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Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
January 25, 2007     Shelton Mason County Journal
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January 25, 2007
 
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Resolving our conflicts Choice need Editor, The Herald: I have been trying to get to know the community by attend- ing meetings and reading the local papers. Wow! Among the positive actions, there are expressions of frustration, fear, hurt and anger. Everyone experiences dis- agreements and change during his lifb. Clearly, the Belfair-area residents have experienced an ex- treme amount of both during the last few years. As a conflict man- agement specialist, I have found the fbllowing reminders helpful in these situations. 1. Focusing on WHY I want something to happen often opens up alternative solutions. Focus- ing only on WHAT I want to have happen tends to limit me to one answer. 2. When trying to explain to the other side why they should agree with my solution, I gener- ally am more successful if I use benefits they will receive. This requires "walking in their shoes." If there are no benefits to them or the benefits include threats, I can't be surprised if they don't agree. 3. Personal attacks are easy when I feel attacked. Although they are easy, I have found such attacks only increase disagree- ment. Focusing on my real con- cerns and not responding with personal attacks can help us find a solution. I hope your readers find these reminders as helpful as I have over the years. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful community as we move into the future. Wanda Thompson Allyn A crisis in Grapeview Editor, The Herald: Peg Ryan's January 18 letter did an excellent job of laying out the problems and suggested solu- tions tbr the current crisis in Ma- son County Fire District 3. She points out that the prob- lems arose from the $50,000 no-interest loan to complete the Grapeview Community Association's expansion of the fire hall. Jackie Longmire's let- ter lists the good works of the Grapeview Community Associa- tion members. She states that the fire district owns the facil- ity, including the association's $250,000 improvements. That is true, but doesn't include the important point that two of the three fire commissioner votes are controlled by staunch association members whose wives are associ- ation board members, effectively giving control to the association. The actions of the commissioners repeatedly reveal their conflict of interest. They should recuse themselves from association- related votes, but instead push through the association's agen- das, such as the above-retbrenced loan. Longmire's letter also cites the many good works of the Grape- view Community Association, and I couldn't agree more. They put on all excellent festival in the summer and I'm sure had the best of intentions with the fire hall expansion. It is a select few members who are taking action on behalf of the whole who have created our current crisis and placed a blemish on the Grape- view Community Association's list of good works. It's not too late to repair the damage. Ryan's letter lays out some solutions. The resignation of" Commissioner Fugere is an- other suggestion I would make. We need a commissioner who is sincerely interested in the fire department and who will give se- rious consideration to its input. That is simply not the case with Commissioner Fugere. Diane R. Hartley Grapeview Can,t support district Editor, The Herald: I was born and raised in Bremerton and our lamily has a summer home on the South Shore where I have spent most sum- mers of my life. I am now a senior citizen who moved to Tahuya 25 years ago. I have always been proud to say I was from "Belfhir." Now people say Belihir seems to have lots of problems, especially in the school system. I am thank- ful that none of" my children or grandchildren are presently in the Belfair schools. The situation with the school board is alarming. It has been reported that 90-plus percent of teachers and administrators have a big problem with the school board. These teachers and admin- istrators are the ones in the front line with your children. Talk to them and support them or the good ones will leave. Would you want a job in our school district if you checked out what was hap- pening here? What qualified su- perintendent would want to come work here? There have got to be people within our community that can help make any changes needed in a positive, people-friendly way. I have always supported the school bonds and levies because I truly /bel that educating our children is one of the most positive ways to secure our future. We need to step up and say our schools are in trouble and get a school board in there that can work with teachers and administrators rather than push them out. I will not vote for our schools until this situation has been resolved. How about the rest of you citizens and parents? What do you want for your chil- dren and grandchildren? Janelle Cain Tahuya R.S.V.P.: Volunteers needed for a wide variety of jobs The Retired and Senior Volun- rience as a tutor is not needed. Ex- games and skills (chess, knitting, teer Program has several volun- teer opportunities fbr North Ma- son residents. Anyone interested in helping