Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
A group of property owners in Birch Bay Village, most of whom have lived here less than five years, have continued a vendetta against the governing body of the village. They cry about the price of annual dues, but they chose to live here and enjoy the amenities these dues provide.
Even if they never use the golf course, swimming pool, marina, clubhouse, tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball nets, horseshoe pit, or the 24 hour manned security booth, I’m sure they mention some when they list their house for sale.
They enjoy the lovely common areas, the beautiful plants lovingly cared for by the excellent maintenance people. They complain about every little problem to the manager they don’t want to pay. They don’t see all the efforts to constantly improve and maintain the village. They don’t volunteer to help with the maintenance. If the roads fall apart and the infrastructure begins to disintegrate – they will just move on while many of us chose to live here permanently. Had the dues been higher from the beginning, we would have had a nest egg to take care of the high cost jobs such as the current replacement of the drainage system.
The money they spent on that advertisement on page five could be better spent starting a fund to help those here on a fixed income.
Linda L. Clark
Blaine

The Editor:
I’ve just come from the October 9 Blaine City Council meeting as I’m writing this.
To open about this, I am a supporter of the airport, and biased. I would however, like to comment on the experience that I’ve just been through. I have never been allowed to participate as actively in the democratic process as I have over these past few months.
I have begun to see functionaries in local politics as flesh and blood people rather than names on a printed page or flickering images on a TV screen. Whatever we all did tonight was to govern ourselves in the classic tradition of America’s unique brand of democracy.
Had the vote gone the other way, I probably would have sulked for a week, but I would’ve wound up writing this letter anyway. I think at some point one comes to realize that while there may be bad and good people in the world, there are simply a whole lot of folks with whom one happens to agree or disagree. At age 55, I may be getting to that point, I don’t know. I’d like to think so.
The council should be applauded for the way they conducted themselves considering some the abuse that has been visited upon them. In the end, they all cast their vote. No one abstained. I’m beginning to see that there is more to this politics business than meets the eye.
I would also like to thank your paper for the help that you’ve offered in allowing us a forum where we could present our case. We definitely appreciate it.
Bob Aiken, member, EAA chapter 1417
Blaine

The Editor:
Our fourth grade class is currently studying the regions of the United States. We are learning about each state and their environment, landforms, and special places of interest.
We are asking for your help. We would like people to send us postcards that show us what your state is like. This would give us the opportunity to get a first hand look at your state and help us to become aware of the great country we live in.
If you would like to write a note on back we would appreciate it. We want to take this opportunity in advance to thank you for helping us make learning a fun and rewarding experience. We appreciate your help.
Please send to: Jackie Shier, fourth grade class, c/o Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center, 341 N. Emery Ave. Peshtigo, WI 54157.
Jackie Shier
Peshtigo, WI

The Editor:
October is domestic violence awareness month.
I urge anyone suspecting or suffering from spousal abuse to call Bellingham Crisis Center 24 hour hotline 360/715-1563. The support, information, help and advice is given by caring, knowledgeable individuals.
Remember, you are not alone. I have always loved this city of Blaine and will miss it very much.
Jacqueline Fenton
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 email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com