardner and those working to get a signal light installed there. But I cross there every day and I am witness to the fact that it is often extremely dangerous.
Today I sat behind a school bus full of our Blaine children. The poor driver must have been in anguish as the view of south bound traffic was completely obstructed by the line of waiting trucks. The bus inched forward bit by bit and then the driver gunned it – crossing just ahead of a barreling semi!
Then it was my turn. I tried not to let my nine-year-old daughter see how scary the situation was. I tried to back up but there were three cars waiting behind me. I made it across, this time. But I ask you, is it okay with you that children are put in harms way regularly while we wait for a light? The Northern Light’s last issue says Gardner “will push for completion of the project before the 2002 school year gets underway”. Even if she succeeds that means seven more months of this risk.
We have a crossing guard to keep Boblett and Mitchell streets safe. We have good Blaine police support around the school area. But who is going to make Boblett and Pacific Highway safe now? Please do not rest until this safety is assured.
Stephen Hockey
Custer

Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters should be limited to 10 names. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to:
225 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 or fax 360/332-2777.
E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com