The Editor:
Congratulations to publishers Patrick Grubb and Louise Mugar, as well as all the staff, on the 24th anniversary of The Northern Light. While I cannot claim to have read it since its beginning in June 1995, I have looked forward to it each week and carefully perused it since June 2002.
With all the many changes in global communications, it is terrific to see a local paper not only surviving, but continuing to improve and grow. In sending my best wishes for its future success, I would also like to welcome its new editor Jami Makan who has brought another high standard of journalism to The Northern Light.
Having had both the responsibility and opportunity to read local publications in many countries, I believe The Northern Light has reached a standard that should be appreciated and enjoyed by all of us.
Long may it continue.
Trevor Hoskins
Blaine
The Editor:
A question for the 2019 candidates for Blaine City Council: Do you favor the present election process for electing council members?
Briefly, the process involves each voting district (ward) in the primary election to select the candidates who will potentially represent their ward and will be the candidates that appear on the general election ballot. Since the general election involves district wide voting, all voters in the three wards are allowed to vote for candidates in the other two wards as well as the candidates in their own ward.
This raises some interesting possibilities. In the upcoming 2019 council elections, two of the wards, ward 1 and ward 2, will have two candidates each. Ward 3 has only one candidate who is assured of being elected. For the sake of argument, assume the voters in wards 1 and 2 cast ballots that result in no clear winners in either ward. Since voting is district wide in the general election, the voters in ward 3 could potentially determine who will be elected in all three wards.
Another possibility is that a candidate favored by the voters in a specific ward loses the election even though the voters in his/her district selected the candidate by the votes they cast in their ward.
These possibilities are because of district wide voting in the general election. Basically two thirds of the votes for a candidate can come from outside the candidate’s ward. This system was put in place in 1994 by the state legislature. Since that time the state legislature passed the Washington Voter Rights Act in 2018. This act allows cities such as Blaine to change the voting process for their citizens. A change of one word – district “wide” to district “only” in the general election – would allow the voters in each ward to elect their council representative.
The present council has been asked to make that change but to date has made no effort to do so.
I would hope each of the 2019 candidates consider whether they think the present system meets the needs of the citizens, or whether a more fair election system would allow the voters in each ward to determine who should represent them.
Dennis M. Olason
Blaine
The Editor:
The Peace Arch is a symbol of unity. Let us all pause for a moment in the U.S.A. and Canada. Our two nations are the best and most compliant in climate change regulations compared to the rest of the world, regardless of what the critics say within our countries and worldwide. Anyone that has been to most parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America, and certain islands in the Caribbean to name a few areas, would know those areas are in fact in non-compliance of most of the rules and regulations of climate change and most don’t have tax and carbon offset costs like we do. And there are many lobby groups within our countries that are funded by outside interests to embarrass us, create trouble, and inhibit, delay and stop energy expansion and development that hurts our economies and therefore loses jobs.
Both our countries must put a stop to all of this nonsense, and stop those citizens within our countries who are also part of the problem. Canada and the U.S. have the largest proven oil and natural gas reserves in the world. Both nations also have the largest proven reserves of all precious metals and minerals. Both countries have 20 percent of the world’s fresh water. Canada is the second largest land mass on earth and has the longest continuous waterfront in the world. Canada has only a population the same as California (40 million) and it’s 5,000 miles from coast to coast, which is why Canadians speed a lot on the highways!
When the rest of the world attacks us on climate noncompliance: let us remember the Peach Arch as a symbol of unity, built in 1921 in Blaine, Washington and Surrey, B.C. The American side of the Peace Arch is inscribed with the words, “Children of a common mother;” the Canadian side, “Brethren dwelling together in unity.” The Peace Arch represents the longest undefended boundary in the world, and also on the east side the words, “May these gates never be closed.” Now and in the future let us stand together – our two great nations and not let inside and outside interests damage the future for us, our children and grandchildren.
H.M. Jay James
Vancouver, B.C.
The Editor:
Natalie McClendon presently serves on the Whatcom County Planning Commission. She is well aware of the needs and issues of our waterside district 5. Included in our district are cities, towns, farmers, the petroleum plants, fishermen, tourist resorts and the rest of us.
The complex demands of our county include population growth, the need for housing, jobs, roads and traffic infrastructure, water supply for industry, agriculture, cities and fish. It is the job of county government to manage and provide workable solutions to all of these issues.
Natalie has the experience and ideas we need as the population grows and climate change makes demands on our resources. We need smart and realistic experience on the county council. Natalie will bring this knowledge and strength to Whatcom County Council.
