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.

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.

If you were the victim of a string of home burglaries or neighborhood arson fires, you’d want to know who did it. We believe you’d want to know regardless of whether it was an adult or a teen — especially if the suspect lived next door.

It is just as important to ensure that the wrong people are not accused of a crime. Too frequently, the school-based gossip mill implicates an innocent person. Reporting in the media can make clear who is actually the suspected criminal.

Juvenile defense attorneys are asking the Legislature to rewrite the law because the publicity can have a negative impact on the lives of children once they reach adulthood.

Certainly, a person should not have to suffer their entire life for a crime they committed when they were minors. But this proposal (Senate Bill 6292 and House Bill 2542) to restrict access to court records goes too far.

The public needs to understand what is happening in their community and who is doing it.

Restricting access to juvenile court records goes too far toward protecting the individual over the community as a whole.

“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.

And thank you, cities

Special thanks to the cities of North Bend and Snoqualmie for quickly setting up storm debris collection sites. North Bend will allow drop off at its public works yard this weekend, and Snoqualmie will collect tree limbs both this weekend and next.

Thanks also to Republic Services (formerly Allied Waste) for its assistance.

There is no doubt that the sooner the fallen debris is cleaned up, the sooner we can put this past week of stress and challenges behind us.

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.

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.

The time is right to put the gay marriage law on the table. It will already be at the forefront as a topic of the presidential race. Washington will further the discussion as Gregoire’s bill is debated in the Legislature. While there is no guarantee the bill will pass, we believe it is a natural next step — from equality in benefits to a legitimate view in the eyes of the law.

While many citizens do believe the sanctity of marriage should be limited by law to the union of a man and woman, we also believe the populous has become more accepting of same-sex partnerships. What real difference does it make to anyone outside of the marriage partners whether or not the marriage is legitimized through state law?

We understand that there will be churches that will not accept a same-sex marriage, no matter what the law says. Religion comes with the freedom of belief. Church leaders should be able to choose whether or not to perform a same-sex marriage. That is their right.

Even if the governor’s bill is passed, we expect it will be challenged. It’s healthy discussion that will eventually get us where we want to be — an accepting community that welcomes diversity.

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.

Snoqualmie Ridge retail. Right now, motorists on Snoqualmie Parkway see nothing distinguishing the core of the Ridge’s retail sector. The proposed art sculpture at the entrance is a good start, but Ridge businesses need more support if they are to survive. The city might offer incentives to attract a bigger destination retailer.

State budget. State employees should share a greater amount of the cost for their health benefits. The divide between salaries for private sector and public sector employees has been greatly reduced, but public employees still enjoy overly generous health insurance plans. The state and our local school district should also embrace the idea of reducing the school year by four days, provided there is no change in the number of education hours.

Marijuana. Put this debate to rest. There are no good arguments for keeping it illegal. Legalization will bring better control and will help the economy. Meanwhile, North Bend should lift its ban on medical marijuana gardens.

School leadership. The Snoqualmie Valley School District must listen to more community voices without fear of presenting a disjointed front. With school cuts looming statewide it is important that new ideas be welcomed. Inventiveness can save not just a few dollars and cents, but jobs and resources.

Get acquainted. One of the great things about the Snoqualmie Valley is its sense of community. Many people already know their neighbors, but there are many newcomers who have not yet gotten involved. Everyone benefits from a friendlier, safer, well cared-for community.

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.

And please keep those letters coming in 2012!

