Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label letters. Show all posts

Letter to the Editor: Reinventing the wheel

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

To the Editor:

It amuses me how the government and businesses are putting so much effort into replacing plastic products and other extremely toxic materials with new ones that will, in all likelihood, turn out to be just as harmful if not worse.
 
Plastics, for example, became increasingly popular beginning in the 1950s and I have clear childhood memories of pre-plastics living. Aluminum foil to cover glass bowls or wrap leftovers, lunch sandwiches wrapped with wax paper and carried in metal lunchboxes or brown paper bags, toys made from metal or paper or wood, beverages sold in glass containers, loose trash wrapped in old newspapers, and so on.

In fact I have adopted these old practices as use of plastics has been discouraged.

Old newspapers have multiple uses. Years ago I used layers of them to block the growth of weeds while I created a pathway in my backyard . They ultimately broke down leaving a manageable walkway.

Products made from plastic, a petroleum product, were heavily marketed as lightweight, easy to use and long lasting. Long lasting for sure!

Pam Cross
Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Scofflaws traveling in Aurora bus lanes

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

To the Editor;

Our Shoreline police should be aware of the growing problem of drivers using the bus lanes on Aurora as their personal HOV lanes. 

Traveling north, I have to make a right turn off Aurora to get to the street where I live. All too frequently I see a vehicle approaching behind me at 50-60 mph in the bus lane when I move into the lane for my right turn. 

I'm afraid of being rear-ended by one of these scofflaws, who are traveling in the bus lane for many blocks.

Are other Shoreline residents noticing this dangerous practice?

Ramona Gault
Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Shoreline School District budget cuts from the perspective of a student

Thursday, May 25, 2023

To the Editor:

As a Senior at Shorewood high school, I wanted to share my opinion on how the budget cuts and how they came to my attention from the perspective of someone who is not particularly well-learned in how the school board functions. 

In the beginning, they really only came to my attention through rumors and more reactionary opinions when some parts of it, notably the ones that would affect the afterschool clubs, several of which I am a part of. 

I think this initially caused me to become misinformed on what the issue actually was or how it actually affected me. I only really had my stance corrected after a few of my teachers - mostly my orchestra teacher - discussed this a little more in-depth during class. 

Even now, a while after the big board meeting that a very large amount of students attended, I'm still discovering new things about how the situation was much more complicated than I was led to believe. 

I think that this shows how most of us students really don't know enough about how the district and school board work. I think that they should incorporate more education about how decisions are made for our schools into our classes. 

I think that this would have helped control the rumor mill that the budget cuts and board meetings created and helped everyone stay informed.

Elias Foreman
Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Help This Week To Push Education Funding Across The Threshold

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

To the Editor:

The legislative session will end on Sunday, April 23, 2023. We have a brief window to ask for education funding to be prioritized as budgets are finalized and legislators finish the session's work.

Any funding we can gain from legislative actions this session can help reduce the amount that Shoreline Public Schools will need to cut.

Please consider signing these easy-to-send letters to the State Senate and House budget writers asking them to prioritize education funding this session.

Your signatures let legislators know that these letters truly speak for our larger community, and will add enormously to the letters' impact.

Please click on the links below to sign onto the letters.

Letter to Senate Budget Writers

Letter to House Budget Writers

Please subscribe to the action alert for upcoming opportunities to contact legislators about needed education funding: ActionAlert

Maris Abelson
Shoreline District Parent


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Letter to the Editor: Much-needed Affordable Housing

Thursday, March 23, 2023

To the Editor:

HB 1110, a bill to Increase middle housing in areas traditionally dedicated to single-family detached housing, has passed the State House of Representatives and is now being considered by the Senate.

It will override most local zoning/building codes, with the goal of providing "affordable housing."

However, no truly "affordable" housing is required by this bill.

The HUD 2021 median income for King County was $106,326. Using the formula in HB 1110, where housing costs (including utilities other than phone) should not exceed 30% of:

  • 80% of the median income for a homeowner, or $2,127 per month; or
  • 60% of the median income for a renter, or $1,595 per month. A renter earning a wage of $20 an hour for a 40-hour week, or $3,440 gross per month, is using 46% of that monthly income on housing. This is not affordable.

HB 1110 explains, "To unlock opportunity for Washingtonians it is necessary to lift bans on the development of modest home choices in cities near job centers, transit, and amenity-rich neighborhoods." 

It includes definitions for "Low-income household" and "Extremely low-income household," yet nowhere does it require that anything besides "affordable housing" be built, and the "affordable housing" is optional. 

