The Editor:
The City of Blaine’s continued support for conflict-of-interest voting is a bad look for our community – a lose-lose for everyone.
Elected officials in Blaine with large investments in downtown properties continue to vote on zoning and development regulations that may increase the value of their holdings. Many disagree, wanting a higher ethics standard where honesty, integrity and trust come first. Elected officials who may have a potential conflict-of-interest should recuse themselves from voting – simple common sense.
The City’s persistent refusal to establish a code-of-ethics policy undermines public trust. This lack of action can fuel concerns of mistrust and wrong-doing, or the well-funded development industry having influence over City Hall, while the broader community is pushed aside. It can hinder attracting professional talent for leadership for Blaine, or those from our community wanting to volunteer and participate in meaningful public engagement.
Touting a “Wild West” approach to downtown planning, jettisoning important building codes and safeguards, and pursuing high-density, sky-scraping towers – Blaine needs a code-of-ethics policy (and leadership) that prioritizes public trust.
Glen Pentland
Blaine
Trump is bad for Whatcom County
The Editor:
We voters will soon receive our ballots for the election. The Legislative candidates have all stated that affordability is the main problem in Whatcom County but none have solutions other than talk or plastering Blaine and Birch Bay with their political signs.
Most of our Whatcom County problems are the result of President Donald Trump's agenda. Our inflation is caused by the tariffs and trade war against our closest ally, Canada. Our local businesses suffer because fewer Canadians cross the border and support them. The poorly planned war with Iran has resulted in high fuel costs and high grocery prices. Senate and Congressional Republicans have abdicated their power of the purse and not stopped these harmful and illegal policies that are causing all of us financial pain.
If we voters think that Republican State legislative candidates can solve these problems we are deceiving ourselves. They have not pushed back on their party leaders' policies. We need to make sure we do not elect them to office. I'm voting for Democrats and urge you to do the same.
Layne Boyce
Birch Bay
Round and round
The Editor:
At last! After several futile attempts to bring about this change, the letters to the editor finally have headlines! The previous staff resisted this for some unstated reason, but the change will make the new Northern Light more readable. Thank you!
In other great news from the Oct. 1st issue, I read that we are finally going to have a time and lifesaving roundabout at the BB-L and Bay Rd. intersection. I also see there are the typical naysayers. The only problem with roundabouts is the people who do not fully understand how to navigate them in a safe and efficient manner, or who lack the driving skills to make these passages comfortable.
My take: You slow as you approach — you observe the approaching traffic, looking for an opening, which does not have to be more than a quarter of the roundabout. It helps to watch the front tires of the approaching vehicle, as they will indicate whether the car intends to continue in the circle or exit — you adjust your speed such that you can smoothly merge into the opening, preferably without stopping. It also helps if, before exiting, you signal right as you pass the previous exit so approaching cars have a clear indication of your intent. Not stopping as you approach is the key, as it is harder to make a smooth entry from a full stop.
Dennis Withner
Blaine
Youth sports and fairness
The Editor:
The League of Women Voters Bellingham-Whatcom County and Indivisible Bellingham recently hosted a community panel about Initiatives IL26-001 and IL26-638. One question emerged about IL26-638: What do we mean by youth fairness in sports?
Young athletes have advantages and disadvantages unrelated to gender. Some have year-round training, expensive equipment and extensive family support. Others do not. Some are naturally tall, fast, strong or exceptionally coordinated. We don't disqualify them because those characteristics may provide an advantage.
At the panel, a now-adult transgender woman described playing soccer as a student. She experienced no negative comments from classmates and did not always win. Her experience reminded me that being transgender does not automatically make someone an exceptional athlete.
IL26-638 would require each girl seeking to compete in school sports to obtain a health-care provider's statement verifying anatomical gender.
Please vote “No” to protect our children.
Diane Smith
Bellingham
Incorporating Birch Bay means financial uncertainty
Birch Bay’s future matters to those of us who live here. I’m concerned that incorporation could bring more cost and complexity than benefit. Both Whatcom County and the Birch Bay Incorporation Association have published reports on the feasibility of incorporation.
The financial reports offer sharply different pictures of whether a new city could pay for its services without higher taxes. The Birch Bay Incorporation Association’s “no tax increase” scenario projects a surplus of only $22,100. That narrow margin leaves little room for unexpected costs or revenues falling short. Before residents are asked to support incorporation, they deserve a clear comparison of both reports’ assumptions and realistic estimates of the services a city would provide.
As The Northern Light reported, Birch Bay Water and Sewer District General Manager Sandi McMillan also warned that a new city could impose a utility tax. Residents should understand how such taxes could affect household costs. I remain unconvinced that incorporation is worth the financial uncertainty.
David Ensign
Blaine