out can call 360-426- 3405 for information, referring to the numbers at the end of the items listed below. • Literacy Tutors: Tutor North Mason adults in reading, math, and writing, GED preparation English as a Second Language (ESL). Looking for people with patience, sensitivity, enthusiasm and the ability to work with people from different cultures. Past expe- cellent training is also provided. (2023-2005) • Food Bank Volunteer: Help those in need by handing out food, stocking or picking up donations for the North Mason Food Bank and others. A few hours a week can make a big difference. The fall and winter are especially busy times for the area's food banks. (2031-2039) • Youth MentorfFutor: Do you have a hobby or skill that you would like to teach to youth? Many would enjoy adult mentors to teach them uuuuuu P,O. Box 250, Belfair, Washington 98528 Telephone 275-6680 Belfair office open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday News and advertising copy deadline noon Mondays. For your convenience there is a mail slot by the door for copy. Office located in the Log Plaza. KEVAN MOORE ..................................................................... Editor HARVEY MORRIS ........................................ Advertising Manager LIZ CASE .............................................. Office Manager/Reporter Office Telephone (360) 275-6680 A section of The Shelton-Mason County Journal serving as the voice of Belfair, AIlyn, Grapeview, Tahuya, Mason Lake, South Shore, North Shore and Victor.  card games, etc.). Tutor youth in reading, writing and math. The North Mason branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound helps to inspire and enable all youth to realize their full po- tential as caring, productive and responsible citizens. (3229-5213) • Chore Helper: Keep North Ma- son seniors and the disabled inde- pendent. Low-income seniors and the disabled need help to main- tain their independence. Giving a couple hours when convenient can help make a big difference. There are a variety of needs: household chores, meal preparation, house- hold repairs, lawn work, drive to/from medical appointments or on errands, shop for seniors, etc. (2006-2104) JESFIELD Construction, Inc. Serving the North Mason area since 1967 Specializing in seawall Re-construction and home repairs 275-6684 Frank Merrill Belfair, WA Lic #JESFII*228DO Page 2 - Belfair Herald section of the Shelton-Mason County Journal -Thursday, January 25, 2007 Editor, The Herald: Recent articles in The Kitsap Sun and The Be/fair Herald al- luded to a decision by the board of directors of the Mason County Hospital District to remove the areas of Belfair and northward from their hospital district. We ap- plaud the board for their decision, but don't think they have gone far enough. The same option should be presented to all residents and taxpayers within the North Ma- son School District boundaries. The North Mason area has been a thorn in their side every time they have tried to pass a bond or levy. If we are removed from the hospital district, their chances of passing a bond or levy increase. The big problem is that most North Mason residents who are looking for health care generally go to Bremerton, Silverdale or Port Orchard. Some have even re- tained the same doctors that treat- ed them in Seattle or Tacoma. It isn't just that Mason General is farther away than the Bremerton or Port Orchard medical facilities, Submit a letter through the mail Here at The Belfair Herald we're happy to print as many let- ters to the editor as possible. We do ask that you sign your letter and include a phone number where you can be easily contacted in case there are questions. We also ask that you include your address. We are located in the Log Plaza and our mailing address is P.O. Box 250, Bellair, 98528. Our of- fice can also be reached by calling 275-6680 in case you have ques- tions. but many of the doctors on staff at Mason General their offices in Olympia or It is simply a matter of and convenience. We really don't know dents of Allyn, Victor, and Mason Lake; would be excluded from the ty Hospital District or not. believe they should be choice. Why should we hospital district that can't or provide the kind of health need locally? The North Mason Voice group would like to your opinion. Send your to eOITl. Ralph: INTERIOFI SEASON Chad, owner. Licensed 15 years experience 1-360-277-9241 Cell 1-360-401-0048 HOODCCP979NN Since Valerie McLeod, Physical Thera 70 NE Medical Center Road TRUCKING - & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY, INC. Topsoil * Bark • Mulches. Fill Dirt * Rockery Rock • Crushed Rock • Washed R0 Land Clearing • Free Estimates • Certified Scales • Accepting Stumps, Brush and Belfair 275-3465 Mon.-Fri.: I N Since 1961 Miller Remodeling Buildin on Your Dreams, with Quality and Service . Design/Build 360-275-5702 • Remodels 360-426-2058 • Additions Visi www'tnmillerrem°clelin • Restorations • Custom r,, r,.,t h,,ur ,,r (r,r:,e,,,e so00vl 1",,.1£W IN B£LF2,,Ii00 GREAT ASIA, N FOOD OPEN DAILY 1 1 A.M.-9 P.M. 10 % OFF Any Entree with this ad -- valid thru 2/17/07 23690 NE Hwy 3 * Belfair (N(XI 1:0 NINk'i NklLi  I;kN) (36£ NORTH MASON FIBER COMPANY RO. Box 275 NE 431 Yard Rd.  WA The Place To Take Your YARD & WOOD Waste Contractors Welcome Per Small Load (pick-up Size) OR OPEN DALLY 7 Sl. Per --Trader Load* A.M.