There is no mandate for it. Will developers provide “affordable ownership” opportunities, or will our cities be filled with more townhouses selling at upwards of $600,000 and $700,000, and more? This bill needs to be amended for those of us seeking “affordable housing” and "affordable ownership".

You can read the entire bill here:
https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2023-24/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1110-S2.E.pdf?q=20230321132049

You can comment on HB 1110 here:
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1110&Initiative=false&Year=2023

Jonelle Kemmerling
Shoreline, WA


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Letter to the Editor: Please take a moment to advocate for our kids

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

To the Editor:

Significant budget cuts are coming next year for the Shoreline School District Budget. It is undecided at this point if next year’s budget will be reduced by $13M or $19M. However, the scale of the cut is around 10% of our total budget. We need action from our parent community now.

We are still hoping that legislative action can help us decrease our potential budget cuts for Shoreline Public Schools next year. However, we are facing more deadlines as bills move to the floor. March 8th at 5 PM is the next big cutoff; this is the date and time by which bills must have passed the chamber in which they started to stay under consideration. We need to put pressure on our state legislators and senators. Increased state funding means our local levy money can be put towards other funding shortfalls and reduce the severity of our budget cuts in the years to come.

Please take the following action steps today, to help reduce the severity of budget cuts:

1) Write to State Legislators

To make it easy, the Shoreline PTA Council site has a sample letters to send to legislators. There are two buttons for sample form emails (one to house representatives, one to senators). There are a few places to insert the name of your child/ren’s school, how the cuts will affect your child’s education, and your name at the bottom.

(If you have already emailed in the past, THANK YOU. These are new, updated letters -- and each one helps.)

2) Call your State Legislators

Once you have written, you can call! You can make a difference by picking up the phone and asking your representatives to fund our schools.

1st Legislative DistrictSenator Derek Stanford: (360) 786-7600
Rep. Shelley Kloba: (360) 786-7900
Rep. Davina Duerr: (360) 786-7928

32nd Legislative DistrictSenator Jesse Salomon: (360) 786-7662
Rep. Cindy Ryu: (360) 786-7880
Rep. Lauren Davis: (360) 786-7910

Thank you so much for supporting our kids and our schools!

Maris Abelson
Shoreline Schools Parent



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Letter to the Editor: Hillwood Park needs a walking loop and updated play equipment

Saturday, January 14, 2023

To the Editor:

The January 7th SAN article ($6million shortfall for Shoreline park improvements) stated the basics of the funding shortfall for the Parks Levy. During the Council meetings it was acknowledged that the budget figures were out-of-date, but there was no time to update the budget and still get the levy on the ballot in a timely manner. The levy passed. I am pleased that the Council found a way to make up the budget shortfall. But there’s more to the story.

“Concept designs” are featured in presentations and are prominently displayed in the parks. Voters may believe they are a realistic depiction of improvements agreed to following community input. However the designs have not been reviewed in terms of implementation and cost. The primary requests for Hillwood Park were a walking loop and updated play equipment. But both the walking loop and updated play equipment are being eliminated from the design. This is unacceptable.

Hillwood Park appears level from your car. But on foot, the grassy area is often uneven and can be difficult to navigate, and is reached by going down a slope. People with mobility limitations may also find it difficult to access it, the play area to watch their children, the picnic tables, or the bathrooms. Except for the parking lot, there is no level area.

During non-school hours people can walk on the Einstein track. But no dogs, no wheelchairs, no walkers or strollers.

The walking loop is needed to provide a place for parents to walk with children in strollers, joggers, seniors, parents with children learning to ride a bike, and people walking their dogs.

When I was pregnant with my son, I was pleased the park was within walking distance of my home, and looked forward to park upgrades. My son turned 40 years old in 2022. I’m still waiting.

Pam Cross
Hillwood neighborhood
Shoreline


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Letter to the Editor: Many thanks to Shoreline Area News readers

Sunday, January 8, 2023


To the Editor:

Many thanks to Shoreline Area News readers who saw our need and responded. (See previous article). We are so very grateful for your donations. Through your generosity,  we raised enough funds to outfit 7 people with all they need to get off the street and be comfortable in a tent.

We are amazed and awed by the generosity of Shoreline Area News readers.  Saying thank you sounds too simple and and doesn't convey the depth of our gratitude  but thanks is all we can offer. 

Camp United We Stand thanks you.

