The state Legislature is now considering two bills that would restrict access to records of crimes committed by minors, only allowing disclosure in the case of “serious violent offenses” as defined by law. Lesser violent crimes and property crimes would remain confidential.

The bills are bad ones, and should be stopped.

When a juvenile commits a serious crime, nobody involved takes the matter lightly. From the prosecutors to the courts, to the media that reports on crime, everyone weighs the value of punishing an individual against the needs of society.

The policy at The Issaquah Press is to report the names of juveniles only when they are charged with a felony. We did not arrive at this policy lightly. We’re glad to say it is infrequent that we come across minors charged with felonies. We do understand the implications when we choose to publish the name of a minor. But we stand by the public’s right to know.

If you were the victim of a string of home burglaries or neighborhood arson fires, you’d want to know who did it. We believe you’d want to know regardless of whether it was an adult or a teen — especially if the suspect lived next door.

It is just as important to ensure that the wrong people are not accused of a crime. Too frequently, the school-based gossip mill implicates an innocent person. Reporting in the media can make clear who is actually the suspected criminal.

Juvenile defense attorneys are asking the Legislature to rewrite the law because the publicity can have a negative impact on the lives of children once they reach adulthood.

Certainly, a person should not have to suffer his or her entire life for a crime he or she committed when they were minors. But this proposal (Senate Bill 6292 and House Bill 2542) to restrict access to court records goes too far.

The public needs to understand what is happening in their community and who is doing it. Restricting access to juvenile court records goes too far toward protecting the individual over the community as a whole.

King County Fire District 10 commissioners are asking voters to approve a construction bond for the first time in nearly two decades. It’s a reasonable request that voters should consider.

It’s a bit confusing, since both the city of Issaquah and Fire District 10 are served by Eastside Fire & Rescue, a cooperative of multiple jurisdictions. But only Issaquah residents outside the city limits pay taxes for fire protection to District 10. City property owners are paying for the new fire station near the Issaquah Transit Center.

If you got a ballot in the mail last week, you live in District 10.

Commissioners are seeking to retire an aging station on the outskirts of the district and build a new one on Southeast May Valley Road, more centrally located for response times. The $5.5 million bond will also make improvements to the district’s three other fire stations and purchase some new equipment.

The district complicated things a bit by releasing wrong information on what the cost of the bond would mean to property taxes. Initially it was stated that the cost would be 9 cents per $100,000 of assessed valuation, but oops! — it is really 9 cents per $1,000. If you own a $400,000 home, the bond will cost about $36 per year for 20 years.

The commissioners understand that this is a tough time to ask voters for more money, but the relocated station makes sense for better fire protection and lower operating costs. It makes no sense to put more funds into improvements for the aging station near Renton.

“Support your local business” takes on new meaning when the city becomes a frozen wasteland for three days.

While homeowners were struggling to stay warm without power, business owners were wringing their hands over the lost business. Restaurants were particularly hard hit as food went to waste without refrigeration. Employees, too, suffered the loss of wages. It was life interrupted, not a fun week.

This week we can try to make it a bit better for each other. Tip your waiter or other service provider just a little extra. Be sure any purchases you make are done locally to help businesses recoup the lost revenue.

Don’t forget to say thank you to those who are helping out. Offer a cup of coffee to the utility workers repairing lines or clearing trees. Let them know they are appreciated.

This is Issaquah, where neighbors help neighbors. With the usual thoughtfulness for the other guy, we’ll be just fine.

There is nothing wrong with the good people living in Chelan and Wenatchee, but what do they have in common with Issaquah? They grow apples and recreational tourists, we grow lots of kids and IT employees. We do share the Cascades in between us.

Apparently, we will now share a representative who must represent the new 8th Congressional District, after the redistricting committee has drawn new boundaries.

Many would think that redistricting to balance populations would create compact, geographic districts with similar demographics. No. The committee’s real job is to protect incumbents and the two-party system.

By that standard, the committee did quite well. But here in the 8th, Republican U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert has been given a seat that is likely his for as long as he wants. By jettisoning some of the more liberal areas and adding conservative chunks of Eastern Washington, Reichert will likely be forced to be more conservative than moderate to avoid a future primary challenge.

