Letters to the Editor

The Editor:
As I write this on September 11, I am filled with gratitude to live in this country of ours and especially this community. It is awe-inspiring to see the generous spirit and kind hearts of those that call Blaine home.
As most of you are aware, the Blaine high school band had the opportunity to perform in The Star Light Parade in Portland and the Wind Ensemble will be traveling to Japan in February to take part in a Music Festival there.
The support of the fundraising efforts for the Blaine high school band has been tremendous. We have had car washes, garage sales, hydrant painting, cherry sales, event booths, calendar sales, yard crews and more. The businesses and individuals that have supported these student’s efforts have been incredible. Horizon Bank, Hill’s and H Street Chevron stations, the What-Not-Shop and the Blaine school district have donated their parking lots for car washes. Seaside Bakery, Blackberry House, Northern Meadows, Pacific Building Supply, The C Shop, Interior Arts, Coast to Coast, Bayside Beauty Salon, Blaine Marina, Whatcom Physical Therapy, West Marine, Semiahmoo Resort, Dr. Ely, Goff’s, Smuggler’s Inn, Every Day Fitness and more, have been enthusiastically selling our beautiful calendars. The individuals who have contributed to our labors are too numerous to list. We thank you all.
We are truly blessed to live in a community that loves the youth and supports their endeavors.
Tami Kramme and
Lauri Waslohn
Blaine

The Editor:
On May 3, 2006, Governor Christine Gregoire signed a declaration proclaiming September 21 to be the International Day of Peace (IDP) in Washington state. This proclamation was based on the United Nations resolution, signed in 1981, that an International Day of Peace be observed at the opening of the general assembly each September.
In 2001, the UN expanded the observance of the IDP through Resolution 55/287, which stated that beginning in 2002 the day would be observed annually on September 21.
This September 2006, residents of Blaine will be able to join in observing the IDP by attending the first annual International Day of Peace vigil, to be held in the Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street, starting at 7 p.m.
The program will include a presentation by Dr. Eleanor Stebner, professor of the humanities at Simon Fraser University, who will speak on this year’s IDP theme: “Following the Gleam.” At her conclusion, we will join in a moment of silence, in which we can ponder what we, as individuals, can do to promote peace, the theme of our Peace Arch city.
This will be followed by an open discussion, in which Blaine citizens may share their ideas and recommendations for practicing peace in our homes and communities, and for promoting peace worldwide. The gathering at our PAC is being presented by the Blaine Peace Alliance. What is that? When local historian Richard Clark invited Blaine citizens interested in the cause of peace to meet with him, a number of people responded.
Most of us were already involved in other peace related organizations. A check of the web indicated that the concept of forming allegiances for peace is gaining force, so we joined in. The Blaine Peace Alliance is bringing together organizations and individuals locally and will ally with other such organizations nationally and internationally. If you would like to participate in any way, there will be opportunities for you to do so at the PAC on September 21. Please join us.
Diane Palmason
The Blaine Peace Alliance
Blaine

The Editor:
As an attorney with 17 years experience practicing in the Blaine and Ferndale communities, I would like to emphasize the importance of four very important elections at the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals level. I’ll explain why below, but I’m writing to recommend that you vote to re-elect Supreme Court Justices, Tom Chambers, Gerry Alexander, and Susan Owens, and Court of Appeals Judge Mary Kay Becker.
Tom Chambers has built a powerful record protecting the rights of working people, property owners, and crime victims since his election to the Supreme Court six years ago. Justice Chambers has defended our State and Federal constitutions, and our individual rights and liberties. In contrast, Justice Chambers’ challenger has been rated “unqualified” five times by her peers. Chief Justice Gerry Alexander was first elected to the Supreme Court in 1994. Prior to that he served on three courts, including 10 years on the Court of Appeals and 11 years on the Superior Court. Chief Justice Alexander opened Supreme Court sessions to television, and opened access to court records at all levels. He successfully advocated for an increase in the fee paid to jurors and promoted limits on campaign contributions for judicial candidates. Justice Susan Owens, a judge with 25 years on the bench, cares passionately about civil liberties and an independent judiciary. Justice Owens faces a very serious challenge from ultra-conservative Steve Johnson. Please support Justice Susan Owens in the primary election. Mary Kay Becker was a local attorney from Whatcom County before joining the Court of Appeals over twelve years ago. She still maintains her residence in Bellingham. Mary Kay Becker is widely respected as an outstanding judge. As evidence of this, she is supported by all of the Superior Court Judges of Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and San Juan Counties. As well, the King County Bar Association has rated her “Exceptionally Well Qualified.” Please take the time to vote for Chambers, Alexander, Owens and Becker in the primary election.
Roger Ellingson
Bellingham

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