Please visit our website:

imagine ~One ~Race ~Human
Beverly Hawkins  Board President



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Letter to the Editor: Thank you Shoreline voters

Saturday, November 12, 2022

To the Editor:

Thank you Shoreline residents. You stepped up and made a decision to keep the things we value about our city.  You said programs like RADAR are important. You said maintenance of our parks is part of keeping Shoreline a wonderful place for families and all who enjoy the outdoors. You said we need a city with adequate infrastructure to provide basic services that we all depend on. You voted to enact Prop 1. 

Thank you so much 

Mary Ellen Stone and John Thielke Co Chairs 
Prop 1 Committee



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Letter to the Editor: Passing Prop 1 will support current needs and future growth

Wednesday, November 2, 2022

To The Editor:

I will be voting yes on Proposition 1.

Shoreline has been my home for 32 years. The City provides a high level of service to the residents. By passing Proposition 1 we will continue to support the current needs of our community and for future growth. 

By approving Prop 1, the Shoreline Police will be able to expand the RADAR program making it available 24/7. RADAR pairs a mental health professional with a law enforcement officer and is recognized as an effective way to help people in a mental health crisis. Caring for those suffering from mental illness and homelessness are top priorities of Shoreline residents.

The Parks have been well maintained by City staff. As the City grows there will be an added demand for their use. A safe place for children and families to enjoy the outdoors enhances our community and neighborhoods.

I urge everyone to vote yes on Proposition 1.

Bette Round
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Farewell to Leena's Restaurant

Saturday, October 29, 2022

To the Editor:

I am so sorry to see that Leena's Restaurant in North City is to be replaced by yet another six story apartment building. We have enjoyed eating there for years, and know people from surrounding cities who also eat there as often as they are able.
 
It seems that once Shoreline gets done approving multi-housing buildings in North City, there won't be a business district left for any of us to enjoy. We all will have to drive further and further for the services that used to be local.  What a shame!
 
Robin Leaden
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: I do not support Proposition 1

To the Editor:

I do not support Proposition 1. 
 
It promises to retain our current level of services. However, I would like to see our current reduced level of services restored to what it was pre-COVID, and I don’t understand why the City needs a surplus to do that.
 
We cannot improve on crime until we have an adequate number of police officers. At present, we have 16 unfilled positions. These open positions are already in the budget but remain unfilled because there are not enough applicants. Budgeting for more positions when we cannot fill the ones we have is pointless.
 
RADAR has the potential to provide needed assistance to the police by having mental health professionals work with the police to get those in crisis the care they need. However, it will require the police to respond to the calls with RADAR. The RADAR positions are difficult to fill because they require significant education and training for a part-time position. 
 
Finally, the statement in Currents that said the City would reduce services they “are not legally obligated to provide” should have been elaborated on. 
 
Many Shoreline citizens are already struggling to pay the inflated costs of utilities, groceries, gas, and services. The passage of Prop 1 would make their struggles even harder. And this doesn't just apply to homeowners. Landlords would have to raise rents to cover their higher tax bills.
 
At the very least, we deserve an explanation of why the City wants to create such a surplus in its budget at a time when many taxpayers cannot look beyond the end of the month.
Sincerely,

Margaret Willson
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Consider the harsh effects of WA's vaccine mandate

To the Editor:

At this election, I hope all voters will consider the harsh effects of WA’s now permanent vaccine mandate for most state agency workers. Previous mandates have contributed to the loss of approximately 3000 health care staff who have vacated their jobs over the course of the mandates. This loss became obvious to me during a recent ER visit.

With all the rooms full, my cart was rolled into a hallway niche. I soon began to feel the discomfort of glaring lights and transporter traffic. What bothered me most was that it was hard to get a nurse’s attention. With no call light and an IV in each arm, I tried hard knocking on the window next to me to people at computers on the other side. Worse yet was an old man in a room near me crying out “nurse…nurse” and then plaintively “person…person” as he coughed, snorted, swore, yelled and was ignored. Finally he was in the doorway yelling. Eventually staff came and with his oxygen back in place, he became grateful for care that could have been given earlier if there had been sufficient nurses.

This was not a hospital TV show. It reminded me of a letter-to-the-editor by an ER nurse working in a nearby hospital who emphasized having 10 patients per nurse!

If we ask why the national shortage of healthcare workers has been exacerbated in our state, it’s easy to attribute it to the excessive use of emergency powers by our governor. His powers have remained unlimited by the legislature, and for that reason incumbents of the dominant party deserve to be voted out of office. We need to recognize the damage done by choosing new legislators.