Kim Arellano

Nancy Baker

Herschel Backues

Scott Barnett

Busby family

Philip Cassady

Stacey Chellis

William Combs

David and Lisa

Cook

Jeri Cranney

Joe Crecca

Jim Curtis

Rick Davies

Ron Denaro

Barbi Donovan

Ilse Dujmovic

Heidi Dukich

Dave Eiffert

Art Farash

Josiah Farrell

Nancy Flanagan

Alan Fletcher

Tamara Franklin

Art Galloway

Lanice Gillard

Rick Grant

Cheryl and Steve

Hanson

Bill Hayden

Mark Hennig

Sally Busby Hill

Kim Horn

Sandy Horvath

T.J. Hoving

Sheila Hunter

Stephen Kangas

Steve Kowalsky

Rev. Jan Larson

Matthew R. Larson

Jan Van Liew

Chris Lodahl

Mitch Lucas

Brent Lutz

Tina Maloney

Kit McCormick

Gail A. McCullough

Frank McFadden

Leslie Moon

Mount Si Gay

Straight Alliance

officers

Denis Morrison

Brian Murphy

Dotti Newton-

Denaro

Ron and Chris

Pedee

Liz Piekarczyk

Ruth Posey

Jon Pulsipher

Jim Reitz

Riley, Snoqualmie

Middle School

student

Chris Schotzko

Aimee (Rhynalds)

Sherrill

L. Silver

Carolyn Simpson

Wes Sorstokke

Thomas Som

Mike Thompson

Lorraine Thurston

Andrea Toomey

Lucy Watts

David Willson

Eric Yotz

Charles Zeder

Jenny Zinke

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.

For Valley families making donations, the only real question is which charity to support, which one can make a real difference in the lives of others.

These agencies do good work helping others help themselves. We recommend local tax-deductible donations to:

Fund for the Valley — A fund set up by the SnoValley Star to support local charities. This year’s recipient is the Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank. Donate by mailing checks to Fund for the Valley, c/o SnoValley Star, P.O. Box 2516, North Bend, WA 98045.

House of Hope — This privately-funded shelter for homeless women with children transitions families into stable housing situations. Along the way, the women learn the skills they need to succeed. It is run by Mamma’s Hands, a Bellevue-based group. Donate online at www.mammashands.org, or mail donations to Mamma’s Hands, P.O. Box 40464, Bellevue, WA 98015-4464. Make your checks payable to “Mamma’s Hands.”

Hopelink — Food, shelter, homelessness prevention, child development, transportation and adult literacy education. Donate online at www.hope-link.org. Mail checks or drop off food donations to 16225 N.E. 87th St., Suite A-1, P.O. Box 3577, Redmond, WA 98073.

Once the holiday gifts are unwrapped and the winter vacation is over, take a few minutes to count your blessings and consider a year-round gift to community neighbors nearby.

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.

Snoqualmie Valley’s elk herd is large with more than 400 head. They have found comfortable living close to the Valley’s recent residential developments, where they have plenty of food and few predators. As a result, their population has rapidly grown during the past 10 years. Their numbers do not need to be protected.

Some in the community object to controlled hunting, saying that the elk were here before Snoqualmie Ridge. But the herd was much smaller when the golf course was developed. There was no conflict then.

Human development has helped the Valley’s elks.

But there is a bigger question that remains unresolved: Sprawl. How much should humans be permitted to develop in currently undeveloped areas?

The answer doesn’t matter for the Ridge. It has already been almost entirely built. The answer matters for the next potential development. If we want to avoid shooting elk for trampling a golf course, we must commit to creating more density in already developed areas.

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.)

State lawmakers are trying to close another budget gap — a $1.4 billion shortfall this time. Gov. Christine Gregoire has floated a couple of ideas that would impact education to deal with the budget crisis.

One idea is a half-penny-per-dollar increase to the sales tax, which state legislators and voters must approve to be enacted. The new revenue would be targeted for education.

Another idea to help local school districts deal with looming budget cuts would be for the state to reduce the required number of school days per year. We like the idea, although we acknowledge that it could be a burden for working parents who have to pay for more child care — or would it?

State law currently requires kindergarten students to have no less than 180 half days per year. Students in grades one through 12 must have at least 180 separate school days.

But take a closer look. Another state law requires districts to provide at least 1,000 hours of instruction time for students in grades one through 12 and at least 450 hours for kindergarteners.

Gregoire’s proposal to drop the 180 days per year down to 176 days would not reduce the average total hour requirement.

It shouldn’t be that hard to squeeze 1,000 hours into four fewer days. Let’s do the math. Divide 1,000 hours by 180 days and you average 5.55 hours per day. With 176 days, the average day is 5.68. That’s an increase of eight minutes per day.

The advantage is the savings for the Snoqualmie Valley School District in utilities, transportation, and wear and tear on facilities. There could also be salary savings in some support staff, from the lunchroom cooks to the front office.

