Sammamish Forum Feb. 15
February 15, 2012
Stan Chapin will be missed
Sammamish lost an unassuming superstar in the recent death of Stan Chapin, a 40-year-veteran of the King County Sheriff’s Office with the Sammamish Police Dept., a friend to kids, adults and all who love and participate in our rich community life.
The Review’s Feb. 6 article, “Eastlake students mourn death of Stan Chapin,” captured the essence of a wonderful leader and contributor to all our lives. Read more
Sammamish Forum Feb. 8
February 7, 2012
Communication was lax
As a resident of the Cheswick Lane Condominium community, I’d like to thank the Sammamish Review for reporting on the proposed extension of 233rd Ave. Northeast.
What I would like to understand is why this article was the first I had heard of the project.
The city has not posted any signage in the area as they do with other infrastructure projects. Read more
Sammamish Forum Feb. 1
January 31, 2012
We’re in this together
I am moved to respond to John Burg’s Jan. 18 letter.
Can we at least agree that both liberals and conservatives want a strong and healthy America, of which we can be proud, but may disagree on how to do it?
Demonizing our president as evil and “bent on destroying the foundations of our country, our Constitution, our moral values and our economic system” is ridiculous. Read more
Forum Jan. 25
January 25, 2012
City should encourage walking
As I rode the bus in to work this week (leaving my car safely ensconced in my driveway), I was pleased to hear the bus driver praise the city of Sammamish for its snow response.
According to the driver, Sammamish is one of the best communities in the area for keeping the roads driveable during winter weather. Read more
Sammamish Forum Jan. 11
January 11, 2012
Another housing development – really?
Did you know that a 38-lot subdivision is going in on Inglewood Hill Road between the traffic circle at 216th Avenue Northeast and 212th Avenue Northeast?
Four lots, a detention pond and small stream will be located on the south side of Inglewood Hill and the remaining lots on the north side. Read more
Sammamish Forum Jan. 4
January 4, 2012
It’s not religious
In a recent letter to the editor, a reader wrote, “Even though it has been adopted by some non-Christians, a Christmas tree is a symbol with meaning.” Later she wrote, “but make no mistake: if you cut it down, string lights on it and/or bring it inside – it is a religious reference.”
I would like to point out that the Christmas tree is not a Christian symbol adopted by non-Christians, it is a pagan symbol adopted by Christians. Read Jeremiah 10:2-4. Read more
Sammamish Forum Dec. 28
December 28, 2011
Of course it’s about Christmas
A Christmas tree has nothing to do with Christianity? Huh? Is that really what a recent writer tried to say?
Granted the Christmas tree along with Dec. 25, were heisted from the pagan religions that predated Catholicism and Christianity, the Christmas tree is most definitely a Christian symbol. Read more
Sammamish Forum Dec. 15
December 13, 2011
Fight the car wash police
I have noticed in the city of Sammamish that the carwash no longer offers the Armor All Tire Protection.
It appears some government entity has determined in their “they know best attitude” and has now banned the use within the city by car washes. Mind you, I can still buy the product and apply it myself, so it will still be out there in unregulated usage. Read more
Sammamish Forum Dec. 7
December 7, 2011
Actually, the Review was right
Recently, the Review was criticized for saying that Sammamish’s upcoming Critical Areas Ordinance review will be “another battle between property rights and the environment.” The Review was right.
The letter writer, Reid Brockway says we need to balance “extreme environmentalism” with the constitutional right to use our property. His “extreme” language implies some sort of irrational reasoning or even violence that is unfair and inflammatory – and is, hypocritically, the very sort of “adversarial mindset” he accuses the Review of using. Read more
Sammamish Forum November 30
November 30, 2011
Liquor initiative was for the good
Mr. O’Connell has relied heavily on “artistic liberty” in his letter to the Sammamish Forum, Nov. 23, “Money buys votes.” He states that “…a similar measure…was rejected…in a 65-35 split.”
I call this cherry picking facts, flat out. He rambles on and quotes all the negative “facts” that were used by the initiative’s opposition to try to score defeat, when in fact, many of these so-called facts were false.
So let’s look at some real facts: The defeat that he mentions conveniently ignores that there were two measures on the ballot that year, 1100 and 1105.
Initiative 1105 was defeated by the ratio he states (cherry picks), but 1100 was defeated by a much smaller margin 53.5-46.5 approximately, much closer, but still a loss.
I submit that the voters, in general, were confused by the two seemingly similar initiatives and simply voted the path of least resistance.
Now comes 1183, a much better deal in all respects…better for the state, better for the taxpayers, and better for those who choose to consume alcohol.
Finally, and most interestingly, he talks about how Costco will reap hundreds of millions of dollars … blah, blah, but yet he fails to mention that the opponents of 1183, other large corporations (distributors and such), also spent tons of money because they stood to lose the same millions that Costco will now “reap”. Huh?
It’s OK by him that one corporate group profits, but only if it’s the one that he supports?
That simply doesn’t work for me, and thankfully it didn’t work for the majority of voters; and we all win, even those who voted against it.
Clark Stahl
Sammamish
Goodbye
With his final days coming on the Sammamish City Council, I will not shed tears to see Mark Cross depart. During his final hours he is still trying to copy the government in Greece to make sure government employees are well rewarded by milking the property owners.
His limited vocabulary based on tax and spend demonstrates he is no longer competent to serve the public.
One percent here and another 1 percent there is the devil in the city budget. What about people on a fixed income? Does he want them to be forced out of their homes?
These are serious questions that will harm people. What will happen if the national economy goes further into a hole. Tax the homeowners to fill the city bank account?
This city should have never been allowed to incorporate without a proper revenue source.
Today we find ourselves constantly resisting the City Council to stop unwanted projects that are outside the norm.
Bond ratings can be very misleading and change rather quickly.
Heinz W. Maine
Sammamish
An open letter to
business owners
Dear Washington state business owners and employers:
What is the one thing that makes your business the best?
I’m guessing it’s your employees.
How would you describe a great employee?
Motivated, dedicated, high integrity, solution finder, team player.
What if I told you that I can find you employees with those traits, and they can make your business even better?
It’s true.
They are our recently separated military personnel and our National Guard and Reservists and they want to put the skills they learned in the military to work for you!
Sure, their resumes may look a little different than someone who went straight from high school to work or college, but take an extra minute or two to think about how their skill set may bring a different perspective and better balance to your workplace.
Think about the training they received in the military: navigating sophisticated computer systems, interpreting technical data and focusing on important deadlines. Imagine the dedication and commitment it takes to put your country above yourself. That sense of purpose and duty is an asset to any business.
These men and women raised their hand to defend our nation. As business owners and employers, now it’s our turn to look out for them.
Make a commitment to reach out to veterans when you have openings.
The easiest way to do that is to contact the Employment Security Department’s Veteran Service Program and WorkSource.
These employment experts can help you connect with a veteran who will make your business better. They can be reached toll free at 1-877-453-5906 or emailed at HireaVet@esd.wa.gov .
John E. Lee, Director
Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