Shirley Oczkewicz
Edmonds, WA



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Letter to the Editor: The key issues in Prop 1 are services and expertise

Monday, October 24, 2022

To the Editor:

I support Shoreline Proposition 1 because it makes sense to me. I believe the key issues are services and expertise.

None of us can turn our backs on crime, homelessness, and the needs of the less fortunate. I’m optimistic about the RADAR program that pairs mental health professionals with police to mitigate behavior health crisis. 

It must be less costly and more humane to avoid jail for people that just need direction to the resources that can provide the help they need. Homelessness and food insecurity is jarring to see and think about. Don’t we want our city to step in to help? I do.

Other services like the Customer Response Team may seem like a given, but are they? Would those services be reduced with the failure to pass Prop 1? Less resources means less services. An average increase of $30.00 a month with passage of Prop 1 will keep our city solvent and providing the same level of services we currently enjoy.

Finally, I believe in the City’s financial expertise. Staff are required to plan for a 6-year period in which inflation is currently running at 6 to 8 per cent. If they compensate for inflation by using the reserve, the reserve will be gone, and services would still be cut. I value City services and respect their financial expertise. That is why I support Prop 1 and I believe you should too.

Joan Herrick
Shoreline


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Letter to the editor: Why I am voting “yes” for Prop 1—the property tax levy lid lift

Sunday, October 23, 2022

To the editor:

As a resident of the City of Shoreline, I am grateful that I live in such a well-run City.

Without waste, the City provides us the services we need, including: police protection; health and safety initiatives; roads; parks; recreation; community support programs and outreach; managing the housing growth we see all around us; and much more. 

I am also grateful that we have such a responsible City Council, which spends countless hours keeping a watchful eye on the City’s cash flow and budgeting needs. By law our City must have a balanced budget every year. 

After thorough analysis, the City’s finance experts determined that a property tax levy lid lift is needed (again) for the next six years. The City needs the additional tax revenue to maintain the city services that we now enjoy. Our City Council agreed, and voted unanimously to place the Prop 1 levy lid lift on the ballot. 

For 2022, the owner of property valued at about $800,000 paid approximately $8,500 in property taxes (the City gets about 11% of it). The levy lid lift will add about $400 to this owner’s property tax bill, or about a 4.7% increase. 

If you want the City to maintain the services that we now enjoy, please join me and vote “yes” for Prop 1. 

I trust the City’s finance experts, and the watchful eye of our budget-conscious City Council. 

We need Prop 1 to pass. Otherwise, we will all suffer from cutbacks required to balance the budget. 

For more information about Prop 1, please read the FAQs on the City’s website, including the City’s 10-year budget forecasts, with and without the levy lid lift. https://www.shorelinewa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/56390/637992698519500000 

Tom McCormick
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Vote Yes on Shoreline's Proposition 1

Thursday, October 20, 2022

To the Editor:

As a member of the City of Shoreline’s Financial Sustainability Advisory Committee, and a resident of Shoreline for over 46 years, I would like to correct some misinformation in circulation about Prop 1.

First and foremost, Proposition 1 helps pay for all city services. It pays for police, for staff in our recreation and senior centers, and for maintaining parks and roads. It would not fund acquisition of land or buildings.

Those urging a no vote claim the city can ride out the next two years and live off its current meager budget surplus. That is folly. Our Advisory Committee learned about anticipated increases for union contracts with police, the rapid rise in the cost of materials to repair our roads, and the need to hire more staff to handle a near doubling in building and permit applications. Voting “no” will inevitably result in cutting back basic city services. Voting “yes” allows Shoreline to keep up with rapid inflation.

A city survey asked residents where to focus efforts and how to prioritize funds. Overwhelmingly, Shoreline residents responded: do more about homelessness and public safety.

Proposition 1 funds expansion of the RADAR program which pairs mental health professionals with our public safety officers to respond to people in distress, inebriated, or who need a referral to social services.

When our Advisory Committee was asked if the city should increase the levy lid, expanding RADAR was the only program we all agreed should grow. The modest cost on the median home value in Shoreline from Proposition 1 - $30 per month – is a needed investment in our quality of life.

I urge Shoreline residents not to be misled by misinformation. Vote yes to keep Shoreline one of the best places to live in this region.

John Thielke
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Vote No on Shoreline's Proposition 1

To the Editor:

Shoreline’s Proposition 1 on the ballot November 8, 2022 for a levy lid lift will increase the City’s property tax revenue from $15 million in 2022 to $22 million in 2023, as discussed in the City Council Meeting of 09/19/22 regarding agenda item 9a-1. This increase will raise city property taxes by nearly 50%.

