The Editor:
It’s been two decades since voters approved a levy rate increase for Fire District 21 (North Whatcom Fire and Rescue) and its emergency response services. Since then, the population has steadily grown, and the district now serves 33,800 residents across 153 square miles.
As a result, the number of emergency calls increased by 158%, and the condition of necessary vehicles and buildings is deteriorating because of lack of funding.
Last year, multiple, overlapping emergency calls occurred 30% of the time. If distant fire stations must help, this causes delays at a time when every minute counts.
I am worried. I worry that help won’t arrive in time if my family, friends or neighbors experience a medical emergency, a house fire or a bad car accident. All these scenarios are possible if the levy rate isn’t approved in the August election.
This is not a new tax, but a continuation of existing funding. Please vote yes.
Margot Savell
Birch Bay
The Editor:
Nearing our 250th celebration of this country, Blaine stands out as representative of
America at its best. After the June 19 win of 2-0 in the FIFA World Cup and the wonderful
dedication of the Obama Presidential Center on June 18, I am so proud of us here in the Fourth Corner.
Our community shines with great shops, art, food and the very special community center/senior center. It is our own center for reading, good conversation and passion for our country. Driving home from the center is a dream — beautiful, vital and welcoming.
The arts, recreation, good dining, sports and community, we have it all.
I still love this community, as a 52-year residential friend. I am so glad to have met, loved
and know people of integrity who are engaged in others and citizenship.
Syndicated columnist Mary McNamara sums it up pretty well. “Just in time for the
semiquincentennial, the churning waves of social media discontent have parted and given
us a glimpse of how these United States look and taste to wide-eyed World
Cup attendees. And it is glorious.” The same could be said of Blaine.
Enjoy the Fourth of July Parade and the following fireworks, best in the county!
Donna Starr
Blaine
The Editor:
I recently noticed a beautiful sign on Birch Bay-Lynden Road that read: “It’s a good day ... to have a good day.”
What a wonderful mantra to start each day with. Sadly, there is so much hatred and anger in our news and even in the letters to this Blaine paper. Chances are, no one besides yourself cares how much you hate.
Consider starting each day with a positive thought … “It’s a good day … to have a good day.”
Thank you,
Anne Freeman
Blaine
