Council retreats set good fiscal example
February 8, 2012
There are boundless examples of government agencies spending excessive amounts on frivolous things, but it’s a rare occasion to see it in North Bend or Snoqualmie.
For example, there are many city councils and school boards around the state that still think it’s OK to spend a couple of days at a resort for an annual retreat of council members.
Even if participants pay for their own rooms, the costs get higher than need be.
The size of a city or its budget should matter when it comes to setting a good example.
We wholeheartedly believe City Council members need time together for less formal talks to get better acquainted and to set annual goals for themselves and the city administration.
Keeping the retreats local not only makes it more available for interested citizens and city employees to attend and listen, but also keeps city costs to a reasonable level.
North Bend City Clerk Susie Oppedal said the total cost of the City Council retreat held Jan. 27 at Boxley’s restaurant was just $568.86. This included a continental breakfast and lunch for 17. The city didn’t even bring in a facilitator.
We expect the cost for the Snoqualmie City Council retreat was very similar, held at the city’s fire station meeting room Jan. 30-31.
Choosing to keep costs at a minimum is responsible government at its best.
Spending money at local businesses gets another round of applause.
Juvenile criminal names should be public
February 1, 2012
The Legislature is now considering two bills that would restrict access to records of crimes committed by minors, only allowing disclosure in the case of “serious violent offenses” as defined by law.
Lesser violent crimes and property crimes would remain confidential.
The bills are bad ones, and should be stopped.
When a juvenile commits a serious crime, nobody involved takes the matter lightly. From the prosecutors to the courts, to the media that reports on crime, everyone weighs the value of punishing an individual against the needs of society.
The policy at SnoValley Star is to report the names of juveniles only when they are charged with a felony. We did not arrive at this policy lightly. We’re glad to say it is infrequent that we come across minors charged with felonies. We do understand the implications when we choose to publish the name of a minor. But we stand by the public’s right to know.
Editorial
January 25, 2012
Help local businesses recover from storm
“Support your local business” takes on new meaning when your city becomes a frozen wasteland for three or four days.
While homeowners were struggling to stay warm without power, business owners were wringing their hands over the lost business. Restaurants and markets were particularly hard hit as food went to waste without proper refrigeration. Employees, too, suffered the loss of wages. It was life interrupted, not a fun week.
This week, we can try to make it a bit better for each other. Tip your waiter or other service provider just a little extra. Be sure any purchases you make are done locally to help businesses recoup the lost revenue.
Don’t forget to say thank you to those who are helping out. Offer a cup of coffee to the utility workers repairing lines or clearing trees. Let them know they are appreciated.
This is the Snoqualmie Valley, where neighbors help neighbors. With the usual thoughtfulness for the other guy, we’ll be just fine.
Editorial
January 18, 2012
Valley, Wenatchee find common ground
There is nothing wrong with the good people living in Chelan and Kittitas counties, and they even have a few things in common with the Snoqualmie Valley. Both regions share the Cascades and its numerous recreational opportunities. But that’s about it.
Apparently, we will now share a representative for the new 8th Congressional District, per the new boundaries drawn by the redistricting committee.
Many would think that redistricting to balance populations would create compact, geographic districts with similar demographics. No. The committee’s real job is to protect incumbents and the two-party system.
Governor’s bold move is good for all of us
January 11, 2012
We applaud Gov. Chris Gregoire’s move to pass state legislation that would allow same-sex marriage in Washington state.
It has been nearly 20 years since the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled that the restriction of marriage to opposite-sex couples would be presumed unconstitutional. In 1999, the Vermont Supreme Court held that same-sex couples must receive the same benefits as married couples. Subsequent court decisions have held that “civil union” laws would not suffice, calling instead for marriage equality.
Many countries — including all of the Canadian provinces — now allow gay marriage. In the United States, six states and the District of Columbia now accept gay marriages.
In 2009, the Washington Legislature approved a bill granting domestic partners the same rights as married couples, so long as those rights did not conflict with federal law. Voters approved the measure in a referendum later in the year.