Many Shoreline homeowners are hurting financially. A 2022 survey commissioned by the City found over 40% of Shoreline residents were hurt financially by the pandemic, including lost income, being sick, and losing their jobs. Almost 60% report their biggest financial concern is inflation. Incomes are not keeping up with costs.

If approved, Prop 1 will hurt financially vulnerable Shoreline families who will struggle to pay the nearly 50% increase in city property taxes.

Please vote No on Prop 1 and ask the City Council to come back to us with a property tax proposal that is affordable for all Shoreline residents.

Philip Brock
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: 3 reasons why I'm voting for Proposition 1

Monday, October 17, 2022

To the Editor:

3 reasons  why I’m voting for Proposition 1.

First: Proposition 1 will allow Shoreline Police to expand the RADAR program making it available 24/7. RADAR pairs a mental health professional with law enforcement and is recognized as an effective way to help people with a mental health crisis. Shoreline citizens cite mental health and homelessness as top provides for our city, this is an opportunity to improve RADAR.

Second: Proposition 1 will allow the city to keep traffic enforcement in school zones and crime prevention programs in neighborhoods

Third: Proposition 1 will put needed funds into human services for seniors, youth and families.

6 years ago we voted to enact a levy lift of 1.39 per $1000 of assessed value. This is the same rate we are being asked to approve now. It amounts to $30 per month.

Supporting Proposition 1 is common sense. I hope we can show common sense and pass this measure.

Mary Ellen Stone
Shoreline



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Letter to the Editor: Your Yes vote for Prop 1 will continue to fund community services and programs

Saturday, October 15, 2022

To the Editor:

This is a plea to all sensible Shoreline residents who enjoy the benefits our city provides – such things as police and community safety services, crime prevention programs, and our safe, well-maintained park system – to support Proposition 1 to maintain the current level of our valued city services. 

Your Yes vote for Prop 1 will continue to fund community services and programs for seniors, youth, and families in need. Specifically, passage of Prop 1 will enhance the successful RADAR program to address the behavioral health crisis with mental health professional teams that provide 24/7 response.

Twice before we have voted to allow the City of Shoreline to increase the levy to address a forecasted budget gap that prevented a reduction in services. Restoring the tax levy rate to $1.39 – the same increase we approved in 2016 - will ensure that basic services will be maintained. Homeowners in the median range ($731,300) would pay an average of $30 per month over the six-year period.

It is true, we are all aware of rising inflation. No one escapes the affects – particularly at the grocery store and the gas pump. Prices are high; we feel the pinch.

However, I believe we must step up to support Proposition 1 so we can continue to count on the services we take for granted, need, and enjoy. A safe park with reliable playground equipment is an asset to families. Rapid response to people in crisis is imperative. I rely on code enforcement to maintain neighborhood integrity and traffic enforcement that allows me to walk safely around town.

Join the ranks of those who believe Shoreline is a great place to live and vote yes on Proposition 1.

Robin McClelland
Shoreline
Member, Financial Sustainability Citizen Advisory Committee
Member, People for Shoreline Campaign Committee



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Letter to the Editor: For the first time in 37 years I am voting against a levy

Friday, October 14, 2022

 
To the Editor:

After gathering information from the Voters Pamphlet, a Shoreline Community Presentation, answers from the City Manager’s Office, and Citizens for a Fair Levy (website: ShorelineLevy.info), I am voting against Prop 1. This has been a difficult decision because I have always voted yes on every Shoreline proposition, bond, and levy for the last 37 years. However, Prop 1 is a very big increase and the City Council has not explained exactly what it plans to use the additional money for.
 
Proposition 1 is a Levy Lid Lift that will raise the property tax from $1.13 to $1.39 per $1,000. assessed value. This Levy Lid Lift increase will be in addition to the Park Bond we passed Feb 8 that will add about $0.22/$1,000 assessed value for the next 20 years beginning in January 2023.
 
This Levy Lid Lift will be applied to our new (generally higher) property value assessment we all just received from the County Assessor. The City of Shoreline currently has a surplus of several million dollars. I presume with a jump to $1.39 it will enlarge the current surplus. I am NOT against paying property taxes; this is just too big of an increase.
 
If Prop 1, the Levy Lid Lift, fails, the City can continue to tax us at $1.13+1% for 2023. They can then resubmit another Levy Lid Lift at a more realistic rate, and with a better explanation of why the City needs the money, in a spring or November election in 2023.

Jane Lowell
Shoreline


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