Smaller class sizes and quality education are the priority, not the number of days students get on the bus.

In recent years, voters have decided that the Legislature needs a supermajority to raise taxes — essentially taking that option off the table.

If the initiative process is here to stay, one vital change should be made. All ballot language must include the financial impact.

Since 2000, we, the voting people, have decided that teachers need to be paid more, class sizes need to be lower, we don’t want to pay license tab fees of more than $30, we won’t pony up an extra couple of pennies for tax on a candy bar or bottle of water, and the latest, that people who provide care for senior citizens or the disabled should receive more training.

They are, generally, worthy ideas. Who is against lower taxes, smaller class sizes, cheaper candy or more training for Grandma’s caretaker?

Nowhere in any of these initiatives does it mention the cost. With a tax hike off the Legislature’s table, mandating more money for one program means taking it from somewhere else.

The fix for this is simple. Any initiative should state explicitly what the impact is to state or local budgets. These explanations should be both in the text of the initiative and in the voter’s guide.

Material backing up the presented facts must be presented to the Secretary of State for verification before the initiative goes on the ballot. Further, a summary of the financial impact, verified by a budgeting agency, must be included in the voter’s guide summary, both pro and con.

For too long, Washington voters have used the initiative process as a way to dream up and implement nice-sounding ideas completely detached from the reality of paying for them.

If initiators truly believe in their ballot proposal, they should have to do the financial homework and present it to the voters.

The Wildcats volleyball team took sixth place in the state tournament for the second consecutive year. Senior Sarah McDonald was named the Most Valuable Player for the 3A KingCo Conference. Coach Bonnie Foote again earned the coach of the year honor from her colleagues in the 3A KingCo Conference. Year in and year out, Foote has taught her players to persevere when faced with adversity or a bad break.

At its best, high school sports teach life lessons and leadership skills that remain with players long after they have left the playing field. Mount Si’s coaches excel at that mission each season.

Volleyball wasn’t the only team to go to the state tournaments. Mount Si’s football team and girls soccer team each advanced to state. The teams got there thanks to the hard work of the players, coaches and supporters.

Team supporters and boosters deserve recognition as well. Where would high school sports be without parents taking athletes to and from practices and games? Or the community’s fundraising efforts to buy equipment and pay travel expenses school budgets can’t cover?

A team’s success is something the entire community can celebrate. It is, after all, a reflection of that community’s commitment to its youth.

And dedication is so important for student athletes. Without it, Mount Si’s Bailey Scott would not have finished 41st in the state cross-country championship.

It was a great season for Mount Si High School, but ultimately, the success of a school’s athletic program is determined by the character of its student athletes, not the number of banners in the gym.

This year, Veterans Day will be especially meaningful for Snoqualmie Valley residents. The Snoqualmie Valley Veterans Memorial will be dedicated at 11 a.m. Nov. 11, 2011.

The monument honors the Valley’s veterans and pays a special tribute to those young men and women who went to war and did not return. There are more than 70 names on the memorial stone.

Around the stone sit 10 large rocks, one from the Valley’s cities and larger communities. For years to come, the rocks will keep a silent vigil around the memory of the fallen.

The monument has been many years in the making. It is the product of long hours and support from all across the Valley. It is being dedicated because Valley residents have not forgotten their fallen neighbors.

The men and women on the memorial stone gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, but service need not be limited to joining the military.

Everyone can serve their country and their community. The first step is to get involved, make a commitment and follow through.

That is what Rodney Boalch did during World War II. The North Bend native joined the U.S. Navy and was training to be a naval aviator when he died in a training accident.

If people like Boalch can give their lives in service for their country, the rest of us can give an afternoon once a month.

Service shouldn’t be a hair shirt, either. No doubt, Boalch loved the thrill of flying before his fatal accident. So find a way to give back that sparks a passion inside you.

It is based on the assumption that the Legislature has run amok, bending rules on road tolls and taxes.

Voters should hold their elected representatives accountable, and highway tolls shouldn’t be abused by the Legislature. But Tim Eyman’s I-1125 isn’t the way to do either of those things.

