Letters to the Editor

City slickers need not apply
The Editor:
It seems as though the people who live out in the county have a different concept of what government should do for them in deference to the densely populated city dwellers. The city dwellers always have a government of their own, like a city council. Why should they be concerned about what happens out in the county?
And the rural property owners feel likewise. They like to be self-sufficient and independent. However it always seems that the rural property owners are not being fairly represented because all the city dwellers get to vote on the district representatives also. The rural people are continually outvoted by the densely populated areas that prefer government services.
Consequently, if the voters in the districts were able to select their representatives within their own district, rather than having a blanket vote on all county candidates throughout the district, they would have far more rural-oriented candidates representing them.
If the rural areas want to be represented by rural oriented constitutional representatives, who understand the way to restructure our state fiscal situation, my choice could only be to vote for Gene Goldsmith and Doug Ericksen for the 42nd legislative district; Dale Brandland for state senator; and for Congress, Herb Meyer.
Vote Republican! Primary election is on September 17. Absentee ballots must be postmarked by September 16 in order to guarantee they will be counted.
Jeanne Van Buren
Lynden

Road work ahead?
The Editor:
We all like to complain that the city doesn’t do anything. We see the things that don’t get done, but forget to notice the many things that are done. Blaine has never had enough money for streets. I remember once in the 1950s, when a guy got stuck right in the middle of 4th Street in a sinkhole at 4th and Cedar.
I have been opposed to property taxes as a way to finance city costs ever since I worked for the Bigfork Township in Minnesota 60 years ago. But until the legislature comes up with a better way to pay for our local city costs, this is it.
If we are going to be a modern city, we have to care for our streets. Vote yes on the street levy.
Trav Skallman
Blaine

The Editor:
I was fortunate to be part of a citizens group formed by the city council to investigate and give recommendations on how to maintain our road system. I was skeptical and not reassured by past actions of previous administrations. This was an opportunity for me to see how our city actually works and functions. Rather than complain and negate past administrations, I chose to be impartial, evaluate and help recommend a positive solution for the citizens of Blaine. We spent numerous sessions looking at maps, types of road surfacing, budgeting and possible alternatives in maintaining our roads. The city officials presented the information in a professional, non-biased manner. The committee discussed and wrote recommendations. At the last session, we met with the council and presented those recommendations. The proposed levy vote coming up on September 17, was the number one recommendation.
The need for this levy is to maintain our roads, sidewalks and bikepaths. Our major source of revenue for local street maintenance is a one cent per gallon local option gas tax. With the drop of the Canadian dollar starting in 1996, it sunk from $349,000 to under $183,000 per year. When proposition 695 came in effect we lost another $200,000 a year for maintenance – for a total of $383,000 less available for street maintenance. Our budget for maintaining the 35 miles of roads in Blaine for 2002 is $476,766.
I feel the best proof for those who are in doubt that we need this levy, would be to take a look at the condition of the street they live on. Due to the handwork of this administration and past administrations, the streets of Blaine are continually being upgraded. This levy is to maintain those upgrades and preserve those that will be upgraded later.
It’s true that we seem to pay a lot of taxes. But we are by no means even close to some other cities in the county. By your positive votes Blaine community has grown and is thriving.
The street maintenance levy is one that affects every person in the city of Blaine whether we drive, ride or walk. It is the one levy where no special interest group is targeted. For instance the schools and tourism. All interests will benefit. It is a win-win situation. It effects every person from the newborn to those traveling to their graves. We all use the road.
Those are the facts, not emotion or opinion. The choice is yours.
Patrick Madsen
Blaine

It’s a doggone shame
The Editor:
Hi, my name is Snowflake. When I take my ‘dad’ for a walk I see other dogs. Most of them seem happy but all too often I see dogs who are kept in miserable conditions. Their moms and dads seem to have them only for the sake of ownership. The bond of love that runs between me and my mom and dad doesn’t exist for them. They are fed and sheltered, but they aren’t loved.
It makes my dad sad. He wishes that people who are only owners would think of giving their dogs up for adoption. The dogs would have a chance to be happier and the owners would be relieved of respon-
sibility.
I think so too, but I am only a dog.
George Tranberg for Snowflake
Blaine

Thanks, everybody
The Editor
I would like to thank everyone who donated items for the silent auction at Custer Days. We raised over $700 and all the proceeds went towards paying the band (which I thought was excellent).
The following people donated the items: Martha Finkbonner, Linda Weller, Marsha McPhail, Larry & Janet Biles, LoMar Dog Haven, Gene & Kathy Eaton/Genco, Harmony Water Gardens, Rob & Kari Meers, Audrey Schwartz, Bill & Mary Johnson, Lone Boot Ranch, Solid Oak Riding Stables, Tony’s Tavern, Rosie Smith, Jackie Rasmussen, Custer Store, Frank Benson, Custom Closets/Dawn Sessions, Fast Caps/Linda Weller, Cornerstone Auto Care, Sundance Meats, Rodarco Driving Range, Geri, Kurt Gilbert, Louis Auto Glass and Scottish Lodge. A big thank you to each and every one of you.
It was such a success we are going to do it again next year. If you would like to help by donating something please feel free to drop us a note with name, address and phone number and item to be donated.
Bill & Mary Johnson
Custer

The Editor:
I’m sending a huge “thanks” to Blaine for its generous support of the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Labor Day weekend! Because of your help, our MDA Telethon raised a record $58,276,118 in contributions and pledges. It was heartwarming to see people across the country – from celebrities to unsung heroes – coming together to help families affected by neuromuscular diseases. As our nation marks the first anniversary of September 11, it’s clear that we remain true to our most cherished values.
Your support makes it possible for MDA to keep the engines running at full speed on worldwide research seeking treatments and cures. We’ve made so many significant gains in recent years! Besides research, your donations fund other vital programs, including some 230 clinics, help with medical equipment and – the favorite of “my kids” – summer camp.
If you’d like to get involved with great MDA programs year-round, call your local MDA office or call our national headquarters at 800/572-1717.
Blaine, you’re the best! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Jerry Lewis, national chairman
Muscular Dystrophy Association

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