- 5 RM. 275-0228 Please call for directions and more informati0 NO Plastics or Garbage PLEASE Resolving our conflicts Choice need Editor, The Herald: I have been trying to get to know the community by attend- ing meetings and reading the local papers. Wow! Among the positive actions, there are expressions of frustration, fear, hurt and anger. Everyone experiences dis- agreements and change during his lifb. Clearly, the Belfair-area residents have experienced an ex- treme amount of both during the last few years. As a conflict man- agement specialist, I have found the fbllowing reminders helpful in these situations. 1. Focusing on WHY I want something to happen often opens up alternative solutions. Focus- ing only on WHAT I want to have happen tends to limit me to one answer. 2. When trying to explain to the other side why they should agree with my solution, I gener- ally am more successful if I use benefits they will receive. This requires "walking in their shoes." If there are no benefits to them or the benefits include threats, I can't be surprised if they don't agree. 3. Personal attacks are easy when I feel attacked. Although they are easy, I have found such attacks only increase disagree- ment. Focusing on my real con- cerns and not responding with personal attacks can help us find a solution. I hope your readers find these reminders as helpful as I have over the years. I look forward to being a part of this wonderful community as we move into the future. Wanda Thompson Allyn A crisis in Grapeview Editor, The Herald: Peg Ryan's January 18 letter did an excellent job of laying out the problems and suggested solu- tions tbr the current crisis in Ma- son County Fire District 3. She points out that the prob- lems arose from the $50,000 no-interest loan to complete the Grapeview Community Association's expansion of the fire hall. Jackie Longmire's let- ter lists the good works of the Grapeview Community Associa- tion members. She states that the fire district owns the facil- ity, including the association's $250,000 improvements. That is true, but doesn't include the important point that two of the three fire commissioner votes are controlled by staunch association members whose wives are associ- ation board members, effectively giving control to the association. The actions of the commissioners repeatedly reveal their conflict of interest. They should recuse themselves from association- related votes, but instead push through the association's agen- das, such as the above-retbrenced loan. Longmire's letter also cites the many good works of the Grape- view Community Association, and I couldn't agree more. They put on all excellent festival in the summer and I'm sure had the best of intentions with the fire hall expansion. It is a select few members who are taking action on behalf of the whole who have created our current crisis and placed a blemish on the Grape- view Community Association's list of good works. It's not too late to repair the damage. Ryan's letter lays out some solutions. The resignation of" Commissioner Fugere is an- other suggestion I would make. We need a commissioner who is sincerely interested in the fire department and who will give se- rious consideration to its input. That is simply not the case with Commissioner Fugere. Diane R. Hartley Grapeview Can,t support district Editor, The Herald: I was born and raised in Bremerton and our lamily has a summer home on the South Shore where I have spent most sum- mers of my life. I am now a senior citizen who moved to Tahuya 25 years ago. I have always been proud to say I was from "Belfhir." Now people say Belihir seems to have lots of problems, especially in the school system. I am thank- ful that none of" my children or grandchildren are presently in the Belfair schools. The situation with the school board is alarming. It has been reported that 90-plus percent of teachers and administrators have a big problem with the school board. These teachers and admin- istrators are the ones in the front line with your children. Talk to them and support them or the good ones will leave. Would you want a job in our school district if you checked out what was hap- pening here? What qualified su- perintendent would want to come work here? There have got to be people within our community that can help make any changes needed in a positive, people-friendly way. I have always supported the school bonds and levies because I truly /bel that educating our children is one of the most positive ways to secure our future. We need to step up and say our schools are in trouble and get a school board in there that can work with teachers and administrators rather than push them out. I will not vote for our schools until this situation has been resolved. How about the rest of you citizens and parents? What do you want for your chil- dren and grandchildren? Janelle Cain Tahuya R.S.V.P.: Volunteers needed for a wide variety of jobs The Retired and Senior Volun- rience as a tutor is not needed. Ex- games and skills (chess, knitting, teer Program has several volun- teer opportunities fbr North Ma- son residents. Anyone interested in helping out can call 360-426- 3405 for information, referring to the numbers at the end of the items listed below. • Literacy Tutors: Tutor North Mason