I-1125 limits road tolls to funding of a single specific project.

So, if tolling for the new state Route 520 bridge shifts traffic to Interstate 90, causing it to slow to a crawl, drivers will just have to slog through it. There will be no money available for congestion relief on I-90, and tolling I-90 just to return some balance between the two bridges is also out.

I-1125 says tolling rates must be determined by the Legislature, not an appointed commission. We prefer depoliticizing the decision.

It also slips in a little wiggle that stops light rail from expanding across Lake Washington via Interstate 90.Most of all, the Eastside voted to fund light rail from Seattle to Bellevue and beyond. If it is off the table, do we get back our share of taxes already paid?

I-1125 is misleading at best, convoluted for sure. Vote no.

Before Bryant, the commission was at the center of one controversy after another.

Bryant has steered the commission through tough financial management issues and corrected the course. His commitment to bringing port issues to the public is outstanding, and he has gained respect across the political spectrum.

Willard should remain engaged in the public process. The local political scene needs more candidates with his enthusiasm and ideas.

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.

With such big changes in the wind, it’s time an independent voice joined the district’s board of commissioners.

Gene Pollard offers that voice. He is running for Commissioner Position No. 3.

Pollard will ask hard questions of the district’s administration that the current board has not. He also promises to push for increased transparency for the board by having documents and meeting minutes posted online.

Despite collecting millions in property taxes, the district does not make it easy for residents to find out how their money is being spent.

Pollard’s opponent, Karyn Denton, has not pledged to make similar reforms. Denton is the hospital district’s former chief operating officer. How can she be asked to provide oversight of her former colleagues? It’s this close tie that concerns us, that she will not be the independent voice the commission needs during this important transitional time in the hospital’s history.

Pollard will serve the hospital district and the taxpayers well.

Pedee’s opponent, Daniel Lang, is well intentioned, but it isn’t clear that he can improve on the commendable job that Pedee has done.

Pedee should take note of Lang’s pledge to control costs. Taxpayers have been hard hit by the Great Recession and sluggish recovery. Pedee should take a tough stand on his directive to EFR when negotiating contracts with firefighters. Pedee has already demonstrated his ability to keep costs down, even if not as much as some taxpayers would like.

Here are the SnoValley Star’s endorsements:

School Board No. 2: Geoff Doy. As a longtime volunteer, Doy has shown that he is dedicated to building on Snoqualmie Valley School District’s successes. He has pledged to improve communication with the community, and to push the district to improve its operations and students’ education. He has not been afraid to question district policy from time to time. That is good, because more open debate of school district policy is greatly needed.

School Board No. 3: Carolyn Simpson. This race offers a difficult choice with no overwhelmingly attractive candidate. Like Doy, Simpson is a longtime volunteer. As president of the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation, she displayed leadership and creative thinking. Since then, she has clashed with the district, sometimes seemingly for inconsequential reasons. But she will ask tough questions, which will generate better policy. Her opponent, Craig Husa has not done that since being appointed to the board in 2009.

School Board No. 5: Dan Popp. Popp is among the most thoughtful school board members. He appreciates issues’ complexities and carefully weighs the options. He has also promised to improve students’ experiences and the quality of their education, and to support faculty and staff development.

North Bend City Council Position No. 7: Piper Muoio. This race offers two appealing candidates. But Muoio’s broader business experience is an asset, especially if she can use it to encourage investors to look at the city. Both candidates are focused on jobs. Muoio has more concrete ideas for what that entails, and she has spent time on the city’s Planning Commission. If she wins, we recommend that her opponent, Ryan Kolodejchuk fill her vacancy on the commission.

Snoqualmie City Council Position No. 2: Jeff MacNichols. As the longest continually serving councilman, MacNichols has institutional knowledge and has a proven record of making good policy. He has continued to focus on keeping the city financially healthy and encouraging businesses to move to Snoqualmie.

Snoqualmie City Council Position No. 4: Kingston Wall. Wall has also shown himself to be a capable and considerate councilor. And while he takes his position seriously, he also sometimes brings some much-needed levity to tense discussions. He continues to be driven by a determination to keep the city’s expenses under control.

