Press Editorial
March 6, 2012
DUI crackdown need not wait for holidays
St. Patrick’s Day could be unlucky for impaired motorists. But getting drunk drivers off the road would be lucky for everyone else.
Statewide, law enforcement agencies and the Issaquah Police Department plan to embark on a campaign to nab drunken drivers before, during and after the St. Patrick’s Day holiday.
The effort starts March 9 and runs through March 18. The campaign means beefed-up DUI enforcement on Issaquah and King County roads, as Issaquah police and other law enforcement agencies join the crackdown.
Press Editorial
February 28, 2012
Caucus meetings are worth the time
Republican caucuses will be held March 3 across the state, including here in Issaquah. It does matter.
There will be no presidential primary in Washington this year. Legislators decided to save the $10 million expense. Now it’s up to you to take action, but it will take more than an armchair vote and a stamp. Democrats will caucus April 15.
Four years ago, fewer than 100,000 people participated in state caucuses, but 1.4 million voters cast ballots in the primary. With only the caucus in play, the turnout is expected to double.
Press Editorial
February 21, 2012
Ban on plastic bags is way of the future
Carrying your own bag into a store for your groceries or other purchases will take some getting used to, but it’s the right way to go. We have no doubt that plastic bags will be banned statewide only a few years into the future. It appears the future is now for Issaquah.
The City Council’s Utilities, Technology & Environment Committee heard from the public for the first time last week regarding a citywide ban on plastic bags. We’re pleased to know the council is taking the idea seriously and will take an ordinance back to the council in March.
Only a few people representing themselves were at the committee’s Feb. 16 meeting, but environmental organizations were there to support or denounce the proposal.
Press Editorial
February 14, 2012
Heritage designation fits for greenway
It seems silly that different public land-use agencies cannot work together, but the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is trying to help resolve that problem.
Today, there are six major agencies that manage public lands with the 1.5 million acres known as the greenway. These include the U.S. Forest Service, City of Seattle Watershed, state Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Parks, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, and King County.
The agencies should be able to intermingle land management. The benefit focuses on enforcement and environmental decisions. For example, one agency employee may not have the authority to stop hunters or timber cutting on public land. It also opens the doors to pilot projects that might be used elsewhere in the country.
Press Editorial
February 7, 2012
Juvenile offenders’ names should be public
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.
Press Editorial
January 31, 2012
Fire District 10 station bond makes sense
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.
Press Editorial
January 24, 2012
Help businesses recover from storm
“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.
Press Editorial
January 17, 2012
Chelan and Issaquah find common ground
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.
Press Editorial
January 10, 2012
Governor’s bold move is good for all
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.
Press Editorial
January 3, 2012
2012 Issaquah goals are very achievable
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.
