Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
Earlier this month I was invited to participate in the World Culture Open (WCO), a new biennial event in Seoul, South Korea. I was the given the opportunity to make a presentation on the International Peace Arch and the humanitarian work our association does throughout the year. Essentially it was the story of Sam Hill and the Peace Arch Monument – something that the attendees from around the world were very interested in learning more about. I shared some insights about how what we do helps bring the message of peace to a world torn with conflicts and warfare. The division between north and south in the two Koreas is but one example.
In the future, the WCO will travel to various countries around the world. We have invited the WCO organizers and many of those who attended the event in Seoul to come and see the Peace Arch monument.
But, while I was away promoting the city of Blaine and the Peace Arch to a worldwide audience, numerous volunteers were in the Peace Arch reenacting the Dedication of Sam Hill’s extraordinary monument to peace.
For that, we want to thank Ed Magner for being our master of ceremonies, Victoria King and Kaydee Mohl for their beautiful music; and Miss Columbia & Miss Britannia, reenacted by Joanna Magner and Monica Johnston.
We want to express our appreciation to the Horseless Carriage Club of America (Mr. & Mrs. Scott Hall), the great Blaine police department; and the Peace Arch State Park manager, Jason Snow & his helpful staff.
And, finally, special thanks to Harry Shelvock for portraying Sam Hill and Sally Malby for reenacting the role of Queen Marie of Rumania. We also appreciate and thank Judy Forster, mayor of the city of White Rock and Dr. Ken Ely, representing the mayor and city council of Blaine, for being there to accept the Canadian and U.S. flags as part of the ceremony.
Christina Alexander
Founder, United States Canada Peace Anniversary Association
Blaine

The Editor:
Thank you to everyone who voted for me in the primary for 42nd District State Representative, position 1. The outpouring of support for a first-time candidate was surprising, and heartwarming.
My commitment is to family-wage jobs, affordable health care, a strong educational system, helping small businesses and farmers thrive, and balancing growth with protection of our bountiful natural resources.
I’ve worked hard this past seven years with the Turning Point Displaced Homemaker Program at WCC. I listen well and help people make choices that improve their lives. I want to put those abilities to work for you in Olympia.
Just one of many issues on which I differ with the incumbent is his support of the for-profit “Commerce Corridor.”
In a time of budget crisis, Doug Ericksen sponsored a $500,000 taxpayer-financed study of a multi-lane swath across the Foothills area. It was unnecessary to “study” how destructive this would be to communities, small businesses, farmland and a healthy environment. As a state representative, I would oppose construction.
If you’d like to learn more about my qualifications and stands on other issues, please visit http://robinbailey.org.
My opponent is a well-financed incumbent who serves powerful interests. Those who voted for me in the primary, and the volunteers who have worked so hard in this campaign, have given me new energy for a difficult task.
To better serve the families, small business owners and farmers of this county, I ask for your support – again, or for the first time – on November 2.
Robin Bailey
Bellingham

The Editor:
Driving on the roads of Whatcom County continues to become more dangerous each day. Every day there are drivers on the road who should not be there and who pose an unacceptable risk to your safety and mine. These drivers have multiple convictions for driving while intoxicated or are driving with suspended licenses. Some of these are third or fourth offenses.
The reason: high numbers of offenders who will not serve their sentences in the “lock-up” because of over-crowding in our county jail. Sheriff Elfo has worked with the county executive and county council to heighten their awareness of the need for new facilities because of the extreme over-crowding. Suspended sentences and early releases or no jail time are not the answers to keep these drivers off the road. He, his deputies and the county prosecutor’s office also know first hand the danger that there are other persons who are a threat to the community because of the overcrowded jails. This just makes matters worse. Alternative programs can be part of the solution, in the same way that temporary interim facilities, can alleviate, but not correct the problem.
Voters need to support our county government about the need for both new interim and larger jail facilities by voting yes on Whatcom County Proposition 1. It will involve an increase in sales tax of 1/10 of one percent, but it will be a much needed investment in the safety of our communities and county. And, goodness knows, this should be an issue that concerned people can vote on regardless of political affiliation. It is a matter of the safety of our community.
John Choulochas
Blaine

The Editor:
This November voters will be asked to cast their ballot on Proposition 1.
This could very well be the most important single vote that all registered Whatcom County voters can and should make this election season. The level of crime throughout our community is on the rise and criminals have arrogantly acknowledged that booking restrictions at our jail helps make Whatcom County and Bellingham a haven for crime against property or worse.
While a tax of any kind is unwelcome, 10 cents on every $100 is a small price to pay in order to begin making our streets safer. Let’s send a clear message to the dirtbags that would threaten our quality of life, our family’s safety and our future. Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican or Independent, voting yes on Proposition 1 will get the temporary jail started and the expanded permanent jail one step closer.
Thank you to the scores of individual supporters and organizations who have already endorsed “People for a Safer Community” and the campaign to vote yes on Proposition 1.
Mike Kent
Birch Bay

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