The Editor:
Dennis Kovach said of the “POTUS four,” “If you don’t like it, do something different about it.” It would seem that running for office and earning representation in the U.S. House of Representatives is “something different.” Our forefathers wanted the constitution to be the measure and rule of our nation. That is why they designed a system of checks and balances; that is why George Washington, when asked to be king or emperor, said that we were going to be a different form of government, decided by the people.
Historically, white male landowners were “the people.” Over the years, legislators and citizens have decided that “we the people” should be an amalgam of all citizens passing amendments, including all citizens regardless of wealth, ownership, education, race, etc.
Our constitution – not our history of slavery, indigenous conquest, minority purging, Japanese internment, etc. – is what makes the U.S. special, strong and honorable. It is the reason our land represents hope for so many in the rest of the world.
It is not money, privilege or agreement that makes our nation great. It is the power of Americans working together to man our ship of state with new ideas, as designed by our constitution.
Donna Starr
Blaine
The Editor:
Have you ever wondered what is expected of the person who is elected to the non-partisan position of Whatcom County executive?
It’s a big job! The powers of the executive are set out in our county charter: appoints members to boards and commissions, enforces all ordinances and state statutes within the county, recommends annual budgets, monitors expenses to ensure compliance and represents Whatcom County at the local, regional, state and federal levels. And those are just some of the responsibilities.
Satpal Sidhu is the person for this position, through his experience, hard work, dedication to community and determination.
Among his many endeavors to improve daily life in our county, it was Satpal who brought different ethnic groups together to make the Arch of Healing and Reconciliation a reality. The arch has a permanent home on the grounds of Bellingham City Hall. His colleagues describe him as a practical, civil and open-minded person who is always ready to listen and learn. Todd Donovan, a Whatcom County Council member, said, “Satpal is always asking questions and looking for unvarnished answers.”
Satpal lives up to his name. Satpal translates to “friend of truth” or “someone devoted to truth.” He has my vote. I encourage you to cast yours for him too.
Micki Jackson
Bellingham
The Editor:
I’m voting for Natalie McClendon for the new Whatcom County Council district 5, also known as the coastal district, which runs from Blaine to Lummi Island and generally west of I-5 to the coast. Natalie is the best choice to represent our coastal district for many reasons.
Natalie is finishing her second term on the county planning commission and has a deep knowledge of how our county government and the planning commission must work together to develop policies that will protect this very special place we all call home. Her priorities as a life-long environmentalist are to help Whatcom County transition to a clean energy economy that provides new family-wage jobs, expands rural broadband and ensures enough water for fish, farms and families while maintaining a healthy environment. We know we must move in this direction because we are not immune to the effects of climate change.
Natalie is one of the hardest working people that I know. Her keen eye for detail will make her an effective council member from the get-go. As a council member, she will work to build strong, resilient communities by expanding mental health and substance abuse treatment options and local healthcare access. Natalie is also committed to tackling another thorny issue: affordable housing.
As a small business owner, she knows the struggles that affect small business people, and that experience will be helpful when making policy decisions.
Natalie has a long history of public service and activism and is ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work to solve the most difficult problems that we face in Whatcom County. She has a collaborative, pragmatic approach to solving problems and will be a great addition to the council.
Please join me and vote for Natalie McClendon for Whatcom County Council district 5.
Peggy Stewart
Ferndale
The Editor:
I returned from a trip to Asia late last week and had forgotten about the August 6 primary election. In reading the literature, I have the following comments.
I was pleased to see Kathy Berg as a candidate for fire protection district 21 position 3. Upon my retirement, I moved to Birch Bay in June 2004 and volunteered to serve on two subcommittees of the Birch Bay Steering Committee, chaired by Kathy. This was part of the Birch Bay community plan and she did a wonderful job in every respect in completing a massive project and was heavily involved in our subcommittee work from start to finish. My only regret is that she did not file as a candidate for the district 5 Whatcom County Council position. This is the old district 3, which had two councilpersons representing us.
As of the 2010 census (which I worked on), Birch Bay CDP (Census Designated Place) had a population of 8,413, surpassed only by Bellingham, Lynden and Ferndale. Blaine was sixth with just 4,684, trailing Birch Bay by 3,729. I would expect Birch Bay to close the gap on Lynden and Ferndale in 2020 possibly and increase the gap over Blaine.
Now for the filed candidates, Ben Elenbaas seems to be a decent candidate. He did not mention where he lived or make any comment about how to best serve us in Birch Bay.
Jaime Arnett is on the Blaine City Council and her ties to Blaine are of concern to me, in that she may show favoritism towards Blaine over Birch Bay, which currently lacks a school and a post office. She did make an excellent point that she is not running to represent a political party, and I applaud her saying that.
Natalie McClendon is clearly emphasizing her political ties, as is one of her endorsers. I think this was inappropriate to do in a “non-partisan” position up for election. I am disappointed that the county auditor’s office allowed her to make these statements. It appears she was attempting to directly entice Democrats to vote for her.
Mickey Masdeo
Birch Bay
The Editor:
I never get tired of hearing good things about Blaine and all that has been developing over the past couple of years. I have a friend visiting who used to work in Blaine a few years ago. We got together for lunch and afterwards took a walk down Peace Portal. She loved all the new buildings that are going up.
Later we took her son down to one of my favorite spots, Marine Park. His eyes lit up when he saw the play structures and he really enjoyed his time there. My friend kept looking around, and finally said that she had never seen such a great playground with such a magnificent view. The best part was observing how many kids were there having the time of their lives. Blaine – a great little city!
Sandie Miller
Blaine
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