Letters

Pat Hailey understands local farmer needs

On Aug. 18, voters in the 9th District will be asked to cast their vote for state representative. Pat Hailey is the candidate we are supporting for agriculture.

Agriculture is the number one industry in the 9th District and is the “stimulus” for the economic health of our district and our state. Our state Legislature continues to lose “real” ag people. It's important to elect someone who understands farming and who is actively in farming today.

Pat Hailey understands how taxes and unnecessary regulations can affect a farmer's ability to produce crops and raise livestock. Pat owns and operates her family's farm.  She knows personally the effect of poor legislation on her own farm and how it affects her farming neighbors.

Pat has old-fashion values, strong leadership skills, business acumen, the desire, commitment and ability to serve her constituents effectively.

We ask you to join us in voting for Pat Hailey to represent us. She has the agricultural experience we need in Olympia.

Mac and Karen Mills

St. John, Wash.

Council candidate support raises suspicion

Our city government is designed to give us a balance of power. Our mayor oversees the city staff and makes proposals for actions they feel will benefit the city. The seven-person City Council may question, and perhaps change those proposals before voting to approve or reject them. This gives the residents of Cheney the benefit of many different ideas, perspectives, and visions for our city and ensures residents are fairly represented. If the City Council were to vote 3-to-3 on an issue, because one council member abstains from voting or one member is absent, the mayor will cast the tie-breaking vote.

To ensure adequate representation, Cheney residents need a City Council made up of seven people who think and vote independently. The Committee to Re-Elect Allen Gainer for Mayor has come out in support of City Council candidates Jason Alvarado and Fred Pollard and is holding a joint fundraiser for the three candidates. Am I the only one who sees a real danger of weakening that balance of power when a group of people financially supports electing a mayor AND specific candidates for two City Council positions?   

Please give this question of ethics and fair representation consideration when voting for our mayor and council members.

Bonnie Eccles

Cheney

ML Mayor Higgins keeps open government

Election time is drawing near once again! This year with four candidates for mayor, city of Medical Lake, we are having a primary election. The ballots will be mailed beginning July 29 and are due Aug. 18.

Recently, there was a mayoral forum held with all four candidates, however, only 60 citizens were in attendance. For a community our size, it was not a good turnout. I believe that our incumbent Mayor John Higgins represented himself very well and was able to answer all questions asked of him. The other three candidates left a lot to be desired in their responses.

We have a mayor and seven City Council members who are all elected by the citizens of Medical Lake. If you have a question or concern, you can attend a City Council meeting or make an appointment with the mayor or city administrator to discuss it. Our city government adheres to their municipal ordinance codes, Spokane County ordinances and the Revised Code of Washington (RCW's). Sometimes, concerns may only be discussed within an executive session and not in the open City Council meeting. These concerns relate to personnel matters, real estate transactions or anything else that would adversely compromise a desirable outcome for the city. No formal decision is made within the executive session, but must come before an open City Council meeting for action. All meeting agenda's are posted at City Hall, U.S. Post Office and on the website http://www.medical-lake.org.

On a regular basis, a Washington State audit is completed reviewing all facets and records of the city – finance (including various grant receipts and tracking), street and water utilities, parks, police, fire, municipal court, personnel, payroll, etc. and has had little or no deficiencies. Thanks to our mayor, city administrator and department heads leadership, the city once again passed with very high marks the recent audit.

Please join me in re-electing John Higgins for mayor, city of Medical Lake.

Judy Abbott

Medical Lake

Tattered American and state flags disgraceful

For some time now I - and others- have driven by the new State Archives building at EWU, and noticed the terrible condition of both the stars and stripes, and state flag flying at their entrance to the building. Not only are the flags faded, but the national flag is tattered and torn. In short - both are a disgrace.

I stopped by the office and told the staff that if they were going to fly the flags on their flag poles; then please make sure the flags are in servicable condition to begin with - or - don't fly them at all. I was told that they were the only one's they had. Not satisfied, I called the governor's office and informed them of the condition of the flags they are displaying at a state building in Cheney. I know the governor's husband is a Vietnam veteran - and - if he saw the condition of the present flags flying - he would kick up bloody hell. I know the state is in financial difficulties these days, but the least we can do is make sure our national and state flags are servicable on all state and municipal buildings.

Here in Cheney, we have a Cub Scout unit that will destroy old flags yearly, with dignity and respect at Veterans Park. Old flags can be deposited in the reconditioned mailbox - thanks to Jim Valentine of the VFW; right outside the main entrance to the Police Station. It's only the right thing to do, keeping in mind we have native son's and daughter's from our city and state fighting daily for the values that old glory stands for and represents.

Graeme Webster

Cheney

Noxious Knapweed have stronghold in problem areas

I want to thank Ralph Laws for his letter regarding knapweed. It is indeed a noxious weed that should not be dismissed. It will not co-exist with the natural grasses as the other weeds do. The chemical that it puts out through its root system kills all natural vegetation, and the seeds it drops are viable for five years. The only place I differ with him is that I do not put it in the garbage. It needs to be destroyed. I burn the flowers so they cannot fall to the ground or blow around and root next spring.

There are areas where this weed is really taking hold. Normal Park Road on both sides and into the field toward the old tree farm. Could the Fire Department assist with a controlled burn to get rid of it? Those landowners should cut it close to the ground and kill with a weed spray if nothing else.

I've lived in Idaho, I have traveled through Montana, and both of those states have a serious problem. I can't see where they are actively trying to eradicate it. Washington and Spokane County should aggressively do so.

Janet Prendergast

Cheney