Our 2012 goals for the Valley
January 4, 2012
There were many changes in the Snoqualmie Valley in 2011, most for the better. Our goals for the Valley this year will continue to build stronger communities.
Snoqualmie Hospital District. Too many decisions are being made in the dark with only rubber stamping from commissioners. The district must make its policy-making process open to the public by posting public documents online, giving ample notice of meetings, and posting meeting agendas and minutes in a timely fashion.
Tourism, community events. North Bend has led the charge by adding several events to the Valley, including the Warrior Dash and the cinema festival. Snoqualmie has supported the Cinco de Mayo Half-Marathon. Both cities continue to improve on their marquee events — Railroad Days and the Festival at Mount Si. Both cities should continue these efforts wholeheartedly, and put a worthwhile amount of money into marketing them both in and out of the Valley. These days, tourism is the best bet for much-needed economic development.
Transportation. There is often a clash between residents and tractor-trailers around the former Truck Town area in east North Bend. The City Council must consider planning changes. We know just the person to lead the effort — newly elected Councilman Ryan Kolodejchuk, who made the issue a key part of his campaign.
County infrastructure. King County doesn’t have enough money to repair its roads and has to all but abandon some. The county should put projects out to bid and temporarily ease some of its own regulations that add to the cost of road work.
Editorial
December 28, 2011
Thank you to the Star’s letter writers
The SnoValley Star strives to serve as a forum for earnest community conversation. We could not do this without participation from you, our readers. We want to thank the people who took a few minutes to write a letter to our editorial page during the past year. Thank you for sharing your passionate voice.
Editorial
December 21, 2011
Celebrate holidays by helping others
The economy seems to be picking up steam, but things are still tight for many families. In Snoqualmie Valley, most residents still have presents under the tree or near the menorah.
Now is the time to remember those in greater need than you. It doesn’t hurt that it is also the end of the year, a good time to assess your finances and your tax bracket to determine your ability to give.
Valley residents as a whole are among those in a position to share. We have no doubt that most in the area are generous with what they have.
Hunting elk is a humane solution
December 14, 2011
Elk have been damaging the golf course at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge for two years. The damage has only worsened as time has gone on.
Controlled hunting of the elk is the best option left at this point. This page has consistently stood for conservation but that is not a concern in this case.
Club officials have tried other measures, even having an employee stay on the course during the night to scare away the elk, but these measures have failed.
The club is losing money. Its value is in its golf course, which elk are tearing up. It is not simply an issue of aesthetics, but of a potentially significant economic loss.
The state-run Master Hunter Program will conduct the hunt in a safe and humane way. It will be controlled and careful. The goal is to kill two or three elk in the hope of discouraging others from visiting the golf course.
With elections over, time to get to work
December 8, 2011
With the Nov. 8 general election results certified and the results of four ballot recounts due in the coming week, it is time to look to the next step.
It is time for the candidates — the winners and the losers — to back up their campaign promises with action.
It is easy to be cynical about the disparity in government between what is said in stump speeches and what is done after the election, to assume that it must pervade all levels of government. But happily, local government often offers a refreshing break from the birthright of politicians — hypocritical, self-interested behavior.
The winners of races in the Snoqualmie Valley face daunting challenges. Infrastructure maintenance and economic development are among the chief concerns this year.
Every candidate for City Council in North Bend and Snoqualmie promised voters they would offer sound fiscal leadership while trying to spur economic activity and keeping city roads in working order.
Given the outlook for the local economy — as morose and gray as the region’s late fall weather — it is doubtful that anyone could deliver on all of those goals.
With both cities passing conservative budgets, city leaders must choose their goals wisely. Projects should never be undertaken simply because construction costs are down or a grant is available.
That is like buying something simply because it is on sale. Saving money on a purchase doesn’t matter if you don’t need the item in the first place.
With municipal resources limited, cities must focus their work on what is most important. (And make headway on other priorities as much as possible.)
