Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
It is my great dismay that I report another example of the incompetence of our city management.
On Memorial Day weekend, the annual Folklife Festival is happening at Seattle Center. It is an event with about 280,000 people attending, from all over the Northwest and beyond. This year’s theme is the Borderland Cultures – that’s Canadian Borderlands!
Christina Alexander is our only representative, and only will speak about our city on Sunday at 11 a.m. Blaine, “The Peace Arch City” is not represented by any other presence, no display — nothing! Neither are we mentioned in the travel section of Folklike Festival’s official program. Even Lynden and Point Roberts were in that program! Nothing will be on display about the sculpture exhibit at Peace Arch Park, the Jazz Festival, the Pacific Arts Association concerts, nor the Wings over Water/Brant Festival.
If we are going to promote Blaine as more than a harassment spot on the I-5 border crossing, or a city with boardwalks to nowhere, or a cheap beer stop, then we need to wipe very clean the administration of this city.
The marginally competent administer Blaine. I have lived just outside Blaine since 1975 and have had a business in town since about 1985, and can remember nothing but a record of incompetence in the administration of this city – a city that is the gateway between major cities, residing right on the border of a huge sophisticated metropolitan area.
While we do not need to become another Everett, we have an outstanding beauty and location that should be promoted to keep the city from further dying. I can only conclude this particular error is a further example of administrative incompetence!
Don Starr
Blaine

The Editor:
Regarding Joel Douglas’ letter in the May 17 edition of The Northern Light. I’m glad to see the name changers are back at it again. This dovetails nicely into my plans for world domination. You see, I have already changed the name of this town. I have copy-righted and claimed it as my “intellectual property.” After watching all of the California style McMansions being built and the palm trees being planted, I have decided to call it “Marina del Blaine.” Hats and t-shirts will be on sale soon.
Nick Bartlett, M/V Tahoma
Marina del Blaine

The Editor:
As we approach the summer months we are reminded of last spring, and how we decided to begin a cultural exchange program with Chongching, China here in Blaine.  It was a risky endeavor, knowing that we would have to place 30 students in host homes within our little town of Blaine. 
We were amazed at how the community pulled through and opened their hearts and homes to these students. From our host families (who were absolutely amazing) to the Blaine businesses and churches who opened their doors to provide a lasting impression on our students, thank you! 
The students were not ready to go home once their three weeks were up thanks to all of you.  So because of the success last year, we have decided to host the program again.  This means we again need host families for our 30 students who will be here from July 16 through August 9.  This really is an incredible opportunity to be ambassadors of this generous nation and of our town of Blaine - the city of peace.  Please contact Michael or Amanda Dahl at 306-5347 if you would like more information on how you can host a student.
Michael and Amanda Dahl
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