S-W leaders, end garbage dispute

It is time to settle the dispute between the city of Sedro-Woolley, Deluxe Garbage and Recycling, and me. The city of Sedro-Woolley has been offered a settlement that is a win-win situation for all involved. It would end this costly legal battle and renew the citizens’ confidence in their leaders.

I have received hundreds of e-mails, phone calls and messages from citizens who do not want to see the garbage facility located across from the high school. Personal feelings and past history should not be part of this decision. The Skagit County Governance Board is the appropriate channel for planning and decisions regarding solid waste in our county.

Citizens of Sedro-Woolley, please attend the next City Council meeting with me at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at City Hall and encourage our leaders to vote to settle this case. Hopefully by the time of the meeting, the city will have agreed to this settlement, and our attendance will be a sign of support and appreciation.

Annie Janicki
Sedro-Woolley


Of vandalism, tragic shooting

I empathize with the lady whose car was recently “keyed” since I, too, experienced similar vandalism. She’s probably right in thinking the damage was bumper-sticker related. Perhaps my bumper sticker stating: “I think; therefore, I’m a Democrat” prompted the malicious damage to my pickup. Or maybe the one supporting Gov. Gregoire for re-election upset a Rossi supporter who still disputes the 2004 election results despite three recounts and a rejected GOP lawsuit.

Just last week, some knuckle-dragger broke two candidates’ yard signs in front of my house, infringing upon my freedom of political expression.

But some people obviously prefer violence and intimidation over civil political discourse — like the gunman in Tennessee who killed two Unitarian-Universalist parishioners and wounded several others during a church service because he disliked “liberal ideas” or whatever he thought they were. Maybe the lady and I should be thankful that neither our vehicles nor our persons were shot at.

Speaking of being shot at, the recent tragic shooting on Sauk Mountain reminded me of my last mushroom expedition in woods east of Sedro-Woolley. I was bent over picking some chanterelles as a pickup slowly drove along the logging road about 100 yards away.

When I straightened up, I heard a metallic click. Turning, I saw two men standing beside the pickup, one of whom had his rifle pointed at me. I immediately began whistling “Dixie.” The two illegal road-hunters then climbed back into their truck and continued up the road.

Unfortunately, the best mushrooming season overlaps the fall hunting season. Since that heart-stopping experience, I don’t roam the woods during hunting season, even wearing my orange vest and cap. I don’t want to be a potential target for some trigger-happy shooter.

Larry Edwards
Burlington


Take care of your dog’s business

Re: Dogs in downtown Mount Vernon

Yes, your dog is the cutest. Yes, and its the best behaved. But please stop watering your dogs on our buildings and pooping them in our alleys. Our buildings have overhangs, and it does not get washed off by rain.

The alleys are used by a large amount of customers and businessowners on downtown errands.Yes, we all understand your dog has to go, but have it use a tree. No plastic bag? Ask the closest shop owner. We would gratefully give you one. We are all in this together, so please do your part. Thank you.

Nancy Springer
Mount Vernon


Ranker has acted against citizens

Every Voter has a duty to read the state Supreme Court decision in San Juan County et al., Respondents v. No New Gas Tax, a Washington Political Action Committee, et al., appellants. [No. 77966-0. En Banc.] June 8, 2006. Decided April 26, 2007.

In its April ruling, the state’s high court reinstated the appellants’ civil rights complaint against the municipalities. The trial has been scheduled for April 20, 2009, for damages against San Juan County. The voters should note this unanimous decision and particularly a concurring opinion written by the Honorable Justice Johnson that I quote in part:

“J.M. Johnson, J. (concurring) — Today we are confronted with an example of abusive prosecution by several local governments. San Juan County and the cities of Seattle, Auburn, and Kent (hereinafter Municipalities) determined to file a legal action. …

“This litigation was actually for the purpose of restricting or silencing political opponents. … The disregard for core freedoms of speech and association in this case, and resulting interference with these constitutional rights, is described in the majority. …

“Granting NNGT complete reasonable attorney fees and trial costs is appropriate and required here. This may serve to deter future state actors from using their authority to act similarly to deprive individuals of constitutional rights of speech (or initiative).”

One or more of the three individuals that brought this disgrace to San Juan County, its citizens, and citizens of the Legislative District 40 are on your primary ballot. They are Kevin Ranker, Alan Lichter and Randall Gaylord. Whether you agree or disagree with Initiative 912 (No New Gas Tax), you have a moral duty to vote against these three individuals so they cannot use their authority to act similarly again.

Bill Wright
Friday Harbor