To The Editor
January 5, 2009
Reflecting on 2008
Thank you to everyone who helped reader make it through the year
It is the eve of New Year’s Eve. I am sitting at the Issaquah Library, contemplating the year 2008. It has been a challenging year — a year full of friendships, growth, family and personal issues, and health crises, all rolled into one.
I have to say that although the year has not been my favorite one for a variety of reasons (many of the reasons being related to the news of a brain tumor I received in April), I have to say the blessings have far outweighed the pains. Read more
To The Editor
December 29, 2008
Operation Support Our Troops
Thank you to community members who helped boost military morale overseas
Thanks to our local community for making a brighter, happier Christmas for our soldiers and their families. It makes me proud to be part of this great community. Read more
To The Editor
December 22, 2008
Gilman Village
Demise of historic shopping center has been greatly exaggerated
Any shopping area would be grateful to have customers as emotionally involved and concerned as Sibella Giorello. We really do appreciate that concern and her letter in The Press Dec. 10. But to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of Gilman Village’s (slow) death are greatly exaggerated.
Yes, we do have vacancies. And times are tough for our merchants, just as they are for most independent retailers in Issaquah. But you’ll see vacancies everywhere. It may be more apparent in Gilman Village because of the intimacy of our scale and we have only independent specialty retailers here, but it is no different and no worse than elsewhere.
It’s important to note that we also have several new businesses that have just opened or are opening soon. X Marks The Tot, with a unique line of children’s clothing, and Grimaldi’s, a coffee house in the European tradition, have just opened. The Village Family Clinic & Wellness Center and Belli Cosmetics are opening shortly. A new restaurant with building plans being reviewed by the city is scheduled to open this spring.
It would be great if people shopped close to home this holiday season and throughout the year. Issaquah has a lot of good independent retailers who deserve support. Besides Gilman Village, there’s Front Street and even elsewhere on Gilman Boulevard. I shop at the big guys like everyone else. But it’s the small, independent businesses, not big chains, that define a community and set it apart.
Let me assure you also that we don’t need to be saved by city officials. It would help if those officials got over this notion that the only independent businesses in Issaquah are all on Front Street, or that the city’s entire history is there. The fact is, there’s probably as much, or more, of historic Issaquah standing in Gilman Village as is on Front Street, and as many independent stores and restaurants.
Gilman Village has been a part of Issaquah for more than 35 years. With the loyalty of people like Giorello, we plan on being a part of the community far into the future.
Aaron Barouh
General manager, Gillman Village
Overlake Center
Another medical clinic is appreciated; another drugstore is redundant
I wanted to comment on the recent news regarding the construction of a new and improved Overlake Medical Clinic with associated Bartell’s drugstore as the anchor tenant that will be built on East Lake Sammamish Parkway.
Do we really need another drugstore in town? Don’t we have enough to choose from already? We already have a Rite-Aid, a Target, a Walgreens, a QFC and even a Costco. How many drugstores do we need? Obviously more than the two bed & bath stores we once had or the two Arco gas stations we once had, or the Albertson’s we once had — see where I’m going with this?
I understand we need another medical clinic, though. With the screwed up heath care system we have, you can’t always go to the nearest most convenient doctor. So, for that, we have four clinics to choose from. But do we really need another drugstore? Just don’t touch our five Starbucks.
Geoff Carson
Issaquah
Kirk Lewis
Help keep the legacy of Living Water alive in memory of beloved man
On Sept. 19, 2008, Kirk Lewis, a longtime employee of Issaquah’s Public Works Department, died. He left behind his wife Sheri, his son Croix, and his daughter Taylor. He also left behind a legacy of service, of excellence and of loving life. Kirk was a friend, a fellow paraglider pilot and also a fellow worshipper at the church I pastor. I have a photo of Kirk on my office bookshelf — dripping wet and grinning from ear to ear — as he emerged from the baptismal waters of Beaver Lake.
Every time I look at that photo, I get a lump in my throat. Like many others, I am going to miss Kirk. You don’t live large like he did without leaving quite a wake behind you! And I look forward to being reunited with him some day.
While at my church, Kirk started a fund called Living Water. It was intended to help people in our community who were in danger of having their water turned off for nonpayment. Being a Public Works guy, Kirk had a soft spot in his heart for folks who couldn’t pay their water bill. So, without any fanfare, he started Living Water, taking donations where he could find them, and replenishing it out of his own pocket whenever the funds got low.
Now that Kirk is gone, it seems more important that ever that Living Water continue in his memory — Sheri thought he would like that. So, we’re going to open it up to anyone who would like to donate in Kirk’s memory — just send your check or bring cash to:
Living Water
c/o Mountain Creek Christian Fellowship
165 Front St. N.
Issaquah, WA 98027
Please write “Living Water” on the memo line of your checks. Every penny will be placed in the fund and used only for helping out the poor and marginalized in our community. That is what Kirk would have wanted — and that is what we will do.
If you have any questions about Kirk’s Living Water ministry, feel free to call me at 391-3416.
Thanks for helping us serve.
