To the Editor
March 5, 2013
Interstate 90
Tolling may not be allowed
My understanding of interstate highways is that tolling is generally not allowed. Why is this? It’s because the system was built to further the efficient and speedy movement of people and goods for the entire U.S. Tolling does not further this goal.
There have been exceptions, mostly toll roads built prior to the advent of the interstate highway system, subsequently incorporated into the system. But mostly, like Interstate 90, these roads were built primarily with federal dollars. The state is not allowed to make money on roads they did not pay for.
Again, my understanding of the federal Department of Transportation process is that their staff can make recommendations, but tolling of interstates requires congressional approval. So, this will necessarily involve your congressional representatives.
I’ll throw in another idea: Since tolls restrict movement, this may also be an anti-trust issue, courtesy of the state of Washington.
If the precedent of tolling I-90 across Lake Washington proceeds, you can bet I-5, I-405 and I-90 further east won’t be far behind. In fact, that idea has already been floated. This is not just a Mercer Island issue.
George Dial
Issaquah
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To the Editor
February 26, 2013
Just say no
Don’t allow logging on Squak Mountain
I have lived in Issaquah and raised my children here since 1989. I chose this beautiful community because of its forests, trails, creeks and woods. My children grew up in the woods and love the outdoors. They have very enriched lives because of it.
Please don’t allow the logging of 216 acres to happen on Squak Mountain. We don’t need any more homes, traffic, displaced wildlife and air pollution, and that valley of homes below High Valley doesn’t need any more flooding.
That area should remain as is. For once, don’t take the developer’s side. We have had enough.
Janet McIntosh
Issaquah
To the Editor
February 19, 2013
Creek trails
Scenic walks are important
One of the most beautiful aspects of Issaquah is the creek. As we walk through town, we continually cross bridges and see the rushing water below. Unfortunately, we are not utilizing this treasure. There are no trails or walks ALONG the creek. This is where we should be spending money, to develop scenic walks along the creek. People would visit Issaquah just for that.
Instead, we are spending money on destroying the beauty of trails like the one along East Lake Sammamish. If people feel it is necessary to pave that trail, fine. But why does it have to be widened? We walk there because it is scenic and beautiful. Now, the trees and plants that make it so are being cut down to widen the path. I don’t get it. Let’s do what we can to enhance the natural beauty we’ve been given, not diminish it.
Somebody told me that a walk along the creek is part of the Central Issaquah Plan. Is that true? Are the planned walks (if any) extensive? Perhaps The Press can provide some information about that.
Barbara Extract
Issaquah Read more
To the Editor
February 12, 2013
Klahanie
Annexation under review again?
Noted in recent editions of The Issaquah Press, the unincorporated areas contained within the borders of Issaquah-Fall City Road, Issaquah-Pine Lake Road and Issaquah-Beaver Lake Road/Southeast 32nd Way — known as the Klahanie Potential Annexation Area, or Klahanie PAA — is again under review for annexation.
Opinions will vary for residents as to preference for annexing to Issaquah versus Sammamish versus remaining unincorporated. Currently under Washington state law and the King County Countywide Planning Policies, the city of Issaquah has the first right of refusal to annex the Klahanie PAA.
To the Editor
February 5, 2013
Local productions
Be sure to check out Swingin’ in Vienna next
Thank you, Matthew Barry, for your letter to the editor in December regarding “The Sound of Music” production at Issaquah High School. My wife and I also enjoyed “The Sound of Music,” as well as other high school performances this year. The talent on the stage, behind the scenes and in the orchestra is incredible. The teachers, directors and students should all be very proud of their productions and concerts.
To the Editor
January 29, 2013
Proposed Klahanie annexation
Annexation is not a done deal for residents
The Klahanie annexation citizens task force is not addressing the primary issues affecting the Klahanie residents.
Examination of the makeup of the task force it appears to be the first meeting of the vote yes committee. They are just addressing one governance issue, which is whether Klahanie annexes to Issaquah.
Demographics and geography would dictate that the city of Sammamish should have some role in the task force, at least observer status.
To the Editor
January 22, 2013
Gun control
Don’t demonize the responsible
I was frustrated and felt disrespected as a citizen by the words used by the President this morning. I am a gun owner and I felt the President was demonizing me for owning firearms, and especially since I own and shoot semiautomatic firearms.
I am not an evil person. I have never broken the law, been arrested or done anything that involves the police. I haven’t even had a speeding ticket in years, but the President inferred I am a bad person, the enemy of America. I won’t forget that when it comes time to vote.
To the Editor
January 15, 2013
Good Samaritan
Best gift was returned purse
I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the kind person or persons who found my purse in a shopping cart in the Fred Meyer parking lot on the busy Saturday before Christmas.
To the Editor
January 8, 2013
Redevelopment plan
Goodbye to Issaquah as we know and like it
“There goes the neighborhood” as they say. Great job to the city leaders in OK’ing 125-foot tall buildings. It won’t be long and we will look like Bellevue and Redmond. What’s next, Seattle?
When I moved here in 2002, Bellevue didn’t look like it does today; five years later, I counted 21 high-rise cranes working one day. Is that what we can expect from this plan? Why can’t we preserve the small-town charm and look of Issaquah without rising to new heights?
To the Editor
January 1, 2013
Redevelopment
People need to tell the City Council what they want
Folks, why did you move to the Issaquah area? It appears the council is going to remake the Issaquah you enjoy, into one that will replace the small town features into what they have in Bellevue. Do you really want that? If not, better elect different council members.