These measures will keep the district’s doors open without raising the amount it collects in taxes. Without them, Si View will lose more than half of its operating budget.

The parks district is being threatened by Washington’s archaic property tax system that unfairly punishes the newest taxing districts by giving them the least political clout.

The total of all property levies not collected by the state are limited to $5.90 per $1,000 of assessed value.

The decline in property values has pushed property levies in many areas up against that $5.90 cap. Washington’s tax system does not spread the burden among all public districts providing nonessential services. Instead, it uses a seven-tier system. Whichever entity is last bears the full burden.

That will happen next year to the Si View Metropolitan Park District. In 2011, Si View collected 53 cents per $1,000. Based on current projections for next year, it could only collect 9 cents per $1,000.

That will leave it with about $190,000 rather than the roughly $1.18 million it collected this year. The district also earns about $800,000 from user fees.

Propositions No. 1 and No. 2 protect Si View’s funding.

Proposition No. 1 protects 25 cents of the district’s levy, meaning the combined property levy would exceed $5.90.

Proposition No. 2 asks voters to approve a maintenance-and-operations levy for 21 cents per $1,000.

Even with both, the district will still collect slightly less money next year than it did this year.

But without them, it will not be able to provide its 300 programs, which serve about 110,000 people a year.

Ask yourself: How much good does the Si View Metropolitan Park District do for the community?

Initiative 1183 — putting liquor sales in the hands of retailers instead of the state —is worth a yes vote.

Last year, voters were asked a similar question, challenging the state’s monopoly on liquor sales. The voters said no. But I-1183 is vastly different.

For one thing, small stores like mini-marts will not be allowed to sell liquor, squelching the fear that teens will have more access than ever. Only stores larger than 10,000 square feet will qualify, unless a smaller store is the only option in town.

Second, under I-1183, state revenues will increase with the state out of the liquor business, primarily due to retail license fees equivalent to 17 percent of all liquor sales. The state Office of Financial Management estimates I-1183 could increase state revenues by about $200 million in the first year, and by another $200 million over the next six years.

Liquor licenses can be denied to those outlets that sell to minors. With the state out of the business of selling alcohol, the Washington Liquor Control Board would have more time to concentrate on enforcement and oversight of its license holders.

Don’t expect huge drops in liquor prices because the state’s high tax on liquor will not change. But, yes, prices will be more competitive with the state’s monopoly set aside.

That’s the way a free enterprise system is supposed to work, and it will under I-1183.

I-1183 is much improved over last year’s initiatives 1100 and 1105. There is little reason to vote against this bill. It is about privatizing liquor sales, not making access easier. Beware the anti-1183 campaign that attempts to create fears that are not based on the facts.

Ballots will be in the mail mid-October. Watch for them, and vote yes on I-1183.

On Monday, King County Executive Dow Constantine presented his proposed 2012 budget — with no cuts.

No cuts.

It is almost hard to believe in this era of seemingly endless budget crises, when every year seems to require another round of fiscal triage.

Constantine’s administration and county employees have done an excellent job of saving money by finding new efficiencies. The County Council has supported these efforts in a pragmatic, nonpartisan way.

But “no cuts” does not mean service levels are where they need to be.

The county’s roads continue to deteriorate, because the traditional funding formula is not bringing in enough money to cover the maintenance work required on the county’s 1,600 miles of roads.

In 2011, the county’s Road Services Division’s budget is about $106 million, well below the $240 million needed to maintain and improve the county’s roads.

Most of the money for the work comes from the Road Levy. Following the latest annexations, the levy is paid by the roughly 250,000 residents in unincorporated King County.

And yet, we all benefit from county roads, especially in the Snoqualmie Valley.

As Constantine noted, the funding formula is outdated and unfair. It must be updated. There are many models for raising the needed money that should be explored.

Constantine said it is up to a commission convened by Gov. Chris Gregoire to develop a new formula to pay for Washington’s transportation needs. Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett is representing King County, which is reassuring.

Can we trust Olympia to solve King County and the state’s transportation problems? Given the lack of leadership in Olympia on so many matters, it is hard to believe that the governor’s group can tackle the problem.

King County leaders must be ready to go it alone if necessary, and not look to the state for solutions.

