Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
David White can’t let go. Andy Anderson can’t let go. “Angry dogs bark, the caravan moves on.” They just don’t get it.
Yet David’s charges and Andy’s letters of half truths require a response.
Too many people were silent in Germany as Hitler rose to power with Goebbels spewing out lies after lies to where well meaning people began to believe them. No one was refuting half fact lies, distortions, until it was too late.
“First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up, because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.” By Reverend Martin Niemoller, 1945.
David’s charges against Mayor John Hobberlin were mean spirited and demeaning. Mayor John Hobberlin is leaving Blaine a more beautiful and better place than when he came. Thanks John. God speed and may He watch over you and Nancy on your next life chapter.
Andy only quoted figures to make his case. The information he quotes from is available for anyone to see at city hall. It took staff time to compile. I have asked for the other half which is the revenue source. I would point out that these costs were actually engineering and design and construction management costs. Federal, state and grant funds were involved in many cases.
But briefly: These people were hired to design and engineer the community center, signalization, road, water and wastewater improvements. These costs were paid by citizens’ voted bonds, state and federal grants, and low interest state loans.
City manager salary increases have averaged three percent per year, in line with inflation.
Legal fees included regular city attorney demands that included illegal actions on part of David White for which he was censored by the city council. Legal fees regarding public health and safety compliance with the adult entertainment issues have cost over $115,000.
And on and on. We will probably see a letter a month from these two. Hopefully, they will check out their facts before shouting.
Ferndale went through a change of government that cost them dearly in staff turnover, morale and more costly on-going administrative costs in paying for a mayor and an administrator.
We have a city manager in Gary Tomsic and a dedicated staff that have the best interest of Blaine at heart. Also, a city council prepared and willing to listen and act on issues based on the best available information.
Let us move together to continue to improve our neighborhoods and Blaine.
Dieter Schugt
Blaine

The Editor and fellow students:
I am writing this letter because something is really bothering me. I would just like to say to all you bullies out there, “Hey, what is your problem? You come to school and tease kids because they are different. Oh my, you are soooo cool. Look at you all big and mean, jeez, that’s going to do you good in life.”
Just think about this, how would you like it if you got teased daily because you can’t buy cool clothes, or are too skinny, or have braces, or glasses. If you smart-mouth punks would shut your faces, then maybe stuff like shootings wouldn’t happen. Oh, and if you want to know, I am a student at BMS and in my opinion this great school shouldn’t have to accommodate you little punks.
Thank you for publishing this letter in your great paper.
Jon Burroughs, Jr.
Blaine

The Editor:
In the uncertainty of the current economic environment one ponders where to place their dollars. I submit for your consideration a no-lose investment: Vote yes for the Blaine school district bond in May.
What better way to insure that our students will have adequate classroom facilities, supported by required upgrades for fire protection and safety.
A small monthly investment for education will pay dividends far into the future.
I urge you to vote yes on May 15.
Mayor John Hobberlin
Blaine

The Editor:
Hi, my name is Jessie and I thought I would respond to Duchess who likes to run free of a leash in public parks.
I agree with Duchess completely; however, because of my breed I have a bad reputation and I have to protect myself day in and day out. I am a 7-year-old female American Pitbull, and I am very beautiful. When people come over I bark and alert my owners that someone is here, but happily greet them at the door with a tail wag and some kisses. I even let my sisters, both who are cats, sleep on top of me or next to me. However, when I go outside for walks, my parents have to be careful where they take me and continuously have to be on the look out for other animals, big or small that are off leash.
Often times my parents have to pick specific times to walk me in fear of the irresponsible owners that let their dogs run freely through the neighborhoods and parks. Why do my parents have to adjust to everyone else? Because if another dog off leash charges at me, or doesn’t like me or wants to fight, I am automatically assumed the bad dog because of my breed, even if I am walking on leash and controlled with my parents next to me.
I don’t think that's fair and I get tired of having to prove to the world that I am just as much of a loving, friendly dog as the next breed. I would love to play with other dogs on the beach, but I can’t and I have to live constantly in fear that I could be taken away. Yes, there are vicious Pitbulls out there, but the good ones never get a chance to prove they are good because of the way society and the media are.
So what I say to the people out there who want to run their dogs off leash in public parks: I agree that is how it should be, but life isn’t always fair. If you have no place to run your dog in a controlled environment, don’t get a dog. If you don’t have a yard that is fenced to let them run, stop getting more dogs. The park should be a leash only park so it’s fair to all animals and all owners. It’s the responsibility of the owners to make sure their pets are safe. Being on leash is the safest way and is fair to all when out of their homes.
If dogs like Duchess can run freely at the parks, so should I. However, my owners laugh and say they would like to see the faces of all the other owners who see a 90 pound pitbull running freely like they want their own dogs to be able to. Keep the parks fair for all animals and all breeds.
Jessie (the world’s cutest Pitbull)
Blaine

Letters Policy
The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank-you letters should be limited to 10 names. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to:
225 Marine Drive, Blaine, WA 98230 or fax 360/332-2777.
E-mail:editor@thenorthernlight.com

Letters Policy

The Northern Light welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 350 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality, length and good taste. Thank you letters are limited to five individuals or groups. A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis. Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please email letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com