Using the redistricting commission is probably better than letting legislators in Olympia do it, as some states do, but the process is still flawed. A better option is to turn redistricting over to judges. Certainly they have some closet political affiliations, but they are accustomed to setting aside their personal views when ruling. Our state law already mandates that judges will settle the congressional district boundaries if the committee cannot reach a consensus.

Another option is being pioneered by California. That new system invites citizens to volunteer and then the redistricting commission members are chosen at random. Seats are specifically reserved for people who are either not involved in a political party, or are part of a minority party. The commission is also forbidden from considering where incumbents live.

Some are saying that the new 8th Congressional District will be nice bridge between Eastern and Western Washington. We think it will be a difficult district to manage for a congressman and his staff, and even more difficult for an elected official to represent such varied viewpoints when it comes time to vote.

We applaud Gov. Chris Gregoire’s move to pass state legislation that would allow same-sex marriage in Washington state.

It has been nearly 20 years since the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the restriction of marriage to opposite-sex couples would be presumed unconstitutional. In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court held that same-sex couples must receive the same benefits as married couples. Subsequent court decisions have held that “civil union” laws would not suffice, calling instead for marriage equality.

Many countries — including all of the Canadian provinces — now allow gay marriage. In the United States, six states and the District of Columbia now accept gay marriages.

In 2009, the Washington Legislature approved a bill granting domestic partners the same rights as married couples, so long as those rights did not conflict with federal law. Voters approved the measure in a referendum later in the year.

The time is right to put the gay marriage law on the table. It will already be at the forefront as a topic of the presidential race. Washington will further the discussion as Gregoire’s bill is debated in the Legislature. While there is no guarantee the bill will pass, we believe it is a natural next step — from equality in benefits to a legitimate view in the eyes of the law.

While many citizens do believe the sanctity of marriage should be limited by law to the union of a man and woman, we also believe the populous has become more accepting of same-sex partnerships. What real difference does it make to anyone outside of the marriage partners whether or not the marriage is legitimized through state law?

We understand that there will be churches that will not accept a same-sex marriage, no matter what the law says. Religion comes with the freedom of belief. Church leaders should be able to choose whether or not to perform a same-sex marriage. That is their right.

Even if the governor’s bill is passed, we expect it will be challenged. It’s healthy discussion that will eventually get us where we want to be — an accepting community that welcomes diversity.

Each year our news staff and editorial board put their heads together to create a list of goals for the Issaquah area. Some are repeats from former years, but are still on our wish list.

Environmentally speaking — Local restaurants need to step up and get compliant with the city’s mandate on use of recyclable containers. Most already have, but not all. The city should go a step further and follow Seattle’s lead in banning plastic grocery and retail bags.

Central Issaquah Plan — The plan that will act as a guideline for redevelopment of Issaquah’s business district should be completed this year. Take it one step further and implement it for new development in the highlands, too.

Park Pointe — Now that the land deal is done, the city and volunteers can transform the 100 acres on Tiger Mountain for everyone to enjoy; Issaquah Environmental Council volunteers started the process last week by planting native species.

Economic development — With the re-engineering of how City Hall functions to encourage a more robust economic development of the business community, the time has come for action. Put measurable goals in place immediately with an eye toward filling vacant storefronts.

Crosswalk safety — The recent accident in the Issaquah Highlands shows that police, schools and volunteers need a public safety campaign to educate motorists and pedestrians about crosswalk do’s and don’ts.

Lake Sammamish State Park — With ongoing budget cuts from the state, a “friends of the park” group is needed to get the state park back on track with planned but unfunded improvements.

Newport Way — A road-widening design for Newport Way Northwest is needed, still.

Issaquah Creek salmon weir — Help from the city, county, state and federal governments is needed to complete the long-overdue weir reconstruction near the hatchery.

Lake Sammamish kokanee — The feds denied Endangered Species Act listing for the dwindling kokanee salmon, but local groups are stepping in to fill the void; they need more help from volunteers and funding sources

Education budgets — School leaders and citizens should set aside their opposition to cutting the school year by four days, provided the total hours of class time remains the same. It offers a good way to save precious education dollars. Issaquah School District administrators will ask voters in April to approve one of the more complex and controversial school bonds in decades. Voters, prepare to get educated about the implications.

Klahanie — Issaquah City Council members seem to be leaning toward relinquishing Klahanie as a potential annexation area. Call for the vote.

City celebrations, traditions — Create a city Celebrations Committee to plan new city traditions and events. It was a former committee that brought us the annual Down Home Fourth of July event. Bring together more volunteers and see what they can do!

