Some Sammamish City Council candidates raking in dollars
October 25, 2011
If money talks in politics, it’s telling us that the elusive balance between property rights and the environment is a hot button issue in the Nov. 8 City Council races.
Recent battles between aggrieved property owners and environmental advocates during the Shoreline Master Plan seem to underpin many of the campaign contributions in this year’s election, though that’s far from the only thing on the minds of local donors. Read more
What would you do with $3 million?
October 25, 2011
City Council considers setting aside funds to help with Town Center
The much-discussed idea of “jumpstarting Town Center” could inch closer to reality in 2012, with the City Council considering whether to earmark $3 million for public infrastructure in the area.
During the Oct. 17 council meeting, City Manager Ben Yazici proposed that the council set aside $3 million in reserves to be used for future expenses in the area – whether it be expanding Southeast Fourth Street to a major arterial or for some sort of storm water detention pond that might be necessary. Read more
Return Deagle, Weaver to Issaquah School Board
October 25, 2011
The Issaquah School Board is fortunate to have solid, professional, dedicated men and women willing to serve the district.
Brian Deagle and Suzanne Weaver, both incumbents, are still the best choices. Both have been board members through the tough economic times. While the budget for schools has fallen, student performance has not.
Deagle regularly makes his presence felt on the school board, asking the tough questions before casting a vote. In recent months, his probing of the proposed school bond over the course of three months led to some revisions and reduced costs. It’s the kind of challenge that citizens want to see in a representative.
Weaver has creative ideas for schools and is passionate about changes that will promote better education of our students. Her business background has been valuable to the board. She is an articulate, no-nonsense board member. Read more
Tarleton, Bryant for port commissioners
October 25, 2011
The concerns in the races for the Port of Seattle Commission are about enemies and rivals — in the name of terrorism and new competition.
Candidate Gael Tarleton, the commission’s expert on security issues, is a shoo-in for another term. Her opponent, Richard Pope, is a perennial candidate for one office or another and not a serious contender. Read more
Sammamish Forum Oct. 26
October 25, 2011
Consider the candidate’s records
At a recent Planning Commission meeting, several people making three-minute public comment about the Critical Areas Ordinance were engaged by the commissioners. The speakers were asked to elaborate about the problems and the commissioners even asked for suggestions to fix the problems. These commissioners are a breath of fresh air. Read more
2 charged, others sought in alleged drug deal, robbery
October 25, 2011
Two men have been charged with burglary in connection with an apparent drug deal gone wrong in the Vintage neighborhood Oct. 10.
Antonio McClure, 21, of Tukwila, and Samuel Hammitt, 19, of Shoreline, were arrested without incident in south Seattle Oct. 14. Prosecutors allege that McClure and Hammitt were two of a group of four that stole marijuana, money and cell phones from a Sammamish resident and his friends, according to charging documents filed in King County Superior Court. Read more
King County property tax deadline nears
October 25, 2011
Oct. 31 is the deadline for King County homeowners to pay property tax bills.
Taxpayers can send bills by mail. The payment must be postmarked by Oct. 31.
Taxpayers should include the tax statement and write the property tax account number on a check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail. Read more
State nets almost $3 million from Discover Pass
October 25, 2011
Sales prompt backups, confusion at Lake Sammamish State Park
The state-mandated Discover Pass generated $2.9 million for state parks and other public recreation lands since the state and retailers started offering the pass in June — crucial dollars for the cash-strapped agencies responsible for managing public lands.
Officials started re-quiring a $30 annual pass or a $10 day-use pass to park vehicles at recreation lands statewide July 1. The pass is mandatory for state parks, as well as lands managed by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and the state Department of Natural Resources. Read more
Police Blotter Oct. 26
October 25, 2011
Suicide attempt
Police responded to a report of a man in his 20s attempting suicide the morning of Oct. 16.
Officers arrived to find the man’s parents restraining their son, who was agitated and talking about killing himself. The man was delusional and told police and his parents that all his friends were talking bad about him. Read more
State starts tracking prescription pain medication purchases
October 25, 2011
State health officials have started collecting information regarding purchases of prescription pain medication to crack down on a statewide overdose problem.
Officials rolled out the Washington State Prescription Monitoring Program in October to reduce abuse and promote safe prescription drug use.
The program collects information on commonly abused medications. Read more
