To the Editor
April 23, 2013
520 bridge pontoons
Leaders need to do, build, fix things
I’m so disgusted I could spit.
Our country used to DO things. We used to build things; we used to invent, innovate and create. We built the Golden Gate bridge, we built the interstate freeway system and we went to the moon. Now, we can’t even build some concrete pontoons for a floating bridge!
Editorial
April 23, 2013
Bag ban is making a cleaner Issaquah
Issaquah’s bag ban will be two months old next week. Grocery store clerks say shoppers are getting used to the ban, while others are still grumbling.
For those volunteering to pick up litter in Issaquah last Saturday, it is obvious that better habits for recycling and disposal are needed, and could go a long way to creating a cleaner city. Plastic bags are only part of the problem, but they are prevalent on blackberry bushes along Issaquah Creek and in drainage ditches.
Adventures in getting from point A to point B
April 16, 2013
I have seen a number of mixed signals in the past few weeks regarding the transportation situation in Issaquah.
As I affiliate with this beautiful place and meet with as many people as I can to gain context, I have heard repeatedly about the snarled traffic situation and the lack of public options. More than that, I have seen it. Only two months in and I’ve spent my fair share of time on Front Street.
Peter Clark
The first matter arose two weeks ago when Metro Transit released the news that, without additional funding, bus lines in Issaquah face deletion or revision next year. With education the big issue in the Legislature, Sen. Mark Mullet called transportation consideration an “uphill battle.”
To the Editor
April 16, 2013
Plastic bags
Repeal the ban, let citizens decide
Our local businesses are losing money. A television station recently reported the shoplifting rate is eight times higher in cities with p slastic bag bans.
Are our shop owners going to have to be “bag police” and check all bags customers bring to their stores? Isn’t that what the city has compelled them to do?
Our businesses know they have upset customers. It’s embarrassing when visitors to our town are forced to pay for a bag.
Editorial
April 16, 2013
Honor the Earth with participation
Issaquah is a city that prides itself on being environmentally friendly. Beyond the great schools and prime location, people move to this city for the tall green trees and deep blue lakes.
With Earth Day next week, there are plenty of opportunities to honor the Earth.
Ebert ‘Bert’ Giberson
April 16, 2013
Ebert “Bert” Giberson passed away Monday, April 8, 2013, after nearly six weeks of hospice care, which completed his long and happy life of 97 years.
Services for Bert were Saturday, April 13. Graveside service was at Upper Hillside Cemetery in Issaquah.
Sign the family’s online guest book at www.flintofts.com.
To the Editor
April 9, 2013
Firearms ownership
Background checks are not the solution to violence
All three legislators at the Town Meeting referred to by Lois Brandt (3-27 Press) have children. Does Lois really think that because two don’t agree with her they care for their children any less? I doubt it and believe it was more a reflection of her wanting a solution to the violence we see the media sensationalizing every day. To her, removing what she sees as the cause — firearms — makes sense, but violence is a behavioral issue.
FBI statistics in 2011 reveal a rifle was used in 323 murders, but 1,694 were by knives and 726 from beatings. Numbing numbers. Lois mentions Australia’s 1997 gun ban, but government reports show murder rates consistent from 1990 through 2011. Banning guns does not reduce crime. Look at Chicago.
Off The Press
April 9, 2013
Help honor veterans with photos, donations
It’s that time of year again, when The Press begins work on Lest We Forget, our annual Memorial Day tribute to veterans.
This year’s section, our fourth annual tribute, will be published in the May 22 paper, the weekend before Memorial Day.
Kathleen R. Merrill
Press managing editor
If you didn’t see last year’s section (which you can view at http://bit.ly/Jrjlk9), you missed the nearly 170 photos of this city’s veterans, those living and those no longer with us. We also wrote a handful of stories about local World War II veterans, whose numbers are (sadly) quickly dwindling.
Editorial
April 9, 2013
County should buy south Squak parcel
The clear-cut logging of 95 acres on the steep south slope of Squak Mountain should not be permitted, even after the property owner resubmitted a plan, reduced from the original plan to log 195 acres of the 216-acre parcel.
On the other hand, if the county allows logging there, the new owner of the property that was formerly the Highlands Camping Club has the right to proceed within county guidelines.
The solution is clear. King County needs to tap into its reserve account for the purchase of sensitive areas and buy the property.
Off The Press
April 2, 2013
Robbers can take from us, but can’t break us
Dear thieves who broke into our offices and robbed us,
You came in the night and took most of our computers. You rifled through everyone’s personal belongings and took what you wanted.
Kathleen R. Merrill
Press managing editor
Many people here were already uncomfortable about our move from our longtime home on Front Street to this business park. You made all of that worse.
