Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
I am asking for your support for the future of Blaine.
There are a lot of things that need to be done – but one glaring oversight is that the current zoning ordinance disallows hotel accommodation and motels in the approximately 48-acre tract from 3rd Street and Peace Portal Drive, north to the downtown district. This is an RO zone (offices with residence allowed). While there is currently only a shallow demand for offices, we need zoning incentive that is intent on getting folks to stay here in Blaine and spend their money.
Blaine is a beautiful city with increasing venues – Marine Park and the marina, Semiahmoo Resort close by, nice schools, good pedestrian exposure with walkways and restrooms and restaurants. There’s increasingly more to do in Blaine. Let’s insure that more and more people contribute to the rise in interesting our community.
On the other hand, once we do sell a few condominiums, the buyers will deserve the best that Blaine has to offer. All but one current motel and bed and breakfast are located in the RO zone!
We need flexibility and I am asking for your help.
Joel Douglas, Harbor Lands Co.
Bellingham

The Editor:
This letter is in response to Doug Fenton’s letter published in the April 14 edition of The Northern Light. I am glad you have set the record straight concerning the airport property. You stated from 2001 – 2004 the airport’s net profit from operations was $4,393; that is $1,464 per year. For 20 some acres of commercial property located next to a state highway, this represents a very poor return to the citizens of Blaine.
According to the letter, the final cost to acquire Mr. Carruther’s property, including legal costs, will be approximately $500,000 with a $170,000 state grant. If the land value is roughly $375,000 at your current rate of return of $1,464 per year it will take about 250 years for the city to see any return on their investment, not counting any interest. A true burden on the taxpayers of Blaine.
As for the amount of $182,533 that the airport owes for the land costs, rent and interest for roads – why would the city forgive any of this debt?
Mr. Fenton states the airport is a vital link in our transportation network. The airport, for the last 40 years, has never been and will not be a stimulus to economic growth. Any airport related business that has started at the airport has never lasted for any length of time. It has been stated time and time again how the airport would be the link for emergency services to respond if necessary. Most emergencies would be of a medical nature, the response would be with a helicopter and it would land close to the situation wherever the emergency happens to be.
The city is on the brink of unprecedented residual growth. I submit the airport property could be the starting point for unprecedented economic growth if opened up to the potential benefit of all the citizens of Blaine instead of a few.
Steve Dodd
Blaine

The Editor:
I was greatly disturbed by the article about Dan Newell, but probably not for the reasons that upset most people.
Instead, I happened to focus in on one of the last paragraphs where I read, “Some (students) who admitted to being involved were allowed to remain in school while at least one was expelled after being charged, a student who denied involvement and who was later acquitted.” (Emphasis mine.)
Is this how it works? Confess and we will grant you absolution, even if you are confessing to something you didn’t do? Insist on your innocence and you are expelled, just for being charged?
The whole point of our criminal justice system is that charges are just that. They are not a conviction; they are not even indication of the preponderance of the evidence. They are the actions of a legal system that feels that there might be enough evidence to go to court and make their case.
The idea that you could be punished for being charged with a crime is outrageous. I sincerely hope that there are more facts to the case than we have been told; otherwise, I shudder to think what lesson has been taught to our children.
Calvin Armerding
Blaine

The Editor:
In response to Patrick Grover’s letter in the April 21 – 27 edition of The Northern Light, you would not believe the terribly falsified police department records. Mine were so falsified that the only way I knew that they were mine was because my name was on the report. You only get to see those incident reports that the chief of police allows you to see even though these reports are about you.
I would urge everyone who has ever dialed 911, or had any kind of dealings with Blaine police department to demand they be able to read their reports. I am presently realizing the damage of their falsified reports regarding my reputation.
My career is that of a professional, and at the age of 67 I am introduced to corruption by the law – those who should be highly regarded for their integrity and honesty; and not falsifying reports, obviously in an attempt to show activity in order to get their yearly accreditation to obtain federal and state monies.
The Blaine police department needs a total revamping and only those with integrity and complete honesty, along with human relation skills, should be on the police department.
Joyce Crane
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