The Editor:
On July 14, I was appointed by the city of Blaine to write the statement against the “reduction of city limit” initiative for the voters’ pamphlet. The official title of the city initiative is misleading. It is an “urban growth area swap” process leading to the expansion of city limits by annexing approximately 800 acres of west Blaine, while de-annexing roughly 500 acres of east Blaine. The Secretary of State should change the ballot title to reflect this.
Four other qualified “against” applicants were rejected, including a land use/environmental law attorney and the vice president of Semiahmoo Residents Association. This leaves me in the position of having to sign the voters’ pamphlet statement and rebuttals to city of Blaine attorneys without the company of other recognized community leaders, placing me at a disadvantage.
This “UGA swap” that the city estimates will cost Blaine taxpayers $32.3 million starts the process leading to city annexation of the Semiahmoo headlands, where there is a history of damage cause by development related flooding and the pollution of Birch Bay.
The average selling price of a home in West Blaine is $650,000, not affordable housing. The “UGA swap” designating a new urban growth area and urban growth reserve area would allow 1,500 new luxury homes, and raise utility bills for all Blaine residents. The proposed “UGA swap” Avista at Birch Point PUD has significant traffic, flooding and critical aquifer recharge area issues, and no environmental impact statement has been done.
Jay Taber
Blaine
(Editor’s note: The $32.3 million is referencing the estimated cost for sewer improvements to west Blaine, which is $17.5 million more than sewer improvements estimated for east Blaine. City staff said during the April 28 Blaine City Council meeting that developers would mostly fund that infrastructure, but the city would be in charge of operating and maintaining it.)
The Editor:
I attended the Fourth of July parade in Blaine. It was wonderful! Thousands of young and old sitting three and four deep scrambling for thrown candy. I wore a Canadian flag and was surprised by the silent stares, which seemed to say, “Why are you here?” As a friendly neighbour, I accepted the invitation by the mayor of Blaine.
The Fourth of July, one of the first national American holidays, demonstrates interesting cultural contrasts. Americans go nuts for parades in a way that Canadians don’t. Parades and sports events are the social glue which unites your country. Two of the main attractions were the “cowboys and girls” on horseback and fire trucks wailing their sirens – although numerous floats from private investors were dominant. The frequency and style of parades are uniquely American.
Another cultural difference is fireworks, their availability temporarily blossoming like weeds on parking lot plazas. Fireworks can be heard from back yards starting around 4 p.m. when happy hour begins and rise to a crescendo after dark when local institutions go all out. Fireworks sounding like bombs is part of your tradition as expressed by the Star-Spangled Banner: “And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof to the night that our flag was still there.” Unlike Canada, the explosions of sounds and colours are reminders how America was born out of pain and jubilation.
Despite all the noise, hand clapping and flag waving, it is reported that many Americans are deeply divided and troubled because President Trump keeps signing Executive Orders. What will next year be like when you celebrate your 250th as well as the mid-term elections?
I am sure that most Canadians wish Americans well. It would be appreciated if we were treated as a friendly neighbour by respecting our country’s 158 years of sovereignty.
Albert Leering
White Rock
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