adults in reading, math, and writing, GED preparation English as a Second Language (ESL). Looking for people with patience, sensitivity, enthusiasm and the ability to work with people from different cultures. Past expe- cellent training is also provided. (2023-2005) • Food Bank Volunteer: Help those in need by handing out food, stocking or picking up donations for the North Mason Food Bank and others. A few hours a week can make a big difference. The fall and winter are especially busy times for the area's food banks. (2031-2039) • Youth MentorfFutor: Do you have a hobby or skill that you would like to teach to youth? Many would enjoy adult mentors to teach them uuuuuu P,O. Box 250, Belfair, Washington 98528 Telephone 275-6680 Belfair office open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday News and advertising copy deadline noon Mondays. For your convenience there is a mail slot by the door for copy. Office located in the Log Plaza. KEVAN MOORE ..................................................................... Editor HARVEY MORRIS ........................................ Advertising Manager LIZ CASE .............................................. Office Manager/Reporter Office Telephone (360) 275-6680 A section of The Shelton-Mason County Journal serving as the voice of Belfair, AIlyn, Grapeview, Tahuya, Mason Lake, South Shore, North Shore and Victor.  card games, etc.). Tutor youth in reading, writing and math. The North Mason branch of the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound helps to inspire and enable all youth to realize their full po- tential as caring, productive and responsible citizens. (3229-5213) • Chore Helper: Keep North Ma- son seniors and the disabled inde- pendent. Low-income seniors and the disabled need help to main- tain their independence. Giving a couple hours when convenient can help make a big difference. There are a variety of needs: household chores, meal preparation, house- hold repairs, lawn work, drive to/from medical appointments or on errands, shop for seniors, etc. (2006-2104) JESFIELD Construction, Inc. Serving the North Mason area since 1967 Specializing in seawall Re-construction and home repairs 275-6684 Frank Merrill Belfair, WA Lic #JESFII*228DO Page 2 - Belfair Herald section of the Shelton-Mason County Journal -Thursday, January 25, 2007 Editor, The Herald: Recent articles in The Kitsap Sun and The Be/fair Herald al- luded to a decision by the board of directors of the Mason County Hospital District to remove the areas of Belfair and northward from their hospital district. We ap- plaud the board for their decision, but don't think they have gone far enough. The same option should be presented to all residents and taxpayers within the North Ma- son School District boundaries. The North Mason area has been a thorn in their side every time they have tried to pass a bond or levy. If we are removed from the hospital district, their chances of passing a bond or levy increase. The big problem is that most North Mason residents who are looking for health care generally go to Bremerton, Silverdale or Port Orchard. Some have even re- tained the same doctors that treat- ed them in Seattle or Tacoma. It isn't just that Mason General is farther away than the Bremerton or Port Orchard medical facilities, Submit a letter through the mail Here at The Belfair Herald we're happy to print as many let- ters to the editor as possible. We do ask that you sign your letter and include a phone number where you can be easily contacted in case there are questions. We also ask that you include your address. We are located in the Log Plaza and our mailing address is P.O. Box 250, Bellair, 98528. Our of- fice can also be reached by calling 275-6680 in case you have ques- tions. but many of the doctors on staff at Mason General their offices in Olympia or It is simply a matter of and convenience. We really don't know dents of Allyn, Victor, and Mason Lake; would be excluded from the ty Hospital District or not. believe they should be choice. Why should we hospital district that can't or provide the kind of health need locally? The North Mason Voice group would like to your opinion. Send your to eOITl. Ralph: INTERIOFI SEASON Chad, owner. Licensed 15 years experience 1-360-277-9241 Cell 1-360-401-0048 HOODCCP979NN Since Valerie McLeod, Physical Thera 70 NE Medical Center Road TRUCKING - & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY, INC. Topsoil * Bark • Mulches. Fill Dirt * Rockery Rock • Crushed Rock • Washed R0 Land Clearing • Free Estimates • Certified Scales • Accepting Stumps, Brush and Belfair 275-3465 Mon.-Fri.: I N Since 1961 Miller Remodeling Buildin on Your Dreams, with Quality and Service . Design/Build 360-275-5702 • Remodels 360-426-2058 • Additions Visi www'tnmillerrem°clelin • Restorations • Custom r,, r,.,t h,,ur ,,r (r,r:,e,,,e so00vl 1",,.1£W IN B£LF2,,Ii00 GREAT ASIA, N FOOD OPEN DAILY 1 1 A.M.-9 P.M. 10 % OFF Any Entree with this ad -- valid thru 2/17/07 23690 NE Hwy 3 * Belfair (N(XI 1:0 NINk'i NklLi  I;kN) (36£ NORTH MASON FIBER COMPANY RO. Box 275 NE 431 Yard Rd.  WA The Place To Take Your YARD & WOOD Waste Contractors Welcome Per Small Load (pick-up Size) OR OPEN DALLY 7 Sl. Per --Trader Load* A.M.- 5 RM. 275-0228 Please call for directions and more informati0 NO Plastics or Garbage PLEASE