Alice Brown
Birch Bay
The Editor:
Why I am voting for Natalie McClendon for coastal district 5 for county council:
Natalie has the vision we need. As a grandmother of an adorable toddler, Natalie McClendon is focused every day on how she can make a better world for that child and future generations. I believe coastal district 5 needs a representative on the county council who will work tirelessly to meet the challenges of climate change, transition to a clean energy economy, while also ensuring clean water for fish, farms and families, and build shared prosperity.
Natalie has the experience we need: Natalie has served as the chair of the Whatcom County Democrats for two terms and is currently serving her second term representing the district 5 on the Whatcom County Planning Commission.
Natalie has the qualifications we need: In addition, she is a small business co-owner, has taught at-risk students and substitute taught in various Whatcom County schools. She holds a BA in Environmental Politics and Economics and a Secondary Teaching Certificate in Social Studies, Career & Technical Education.
Natalie has served her community for many years: Her community service activities include the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club Mt. Baker Group; Government Affairs Committee Member of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Environmental Caucus member of Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA-1).
Natalie has the support of her peers: Natalie is currently endorsed by the Sierra Club, the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington, Port Commissioner Bobby Briscoe; County Council Members Todd Donovan, Rud Browne, Satpal Sidhu, Pinky Vargas and Ken Mann (former); and Lummi Indian Business Councilman Henry Cagey.
Pam Borso
Custer
The Editor:
Ten years ago, on July 18, 2009, John Quimod and Kylie Bestul opened the Little Red Caboose, offering Blaine a friendly place for good coffee and inspired food. With hard work and two moves, John’s and Kylie’s hospitality is now found at their spacious Peace Arch City Cafe on Peace Portal Drive.
We have always been grateful that John and Kylie gave Blaine a unique place for friends to meet. We have moved away from Blaine but if we had not, we’d be at the Peace Arch City Cafe on Thursday, July 18, to congratulate them on 10 years of success and friendship! Thank you John and Kylie!
Mike and Ruth McBride
Anthem, Arizona
The Editor:
There is a family who lives at the end of the parade route who every year runs water bottles out to all the parade participants as they finish going through the parade. We don’t know their names or who they are, but want to publicly express appreciation for their unprovoked act of kindness. When it’s hot and parade performers have been active for the long procession, that seemingly small act of kindness goes a long way. It’s expensive and I’m not sure if the city funds that, or if they do themselves. But whoever is responsible, thank you!
Mike Andes
Bellingham
The Editor:
As a mother and a grandmother, I am outraged and heartsick when I hear about the terrible conditions at the Mexican border, especially for the children. These people are not criminals; they are refugees fleeing from violence and asking for our help.
Have we forgotten the words of the Emma Lazarus poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free.” How can we, as Americans, turn our backs on them and treat them so cruelly, especially taking children away from their parents?
I am not advocating an open border, but we need a much more humane way of processing and housing people who are waiting for admittance to our country.
Pat Vavrick
Birch Bay
The Editor:
Residents in Dakota Creek celebrated their July 4th with a sparkling array of fireworks. Not so good for the nesting Blue Herons.
Upon hearing the crackling of the firework, six or seven immediately flew off and then a few more later. They must have been terrified. We people need to realize the impact to the herons of this night of disturbance.
Linda Dadey
Delta, B.C.
The Editor:
For many years I have attended the July 4th parade in Blaine. This year, to show my support, I wore a small Canadian flag on my hat. I was surprised by the reaction.
I naively expected a friendly smile or an acknowledging gesture but instead was met with cold stares, silent condemnations and a passing remark that I was a “party pooper.” Having previously lived in the states, I found this somewhat disturbing and unusual.
My intention was not to be critical of Americans or to be culturally insensitive. If I had met someone on Canada Day with an American flag, I would have considered this to be an honor and been supportive.
I suspect the main reason for the reaction I received is Donald Trump. I understand that Americans are deeply divided about their president who has exacerbated national and international relations. His environmental, foreign and trade policies have isolated the country. His insistence on building a wall and his treatment of refugees are deplorable.
Another probable reason is American hubris. Trump’s overemphasis to “Make America Great Again” and “America First” appeals to many because this self-interest has always been part of the American tradition. The altruism of the American people, however, has always manifested as a much stronger heritage; perhaps this will happen with the next federal election? In the meantime, be cautious of meddling in a Fourth of July parade.
A. Leering
White Rock, B.C.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here