Here we are with another Presidential election behind us. It is a time that will definitely be marked as a part of American history due to a variety of factors, including the fact that we have our first-ever African-American President.
Do you want to cheer on your favorite high school scholar or athlete? Vent about how traffic was tied up after a fender bender? Share your thoughts on the most recent City Council or School board proposal? Or, perhaps you have a suggestion of your own about how to improve our community.
Tuesday’s election was an historic moment for America, and Issaquah and Sammamish residents didn’t miss out on the fun. Polling places were packed the moment they opened, and stations saw unprecedented numbers of voters cast their ballots. The presidential race wasn’t the only thing on people’s minds, though – local issues played a huge part in drawing out the crowds, as did the excitement of the polling station.
Even if you actively avoid paying attention to politics, you might still have accidentally stumbled across the recent news of General Colin Powell’s endorsement of Senator Barack Obama. The endorsement was covered extensively. But during the course of his interview on Meet the Press, Powell made a statement that was arguably much more important than his preferred presidential pick, and yet it went almost entirely unreported in the news.
Absentee ballots are in the mail this week, and it’s time for voters in Issaquah and Sammamish to take a stand on two local issues. Our editorial board supports the $19 million Sammamish parks bond and annual $310,000 levy measures, as well as the $4.5 million Issaquah fire bond measure, and we think you should, too.
King County is facing the largest budget shortfall in its history. As the budget leadership team for the King County Council we believe there are several belt-tightening moves we can take now to help close that gap – the same tough choices that are being made by millions of households nationwide.
It’s not about price, it’s about value.
Is Washington state running a surplus or a deficit?
Since Sammamish incorporated in 1999, city leaders have forged creative partnerships to build all-weather sports fields at Eastlake and Skyline High Schools, new hiking trails, a popular skateboard park, Ebright Creek Park and more.
You might think that this is absurd: A guy campaigning for governor on the platform form of “I won’t raise your taxes” on the citizens of Washington state is faced with the potential of having his personal taxes raised, since he is a resident of Sammamish.
I understand why some people oppose John McCain’s running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and why they disagree with her. But I’m astonished at the brazen hypocrisy of liberals (mostly women) who are seething with anger and hatred toward her. I’ve never seen such unhinged hypocrisy in my 30 years in politics.
Back to school is a special time. One million children filled their backpacks with new books, nervous energy and optimism and boarded yellow buses to return to school. Some are all but guaranteed to end the school year far ahead of where they are now. Too many will be less fortunate, experiencing less opportunity for growth, or worse yet, stagnation.
The Seattle City Council last month imposed a 20 cent fee on all plastic and paper bags at grocery, drug and convenience stores. This fee, as well as a ban on all plastic foam drinking cups and food containers, will go into effect within Seattle city limits at the beginning of next year. We wholeheartedly support any effort to improve the environment, and while we applaud the city of Seattle for its environmentally conscious position, we feel that the tax was unnecessary and heavy-handed — at least at this point.
When the early vote totals were announced after Tuesday night’s primary, it looked like good news for the Democrats. Governor Christine Gregoire was beating Dino Rossi by about 4.5 percentage points and heading toward 50 percent of the total vote. Darcy Burner was running just a couple of points behind Eastside incumbent Congressman Dave Reichert and gaining ground fast.
When the 520 floating bridge opened in 1963, travelers had to stop at a toll booth on the east side of the bridge and fork over 35 cents (close to $3 today). So much money came in that the toll was lowered to a quarter, and the tolls ended in 1979 after the bridge was paid for.
Next week’s primary isn’t exactly a barn-burner as many races only have two candidates, at best. Most candidates will move on to the general election. Still there is an issue on the ballot that deserves attention.
It’s horrifically ironic.
Just when we need more than ever to enhance the skills and capabilities of our workforce, and just as youth and adults more than ever need further post-secondary training to get, keep and advance in good careers — the door to higher education begins to swing shut.
So here I am, running down the street wearing a hard hat, safety goggles and a fluorescent lime green vest, trying to catch a six-month-old puppy that is part-Boxer, part-Terrier and part-Ferrari.
In the Pacific Northwest, when our long days stretch into evening, that summer sunshine we’ve waited all year to enjoy seems to beckon us to get together and celebrate. Celebrate we do, with festivals and fairs, parades and picnics all summer long.
I received an e-mail this week with the subject “Stupid Question” and I began to wonder, “Are there computer-users and technology initiates out there who feel inhibited from writing e-mails or calling in with their questions? I hope not! Please do not be intimidated by or inhibited from sending in your questions. We’re here to help you navigate the ever-changing terrain of technology. Please keep those questions coming!
