The Editor:
I live on H Street in Blaine and most early mornings I walk along Peace Portal Drive out to the fishing pier.
I have noticed a number of people who apparently are sleeping overnight in doorways or alcoves along Peace Portal. These people are not threatening, are not panhandling, begging or asking for anything.
So my question is this: As days and nights get colder, what is the possibility of Christ the King Community Church, with their Blaine campus on Peace Portal Drive, offering help or shelter for these folks?
Rene Laventure
Blaine
The Editor:
I appreciate The Northern Light’s recent coverage of the draft Birch Bay incorporation study and the community discussion it has prompted.
The study released by Whatcom County and prepared by consulting firms Community Attributes, Inc. and Maul Foster & Alongi does not recommend incorporation one way or the other. But it clearly highlights serious fiscal shortfalls that should concern all residents before moving forward with incorporation. According to the report, an incorporated Birch Bay would struggle to balance its budget without increasing taxes – especially for public safety.
The report is based on a detailed financial model. It reflects that, under current service levels and revenue assumptions, Birch Bay could face annual deficits without raising the property tax to its maximum and/or significantly reducing service levels.
This reality should be central to any public discussion about incorporation.
In your article, [“Draft Birch Bay incorporation study draws criticism” by Grace McCarthy, published December 17] the Birch Bay Incorporation Association (BBIA) said the report should be revised to include more optimistic revenue streams. BBIA criticized the study’s assumptions, suggesting alternative service models or leaner city staffing.
While it is reasonable to question individual inputs, the study’s overall message remains important as presented: Incorporation is not financially feasible without additional revenues or service compromises. This approach is akin to cooking the books until the desired outcome matches their desires.
Responsible civic decisions should rely on factual analysis, not on optimism. This study offers a valuable reality check. Before moving forward with any incorporation process, residents deserve to know the financial implications for our community.
David Ensign
Birch Bay
The Editor:
Thank you so much for researching and writing about the apparent indiscretions of the Port of Bellingham.
Amazing the gall and effort they expended to accomplish this. Wonder what it cost the taxpayer.
Can’t imagine the determination and effort required on your part, but important to our community.
Don Fitzpatrick Jr.
Blaine
The Editor:
Wow, I am impressed! The multi-part series “Behind Closed Doors” on the Port of Bellingham commissioners is excellent work. As an old J-school grad (Mizzou 1975) from the days of Watergate, I can appreciate the amount of investigative work that was done to produce these stories.
We have lived in Blaine for almost five years and have enjoyed reading The Northern Light. Until this series, I did not fully appreciate the value you provide the community.
Keep up the good work.
David J. McAllister
Blaine