Mark Miller
Issaquah
Capitol holiday displays
Nation can learn from circus our governor created by allowing all signs
First, a statue of Jesus. Then, an anti-religious solstice sign. And now, we might have a display honoring the Flying Spaghetti Monster, a sign from Kansas bigot Fred Phelps that Santa will send you to hell, and a display for Festivus, a joke holiday.
It’s a joke all right. Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Department of General Administration have learned a very valuable lesson about the separation of church and state, courtesy of the gutsy Freedom From Religion Foundation. The state had the option of either keeping our government property free of religious displays or allowing every display under the sun and turning our state Capitol building into a circus. Our state government has now learned that it made the wrong choice.
I can only hope that other state and local governments across the country, having witnessed this embarrassment on national TV, will vicariously learn the same lesson.
Moral of the story: If you want to look at a plastic baby Jesus, read about the winter solstice, dance around a Festivus Pole or raise a noodle to the Flying Spaghetti Monster, you can do so in the comfort of your home and/or your local house of worship. Thus, you can celebrate your holiday as you wish, and no one has to look at nonsense in the Capitol. A win-win for all, and for all a goodnight.
Matthew J. Barry
Issaquah
To The Editor
December 15, 2008
Traffic
Road dividers for preventing illegal turns only serve to uglify town
I can understand the reasoning behind installing the sticks in West Sunset Way, by the library, to prevent folks from making left turns from First Place Northwest onto Sunset. But do we really want to uglify our town just because of a few miscreants?
I think the sticks look like something you’d expect to see in downtown L.A. or Chicago or someplace gross, not in our cute little town of Issaquah.
I’d rather see the sticks go away and put up with (or ticket!) a few violators each day.
Mike Harrington
Issaquah
Harvest Dance
Community event helped donate $15,000 to Issaquah Food Bank Read more
To The Editor
December 8, 2008
Bikes on the roads
Riders should take the initiative and keep the roads clean themselves
In response to a recent letter from a white-line-riding bicyclist, may I suggest that the precedent set by our industrious local trails club provide an inspiration to the local bicycle clubs — take responsibility for the safety of your riders and the motorists and establish a regular maintenance crew and schedule to keep the road shoulders clean. Read more
To The Editor
December 2, 2008
Thank you
Community helped make Harmony & High Tea a successful fundraiser
On behalf of the Issaquah Women’s Club, thank you to all who helped make our Nov. 8 Harmony & High Tea benefit at Pickering Barn such a huge success — the merchants and businesses who sponsored tables, purchased ads, donated auction items and/or contributed cash or necessities to our effort; the members of the Issaquah High School DECA club, who helped in countless ways; Read more
To The Editor
November 25, 2008
Decision 2008
Sen. Fred Jarrett thanks the community
I would like to thank the community for its support of my campaign for State Senate in the 41st District. It has been my honor to serve our community for the past eight years and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to go back to Olympia for four more years. Read more
To The Editor
November 19, 2008
School boundaries
Incorrect data being used to determine fate of Overdale Park students
The Boundary Review Committee recommendation will soon be presented to the school board for approval or revision. My hope is that Steve Rasmussen and the board will make some revisions, keeping Overdale at Grand Ridge and West Highlands Park at Clark. Read more
To The Editor
November 4, 2008
Thank you
Volunteers helped raise $11,500 at Salmon Days Kiwanis Salmon BBQ
As we learned again this year from guests from as far away as New York and Nairobi, to many people, the Kiwanis Salmon BBQ is Salmon Days. It is also one of our community’s most successful fundraisers. Read more
To The Editor
October 28, 2008
Prop. 1
City officials didn’t explain adequately how light rail is better than buses
In the letter “Thumbs up on Sound Transit Prop. 1,” Mayor Ava Frisinger and City Councilman Fred Butler asked us to vote yes on Prop. 1.
I’d like to hear an explanation from them how exactly Prop. 1 would benefit Issaquah residents after light rail will take away express lanes on the Interstate 90 floating bridge and buses would have to use no-right of way regular lanes.
It seems to me that buses are much better, less expensive and a more flexible way of transportation than light rail, at least for people living in I-90 corridor.
Michael Fichtenholtz
Issaquah
Buses, light rail can co-exist crossing I-90
I have heard concerns expressed about the loss of the middle lanes to accommodate light rail across Interstate 90. The existing middle lanes are currently reserved for HOV traffic headed west in the a.m. and east in the p.m.
The HOV lanes will be moved to the outside lanes. One lane will be a dedicated HOV lane in the west direction and one will be a dedicated HOV lane in the east direction. They will not be reversible, but will provide a 24-hour dedicated lane in each direction.
The result is that buses and HOV traffic will have a dedicated east and west lane to replace the existing reversible center express lanes.
Please call if you have questions.
Fred Butler
Issaquah
Initiative 1000
Personal experience shows assisted suicide law would take dignity away
I am living Initiative 1000. My dad was diagnosed with colon cancer over a year ago. He went through six months of chemotherapy and had a clean bill of health.