Please, powers-that-be, draw the lines based on logical groups of people, not on how best to create districts safe for one party or the other.

Logic does not divide small cities. Logic does not have a district that encompasses large portions of both sides of the Cascades. Logic does not base district boundaries on today’s representation without acknowledging that elected officials and political leanings will change dramatically over the next decade.

Washington uses a bipartisan committee to draft boundaries. But a bipartisan commission is a long way from a nonpartisan commission. Political parties appointed the commission members. When the commissioners think in terms or red and blue, the other colors of our political rainbow are shut out.

The four suggested maps show a wide array of ideas. With public input, the anointed team must come up with a final solution, or let the Supreme Court justices decide. It’s a tough assignment.

For the Snoqualmie Valley, there are things to like and dislike about each of the four proposed redistricting maps:

None of the proposals put Snoqualmie or North Bend in separate districts. There is no reason to do so.

But two of the proposals put the upper Valley in an 8^th Congressional District that is stretched across the Cascades. The Wenatchee and Snoqualmie valleys have very different interests. Will flooding matter as much to a representative elected in large part by voters from central Washington?

Demographics require that some districts cross the mountains. The commission should stretch the 3^rd District, where the mountains create a much smaller cultural and political divide.

Until there is a good soaking rain, the danger will continue. Eastside Fire & Rescue responded last week to a brush fire in Klahanie, just north of Issaquah. The cause is unknown, but the fire would not have spread so quickly nor so far if not for a ready supply of dry debris.

EFR officials suggest doing a little cautionary cleaning around your home, watch where you dispose of cigarette butts and be wary of overzealous barbeques. Better safe than sorry.

It’s a reasonable pay increase for uncertain economic times. The firefighters also agreed to opt out of the usual practice of factoring in the salaries of other area departments when considering what their raise should be.

They were also willing to leave changes to their work schedule out of contract talks, which could have been held up by the issue. We hope the union and EFR board can reach an agreement on this issue without the motivating factor of the contract.

Last time around, it was the firefighters who researched health insurance plans and found a cheaper alternative, saving firefighter jobs and taxpayer money in the process.

Locking in a three-year contract also has a side benefit. The agreement which created the multi-agency EFR expires in 2014. Without the distraction of labor negotiations, partners can focus on how best to continue forward, either in partnership or separately.

Part of the legacy is pain, shock, fear, suffering, introspection, resolve and hope.

But one thing is clear: Our communities remain strong. Terrorists cannot destroy the bonds that tie neighbor to neighbor.

The past 10 years began with a shock of violence that left a profound emotional scar on our country’s psyche. The decade has seen America work through its initial fear, spend much in blood and treasure on two wars and evaluate its role in the world. It has also seen Americans engage in national introspection about who we are and what our most essential values are.

Fear prompted a rise in security measures largely unknown during peacetime in America. Some of these measures have proven valuable and worthwhile. Also, we have debated and continue to debate the value of other measures. But we have not let fear alone guide us.

Continued attempts to attack America have proven that appropriate vigilance is indeed needed.

The attacks of Sept. 11 prompted a nationwide focus on preparing for disasters of all sorts — manmade and natural ones. We are all safer today because of training and resources that were not widely available before 9/11.

As time has passed, the shock of 9/11 has ebbed for most of us. Life has returned to normal, even though the shadow of that day will always be with those of us who lived through it.

Terrorists might have been able to shut down air travel for a few days in our country, but they cannot break our communities, which are the backbone of America.

As summer and its busy weekends wind down, kids are back in school and life gets back to a routine. It’s time to think about new activities.

Fall might mean a new computer class or getting back into a fitness program, signing up the kids for extracurricular activities — or volunteering.

Volunteer opportunities can involve your whole family or just you. They can be onetime or recurring things. Think big, think small, and then take action!

Schools also need numerous volunteers, either in the office or the classroom. Youth groups are calling for Scout leaders; Sunday schools need teachers and coaches.

The Mount Si Food Bank can always use helping hands to pick up, drop off, sort and hand out food.

The program relies almost entirely on volunteers and donations, and it serves a community in critical need of assistance.

