Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
I think of myself as a woman with a vision, rather than a developer, and I want to create a place of beauty and peace where people can go to rejuvenate. I am asking county council to rezone only the 10-acre area (eight uplands) estate from UR4 to Resort Commercial as part of the Birch Bay sub-area plan.
I have worked with the planning department to place restrictions on this rezone to prevent the area from being exploited as some feel might happen if this change occurs. These restrictions will stay with the land, even if it is sold down the road. Some of the major restrictions include limiting the height of any building on the site to 35 feet, limiting the number of guest rooms to 16 with septic systems and 32 if sewer becomes available. Other restrictions include limiting what type of business could be developed such as no taverns, gas stations or clubs. The Resort Commercial zoning will prevent the area from ever being a housing development with 32 houses. There is a big difference between 32 houses and 32 guest rooms in terms of traffic and impact to the bluff and surrounding areas.
This project complements the Birch Bay Goals and Policies Section by continuing the commitment to Birch Bay’s primary economic resource, which is recreation and tourism, while maintaining a commitment to the residential character of the community.
Please join me in support on March 16 at 6 p.m. at Whatcom Council Chambers in Bellingham.
Ellen Shea
Birch Bay

The Editor:
The anniversary of Chris Walsh’s death is approaching and I want to tell the person(s) responsible and those who know the truth of what happened that night that we have not forgotten him. Seasons come and go, but unanswered questions, frustration and sorrow remain.
Chris was a friend of ours. I used to drive him home from school on occasion and he spent a few nights in our home. He was a sweet kid, kind and grateful for any kindness shown to him. I once bought some chocolate kisses for my kids and since Chris was with us, bought some for him as well. My boys started teasing Chris that their mom had given him kisses and he held them in his hand like it was a valuable gift when he thanked me for thinking of him. As a mother, his reaction told me something about his heart.
Chris had people who loved and knew him better than we did. He was a son, a grandson, a relative, a boyfriend, a pupil, a fishing buddy and a friend to many of us here in this community. Chris Walsh was not just a statistic – he was a living, breathing 15-year-old boy and his life had value.
I believe someone knows something about this tragedy. There is no way to make it right for either Chris or the boys who were with him on the night he died. Chris cannot be brought back, but the truth still needs to be told. Though it is highly unlikely that there was clear intention to hit those boys that night, keeping silent is a deliberate, unforgivable act – the only part of this wrong that can be righted.
Diane Allinson
Blaine, WA

The Editor:
Baseball season is just around the corner, and Blaine youth baseball is working hard to get it ready. We have limited spots left for boys ages 5 - 12 , and girls in second, third, seventh and eighth grades. The deadline is March 15. If you have not registered please call Troy Olason at 371-3079. We also need coaches and umpires!
Each year we look to our community for sponsor donation. If you have not received a sponsor letter and would like to make a tax-deductible contribution please contact us for more information. Each year we average about 250 kids and we strive to make it the best it can be. We are affiliated with Cal Ripkin baseball, and it is our fundamental belief that every child with a desire to play baseball or softball be afforded that opportunity.
If you have any questions please call me. A little bit of your time can go a long way with a child.
Troy Olason
Blaine Youth Baseball president
Blaine

The Editor:
The day of the shoot out at the O.K. Corral has returned.
The gambler developer with lots of money has arrived in town, set up camp with the council and their henchmen in the planning commission, of which Brad O’Neil and Sue Sturgill are predominant members, who now make the decisions. The dictator is now in place.
Yes, they control rights of citizens, ignore protests, approve large 40 residential multi-dwelling developments that pose a danger to children, cause traffic congestion, and emergency vehicle hindrance problems.
When concerned citizens request the right to appeal they haul out their ace in the hole attorneys and extort $450 plus any cost for service. If you withdraw your appeal within 15 days before hearing they will refund the $450. Should it go into court, you, the appealer, must pay that too.
You think that can’t happen to you. Think again and take a look at the three story sky scraper just now built on the west side of Mitchell Street in residential area.
Zoning no longer matters east or west of Mitchell. They give out approvals before anyone knows what happened. Laws, zoning, regulations, citizen rights have ended up in boot hill.
Clint Eastwood, where are you? Should you get our urgent fax and arrive unannounced the spittoon is located at 344 H Street just inside the door at Blaine city hall. It definitely needs cleaning and replacing.
Al & Muriel Ellis
Blaine

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