The Editor:
I support the far-sighted plan of the city of Blaine to de-annex the Grandis Pond property east of the city. The reason for my support is three-fold.
First, as community services director Alex Wenger has stated, the de-annexation would result in “a significant decreased burden on taxpayers.” Evidence of this lies in the fact that the city annexed the Grandis Pond area way back in 1996, but development has repeatedly stalled due to the expense of bringing utility infrastructure to the area. Because Grandis Pond is an aquifer recharge area, road and infrastructure improvements are costly. The city has also expressed concern with long-term operation and maintenance costs. Prioritizing development closer to town makes more economic sense and shortens commutes for those who work in town, saving not only on time but also on gas.
Second, de-annexing the Grandis Pond acreage – which consists of forested wetlands, ponds and the aforementioned aquifer recharge area – is a smart ecological move. Aquifer recharge areas are crucial because they allow rainwater and surface water to replenish groundwater supplies, which are vital for drinking water and other uses. Protecting these recharge areas is the key to maintaining a sustainable water supply and preventing contamination of groundwater resources. Also, protecting wildlife habitat and corridors is more important than ever in the face of increasing development pressure.
Finally, land conservation safeguards biodiversity and builds resilience against climate change. According to the UK-based Global Carbon Budget, fossil fuels burned and forests cleared by human activities in 2024 released a record 41.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere over the year. Twenty billion tons of that were absorbed by the world’s oceans and intact forests. In short, plentiful and healthy ecosystems play a vital role in carbon sequestration and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
It is no accident that we are surrounded by natural beauty in Whatcom County. Rather, it is the result of the type of smart and brave leadership being demonstrated by the Blaine City Council. I urge residents to vote in favor of the de-annexation of Grandis Pond in the upcoming election.
Amy Roost
Blaine
The Editor:
Please encourage young people in our community to register to vote!
For the past seven years, I’ve visited our county high schools to help 16-, 17- and 18-year-olds to register. I lead volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County, and the team meets students in classrooms, college and career fairs, and during lunch-hour events. The law in our state allows 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register. Then on their 18th birthday they receive their voter registration card and are set for future elections.
The registration form students complete is turned into the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. They can also go to VoteWA.gov and register online or print a registration form to complete on their own and mail in to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, suite 103 in the county courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington 98225.
Registering to vote is the first step for a lifetime of voting but getting non-partisan information to our youth takes solid civics instruction from Whatcom County classroom teachers. The website, Vote411 is full of resources and a great place to start your family discussions about becoming an informed voter. If you are a registered voter in Washington state, visiting this portal is worth your time, voter.votewa.gov.
The local League of Women Voters of Bellingham/Whatcom County provides candidate interviews and more. The Washington State Secretary of State can also provide updated information on elections, sos.wa.gov/elections.
Do take the time, in the last few weeks of summer, to talk about voting with young people in your own family or those you meet out and about. Initiate a conversation about becoming a voter. I guarantee the conversations you have will be enlightening. Do not underestimate your role as a mentor.
Jean Scribner
Bellingham
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