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust has many outdoor projects in and around Snoqualmie Valley if you like to plant trees or pull weeds.

Or help track the Valley’s elk population with the Upper Snoqualmie Valley Elk Management Group.

There’s a club in Snoqualmie Valley for just about every interest and most are all seeking new members this fall, whether it’s to raise a guide dog puppy, raise funds for scholarships or use your ham radio skills in emergencies.

Fall also means election time and there are good City Council and school board candidates who would welcome some volunteer help.

In many ways, fall is so different from summer that it’s like the beginning of a new year.

Use this time to reflect on how your new year can make a difference in Snoqualmie Valley — already a great place to live.

Last week, government worked, and it was amazing to behold.

The King County Council passed bipartisan, compromise legislation creating a $20 car tab fee to keep Metro bus service at current service levels.

This is the way our elected leaders are supposed to work.

We in this state and region have become accustomed to holding a referendum on just about everything, sending every little tax to the voters. Fear of voters blaming state legislators and County Council members keeps them from making the tough decisions.

For all our throwing around of the word democracy, we don’t live in one. This is a republic. The citizens are supposed to elect leaders to actually lead. And if you don’t like what they did, don’t vote for them in the next election.

In this case, the County Council actually managed to pass the fee increase with bipartisan compromises.

County Executive Dow Constantine, Councilwoman Kathy Lambert (who represents the Snoqualmie Valley) and the rest of the council showed that they are not mere ideologues and worked for what they believe to be the best interests of their constituents and the county.

We were opposed to the $20 fee, and still are, but the compromises worked out in the deal — an end to the Seattle free-ride area and 24 free bus passes for everyone who pays the car tab fee — make the bill better public policy.

And that’s really the whole idea. Bipartisan compromise leads to better policy pretty much every time.

We hope our state and federal officials are watching. Sure, in the grand scheme of things $20 to save some bus routes isn’t exactly as challenging as figuring out what to do with Social Security. But working across the aisle to get something done is a lesson all politicians should follow.

School will soon be starting and parents have already begun the major shopping spree to outfit returning students. Not every parent has the means.

In fact, the need for back-to-school supplies has never been as great.

There are 30 percent more requests this year than last. How about it, have you thought to buy an extra box of crayons?

The Mount Si Helping Hand Food Bank expects nearly 250 children of their clients will need backpacks filled with notebooks, paper, crayons and marker pens, red and blue pens, erasers and glue. And those are just among the minimum needs.

Younger kids need scissors and rulers and a box of tissue to stock the classroom. Older students need everything including scientific calculators, memory sticks and composition notebooks. New socks and shoes are also being collected.

This is the week when donations must peak so backpacks can be filled and provided in time for the first day of school.

Donations of new athletic shoes can be brought to Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church, 8020 Railroad Ave. Cash donations for school supplies can be made online at www.mtsifoodbank.org or drop off donations of actual supplies at the food bank, 122 E. Third St., North Bend. Call 888-0096 for more information.

Let’s make sure every Valley student will return to school with excitement, ready to learn. What’s more exciting than a new box of crayons?

King County has made it easy to help, but first you need to get out your ballot and agree to continue Proposition 1, the veterans-and-human-services levy. The owner of a $400,000 home will be donating $20 per year, via their property taxes, if the ballot measure passes.

The levy was first approved in 2005. To the County Council’s credit, voters are asked only to approve the same amount, at 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, although the case could certainly have been made for more, knowing that the need is greater than ever.

Half of the levy is intended to help veterans and their families as they return from active duty.

That won’t change in the next six years if the levy is renewed.

What better way to show a little patriotism and thanks to our veterans for serving our country?

The other half of the $100 million that is expected to be collected through 2017 supports nonprofit agencies that are finding it harder to raise the funds to continue their work, whether it be low-cost dental and medical services, child care or mental health counseling.

The veterans-and-human-services levy is about taking care of each other.

It may come in the form of a property tax, but it is one that voters approve, not just another government handout. Declining sales tax revenues have decreased how much money local governments, including King County, can give to human service providers.

It’s up to each of us to do our part. This is one easy way to help those in need. Vote yes, and tell your friends to vote yes.