Letters to the Editor

Let's vote on the airport
The Editor & the citizens of Blaine:
I would like to thank all those who called me in response to my letter regarding needing a vote before acquiring land for the expansion of the airport.
It seems that the buying and destroying of a five-acre third generation homestead and the closing of Pipeline Road to enlarge the runway another 1,200 feet is, in fact, a key element to the ambitious expansion plans of the airport committee. I do not want to get into what they eventually want to propose, but it is extensive. If you are interested, I suggest you call one of the airport committee members.
I was told by a member of the committee that there would be no cost to the taxpayers of Blaine for this expansion. It already has cost the public works department 2,200 plus hours in labor dealing with this project. Is this paid back to public works with funds from the airport budget? That is only the start of what will be a laborious time and money consuming project.
There were numerous suggestions of where the airport could relocate if necessary, the most popular one being out by Cherry Point. It is flat, no trees and Trillium wants light industry there. It is also close for those corporate jets to fly their clients to Semiahmoo.
If this expansion is truly warranted, I feel it should be done by a vote first. Since it is a transportation issue, I feel a comprehensive plan should also be included on a safe trails and paths network to get our children, citizens and tourists from the dock to school, the soccer fields and surrounding areas in Blaine.
A vote is imperative in this massive redesigning of the eastside of Blaine. It is going to have a profound effect on how we travel and live in the area. Call your city council member now and let them know your opinion. Patrick Madsen
Blaine

Separation valid
The Editor:
I couldn�t agree more with Robert King�s letter in the September 18 issue of The Northern Light. The Founding Fathers well knew how destructive religious intolerance could be. No religion should be able to flaunt its icons in public displays at public expense.
The all too numerous religious fanatics of this world no doubt have God�s truth snugly tucked away in their hip pockets. Unfortunately, the fanatic hasn�t yet learned how to sit on his truth.
I guess this little screed makes me ripe for damnation. So as I pass you on the down escalator at life�s end, shed a tear for me, OK?
Michael Divine
Blaine

Something to think about
The Editor:
After reading Nita Shipley�s article in The Northern Light regarding the skate park, I felt obligated to write you also. I too am from Birch Bay and although I don�t know Nita I totally agree with her opinion.
I too lost my son to drugs. After Peter�s death I found this poem that was written in 1999.
�My name is cocaine � call me coke for short, I entered this country without a passport.
Ever since then I�ve made lots of scum rich, some have been murdered and found in a ditch.
I�m more valued than diamonds, more treasured than gold, use me just once and you too will be sold.
I�ll make a schoolboy forget his books, I�ll make a beauty queen forget her looks.
I�ll take a renowned speaker and make him a bore, I�ll take your mother and make her a whore
I�ll make a teacher forget how to teach, I�ll make a preacher not want to preach.
I�ll take all your rent money and you�ll be evicted, I�ll murder your babies or they�ll be addicted.
I�ll make you rob and steal and kill, when you�re under my power, you will have no will.
Remember my friend, my name is �Big C,� if you try me one time, you will never be free.
I�ll make shootings and stabbings a common affair, once I take charge, you won�t have a prayer.
Now that you know me, what will you do? You�ll have to decide � it�s all up to you.
Listen to me and please listen well, when you ride with cocaine, you�re headed for hell.�
It�s too late for our sons but hopefully not for all the other kids who want to try drugs - just once.
I too think the skate park is a necessity in our community. Thank you. Janice Richards
Birch Bay

Thanks for support
The Editor:
On behalf of the Artist�s of Blaine�s Seasonal Galleries, (i.e. downtown storefronts), I would like to thank Mel Hollinger, Bruce and Sandy Wolf and the Costa Azul for loaning their storefronts to us for the summer. The ease with which this project was realized was directly attributable to their willingness to give.
As well, thanks go out to the city council and the city staff for their support of the project. We could not have made this happen without them, particularly Gary and Cheryl. Also to The Northern Light and Rebecca, thanks for your coverage and for coining the great term �seasonal art galleries.�
Also to Charlene Zucca who created the gallery space in her Drayton Harbor Building that acted as headquarters for the project and thereby a place from which to sell the artwork, thank you.
But most of all, thanks to the people of Blaine, thanks for your support and comments and appreciation.
Donna Lee Elke
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