Leadership — If congressional boundaries are approved as currently outlined, Dave Reichert’s office in Mercer Island will need a new home. We hope Issaquah is chosen for the new site.

Slow down, shut up — It’s time the Issaquah Police Department got serious about speeders, especially on the Highlands Drive Northeast hill and Front Street South near city limits. And enforcement of the state ban on cellphone use while driving needs to be stepped up.

We’d like to take a moment to salute those people who took the time to write a letter to the editor in 2011. Their written voice provokes, challenges, encourages and thereby builds a stronger community for us all. We aren’t able to publish every letter we receive, but here’s a list of the 123 authors, in alphabetical order, who did get ink this year.

Jack and Judy Albrecht

Kristen Allen-Bentsen

Rickie Anderson

Vicki Appleton

Rachael Ashbaugh

Michael T. Barr

Kevin Barry

Matthew Barry

David Baty

Richard Beaudry

Paul Beckman

John Birrell-Levine

Janice Bowen

James Bowsher

Marilyn Boyden

Larry Brickman

Sally Brunette

Don Buck

L.M. Caldwell

Robin Callahan

and Janine Kotan

C.A. Christensen

Karen Conley

Maria Cruz

Barbara de Michele

Royal Domingo

Barbara Extract

Ray Extract

Rosemary Fahey

Martha Franklin

Cynthia Freese

Linda Fruge

Theresa Gekeler

Mary Beth Haggerty-Shaw

Mike Harrington

David W. Harris

Lisa Hedger

Don Hindman

Bill Hirt

Linda Hjelm

Ruth and Preben Hoegh-

Christensen

Candice Hoffman

Ernest Huber

Wren Hudgins

David Irons

Issaquah Food & Clothing

Bank staff

John Johnson

Hugh Jones

Cori Kauk

Gary Kneepkens

Terry J. LaBrue

Ann M. Lamb

Kathy Lambert

Lena Landwerth

Ferrin Lauve

Emily Lee’s third-grade

class at Grand Ridge

Elementary School

John E. Lee

Pablo Lopez

Peter Lutz

C. Macchio

Matt Marinelli

Connie Marsh

Patricia Martin

Jeff Matson

Pat McArthur

Maureen McCarry

Erylis McClish

Bob McCoy

Buck McCrone

Bruce Miller

Mark Miller

Nina Milligan

Jeffrey Mitchell

Julie Mitman

Kimberly Montague

Cate V. Mueller

N.B. “Crash” Nash

Marvin and Susan Nielsen

Laura Nudelman

Mardi Nystrom

John Ozburn

Dr. Steve Rasmussen

Lynn Rehn

Karen Ridlon

Judy Rogers

H. Ross

Phyllis Runyon

Tim Ryan

Dick Ryon

Dave Sao

David Schirmer

Mary Schurman

Henry Schwerdtfeger

Roland Segers

Ken Sessler

Robert Sharpe

Steve Sheehan

Barbara Shelton

Dr. Mark and

Misty Sherwood

Penny J. Short

Lily Skelton

Linda Smith

Ilene Stahl

Karen Stevens

and Camille Vaska

Leigh Stokes

Carol Sullivan

Tim Talevich

Marilyn Taylor

Hank Thomas

Jackie Thomas

John Thompson

Delvin Tingwal

Jane Ulrich

Bryce Van Parys

Camille Vaska

Janet Wall

Nancy Wagner

Keith Watts

Chris Weber

Bryan Weinstein

Nancy Whitaker

Paul Williams

Wendy Wolf

Like the old adage goes, ’tis better to give than receive.

The holiday season is the peak time for giving, as some donors catch the Christmas spirit and others seek to make a donation before the year ends.

Readers face many choices to donate hard-earned dollars to each holiday season, but Issaquah Community Services is the organization many local residents turn to for help to pay the rent or keep the lights on. The organization’s annual Merry Christmas Issaquah fund drive is essential.

The goal for the 2011 campaign is $65,000 and, so far, donors have helped the fund cross the halfway mark. But more help is needed if Issaquah Community Services is to help as many families as possible in the year ahead.

Issaquah Community Services offers such crucial assistance by using 100 percent of donations to assist people in need. The all-volunteer organization receives office space from city government, so donors can be sure donations go to the people in the greatest need. No other local nonprofit organization has such low overhead expenses.

