Letters to the Editor: June 17-23, 2021

The Editor:

The Alaska Packers Association museum (APA) has a big name in a little space. Housed in a 130-year-old bunkhouse at Semiahmoo Park, it holds a 29-foot gill net sailboat, a scale model of a fish trap, a fish processor and a 10-person mini theater. It is the history of the fishing/cannery industry in Blaine and our connection to the Bristol Bay fishery (think The Deadliest Catch, circa 1880-1950).

For a little space, it holds a lot of interesting stuff. However, it can only be open if we have volunteers to greet the visitors who come from everywhere in the world and places in between. All you have to do is be there one afternoon a week, or every two weeks, smile and greet the visitors.

We are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1 to 5 p.m. Check it out at 9261 Semiahmoo Parkway, Blaine or call 360/371-3558.

Sunny Brown

APA volunteer coordinator

Blaine

The Editor:

The recent statements by my 42nd Legislative District state senator, Doug Ericksen, where he jumps to the conclusion that the potential cause of the December 22 oil train derailment in Custer, might have been the result of deliberate sabotage, alarms me and only adds unnecessary paranoia.

As reported by John Ryan at KUOW in a June 7 online article, the sabotage statement came from the union representing the rail crew, and a retired federal investigator of railroad accidents. Their statements appear to be premature as three federal agencies are still investigating the December disaster and their findings have not been completed.

Until then, let us not jump to the conclusion that the cause of the derailment was due to sabotage. We don’t need to create any additional paranoia by blaming “environmentalists” for the derailment. If it is determined that it was sabotage, the perpetrator(s) should be prosecuted to the full extent of the existing laws, rather than creating new legislation like Ericksen’s “Preventing Economic Destruction Act.”

Unfortunately, there have been some recent alleged attempts to place shunts on tracks that could cause derailments. Due to concerns about how to deal with climate change, and the need to find ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, there has understandably been heated discussion about these challenging issues. Remember what happened to Asian Americans after Trump and others called Covid-19, the “China Virus.”

We do not need any more unnecessary paranoia.

D. Brady Green

Blaine

The Editor:

As part of my campaign for Blaine City Council, I wanted to invite your readers to my “Coffee with Colin” campaign event. It’s Saturday, June 19 at 9 a.m. at Peace Arch City Café.

Grab a cup of coffee, and then come sit down with me to hear my vision for the future of Blaine.

Tell me what important issues you think city council should be focusing on. This will be a great opportunity to share ideas and concerns about our great town.

As a candidate, my goal is to speak directly to as many residents in Blaine as possible. So look out for more events like this one. I will also be going door to door throughout the summer to discuss the importance of local politics and my campaign with anyone who will listen.

For more information, you can go to my campaign website hawkinsforblaine.com.

Colin Hawkins, Blaine City Council Ward 2 Position 4 candidate

Blaine

The Editor:

I would like to thank all of the people in the Birch Bay Historical Society for helping make our first annual Captain Vancouver Day a success. Celebrating 229 years on June 12, 2021 by The C Shop, near Alderson Road and Birch Bay Drive.

We should all learn more about the area where we live.

Bea Ball, BBHS president

Birch Bay