Then, a few months later, he found out that not only did the cancer return, but also it advanced. He began another agonizing round of chemotherapy. After a few treatments, his reaction was so bad he ended up in the hospital in early August.
When he wasn’t improving the doctor gave him horrifying news; he would die within three to six months. I was heartbroken. The Walla Walla Hospital informed us that hospice would take over his care. I met an angel, Nurse Mickey. Hospice came and set up a bed in my parent’s house. Then, two nurses would visit regularly. Nurse Mickey treated my dad with gentle compassion. If my dad experienced any pain, they took care of it.
Luckily God blessed our family with my dad’s presence for two months. During this time, each of us had a chance to say goodbye. Family members who haven’t spoken to us in years came and shared how my father made a difference in their lives. Friends from his childhood sent messages of how they valued my dad’s life-changing friendship.
I won’t lie. At times, it was hard to see my dad fade a little each day. When he couldn’t get out of bed, it was difficult, but does that mean his life wasn’t valuable? Every moment was a precious gift from God. On Oct. 1, 2008, my father, Michael Feeney, died at age 66. I will always remember my dad’s never-ending faith in God and others.
The hospice care gave my dad a chance to die with dignity. Initiative 1000 takes that dignity away. It is more like death on demand. If it passes, then what happens next? People with disabilities? Uninsured? Depressed?
When we start playing God we lose the value of human life and dignity. When I go to the polls I will vote no on Initiative 1000. What will you do?
Molly Feeney
Sammamish
Decision 2008
National, local Democrat tickets have many outstanding candidates
We are so fortunate this election to have outstanding candidates starting with Barack Obama for president. Add Chris Gregoire as governor to continue her strong leadership and Darcy Burner for Congress to finally give us representation in the other Washington.
Here in the 5th Legislative District, we have lucked out with great candidates. I encourage everyone to vote for Phyllis Huster for Senate, Jon Viebrock and David Spring for the House.
These hardworking candidates are honest, intelligent, and realistic. They are not in the pockets of large corporations and lobbyists. Our candidates care about us and our issues out here. We need Phyllis, Jon and David working for us down in Olympia.
Phyllis has an extensive background helping manage huge budgets. We sure need that now for the winners will have to deal with our state problems, just as other states all over the USA.
Jon is a working man, working every day as he campaigns. He is a construction drywall foreman, so he fully understands what working men and women are facing. An honorably discharged Marine, he also supports our military families.
David’s background is extensive in education. He has a passion for helping our students achieve their goals and get new schools built.
When you vote in November, don’t stop after the first few. Be sure to support our 5th District candidates: Phyllis, Jon and David. They’ll bring to Olympia fresh outlooks and commitment to work to resolve our problems.
Nancy D. San Carlos
Issaquah
Fred Jarrett would serve honorably if elected to state Senate
I have known Fred Jarrett for 45 years, since we first met in the North Mercer Junior High School band, last chair trombonists, both. Throughout that time, I have seen Fred accomplish great things for our community through his hard work, bipartisan spirit and his willingness to really listen to constituents.
That is why I was so surprised when I received Fred’s opponent’s negative attacks in the mail. The latest attack charges Fred with things that I know aren’t true, and I believe most people know that as well.
The Fred Jarrett I know has honorably served our community as a representative and I know he will continue that record as a senator. I am honored to vote for him for senator and I hope you will, too.
Paul Haaland
Mercer Island
Vote for David Spring, who will truly represent the people of the 5th District
Who is Glenn Anderson? I’ve been told he’s my 5th Legislative District representative, but he seems to be a ghost. I never see him or hear from him. Not a letter, an e-mail, an invitation to a meeting — nothing.
Maybe he really doesn’t represent me. I’ve learned that prior to becoming a state representative, Anderson was a lobbyist, advocating on behalf of banks, drug companies and oil companies. Now, as a state legislator, he is receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from these same industries. Maybe that’s who he represents.
I’ve also learned that Anderson has proposed paying for K-12 education by raising our property taxes (House Bill 1612). Many large corporations pay almost no state taxes at all. Why should I have to pay more so they can pay less?
I’m going to vote for David Spring. He isn’t taking campaign money from big business, and I do see and hear from him.
Dave Miller
Issaquah
Marcie Maxwell shows a better understanding of those in the 41st District
We have a real opportunity to elect an outstanding candidate to represent our 41st Legislative District.
For decades, Marcie Maxwell, has been a leader on the increasingly diverse 41st District playing field — improving education, addressing our needs and working to improve our quality of life. Her opponent Steve Litzow’s recent comments touting how superior his Mercer Island School District is to Renton speaks volumes. Does he realize, for example, that 44 percent of Renton children are eligible for subsidized lunches versus 1.9 percent on Mercer Island, or that Renton must deal with the complexities of more than 80 different language learners?
His apparent lack of understanding of the difference in demographics — Mercer Island versus Renton, is proof positive that he should stay put on the Mercer Island City Council. Maxwell is the only choice to represent our entire diverse 41st District.
Marlene Winter
Renton