Since the fund launched in 1981, The Issaquah Press has provided publicity for Merry Christmas Issaquah at no cost to Issaquah Community Services. In the years since, the fund has received and distributed more than $700,000.

Merry Christmas Issaquah accounts for the bulk of Issaquah Community Services’ annual budget.

Though Issaquah Community Services might be unfamiliar to many readers, the local organization helps hundreds of families inside Issaquah School District boundaries each year. In the past year, Issaquah Community Services helped 503 local families.

Merry Christmas Issaquah is the organization’s most important fundraiser. The annual drive is critical to replenishing Issaquah Community Services’ resources.

If the funds run out, all Issaquah Community Services volunteers can do is refer potential clients to other — already overstretched — human services organizations.

The need only continues to grow as the economic downturn lingers and more people must seek assistance to make ends meet.

Help by making a tax-deductible donation to Issaquah Community Services. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Send donations to Merry Christmas Issaquah, c/o The Issaquah Press, P.O. Box 1328, Issaquah, WA 98027.

Bravo to the City Council, Planning Department, and medical marijuana advocates and patients for crafting a sensible solution to the debate about collective gardens in the city.

The ordinance adopted Dec. 5 reflects compassion and understanding on the part of city leaders. Moreover, the legislation adds commonsense regulations to collective gardens. Limiting the operations near schools, daycare centers and other public spaces is smart.

The decision is also a courageous act. Even as other Washington cities and the federal government fail to recognize marijuana’s medical merits, local leaders made a reaffirming stand for patients’ rights. In Washington, medical marijuana patients suffer from the most debilitating and painful conditions — AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis and more.

The decision to accommodate collective gardens in Issaquah is both compassionate and prudent. To force patients suffering from such conditions to travel to another community or, worse, seek marijuana from disreputable means is inexcusable.

Though the most sensible course of action is to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana, the decision in Issaquah is important.

Despite the success in Issaquah, remember the decision did not come without spirited discussion and important questions.

Councilwoman Eileen Barber raised legitimate concerns about placing Issaquah in the crosscurrents between conflicting federal and state laws.

Under a harsh and outdated federal law, marijuana remains illegal, even for medical uses. In Washington, a voter-approved initiative spells out reasonable rules for qualified patients to use marijuana to ease pain and boost appetite.

Barber’s concerns hold merit, to be sure, but the city and residents spent months during a thorough — some could say exhaustive — public process to craft regulations acceptable to law enforcement officers, elected officials and, most importantly, patients.

The city also deserves praise for the process to gather input about the proposed collective garden ordinance. The effort allowed ample time for proponents and opponents to make a case to leaders.

The decades-old prohibition on marijuana at the federal level means state and local governments, such as Issaquah, must lead the charge to relax the rules for marijuana.

The state’s initiative process has turned Washington special-interest groups into children making up a Christmas list. Initiative creators come up with one pricey item after another that they want — or fees and taxes they want to go away — with little concern for the financial impacts.

In recent years, voters have decided that the Legislature needs a supermajority to raise taxes — essentially taking that option off the table.

If the initiative process is here to stay, one vital change should be made. All ballot language must include the financial impact.

Since 2000, we, the voting people, have decided that teachers need to be paid more, class sizes need to be lower, we don’t want to pay license tab fees of more than $30, we won’t pony up an extra couple of pennies for tax on a candy bar or bottle of water, and the latest, that people who provide care for senior citizens or the disabled should receive more training.

They are, generally, worthy ideas. Who is against lower taxes, smaller class sizes, cheaper candy or more training for Grandma’s caretaker?

Nowhere in any of these initiatives does it mention the cost. With a tax hike off the Legislature’s table, mandating more money for one program means taking it from somewhere else.

The fix for this is simple. Any initiative should state explicitly what the impact is to state or local budgets. These explanations should be both in the text of the initiative and in the voter’s guide.

Material backing up the presented facts must be presented to the Secretary of State for verification before the initiative goes on the ballot. Further, a summary of the financial impact, verified by a budgeting agency, must be included in the voter’s guide summary, both pro and con.

For too long, Washington voters have used the initiative process as a way to dream up and implement nice-sounding ideas completely detached from the reality of paying for them. If initiators truly believe in their ballot proposal, they should have to do the financial homework and present it to the voters.