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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
February 2, 2012     Shelton Mason County Journal
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February 2, 2012
 
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JOURNALEDITORIAL Legislation would improve the Discover Pass program egislators in Olympia are considering a bill that allows for the use of one Discover Pass for two vehicles registered to the same address. We think this is a common-sense piece of legis- lation that should be passed and signed by the governor. Last year's introduction of the $30 Discover Pass to ac- cess Washington State Parks, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and Wash- ington Department of Fish and Wildlife lands and waterways was an unpopular, but necessary move. In 2007, $98.5 million from the state's general fund went to parks. In 2011, that amount dropped to $17.8 million. The Discover Pass was meant to help fill the gap. Here in Mason County, we are fortunate to have so much wonderful public access to public land. Many folks resent the fact they have to buy a pass to use public property, but even more folks resent the fact that they often have to buy multiple passes for one household. The legislation being considered, which passed in the Senate this past Friday, would close a silly loophole that forces some families to get hit twice in order to go camping, spend a day on the water or sim, ply have lunch at state park pic- nic areas. As part of the legislation, the Discover Pass would also replace the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's vehicle-access pass. The legislation also in- cludes a section stating that the parks department must provide a 50 percent discount on the price of the Discover Pass if it is pur- chased with certain fishing and hunting licenses or with the pur- chase of a campsite permit. We hope that the House fol- lows the Senate's lead on this leg- islation and passes it along to the governor for her signature. LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR Thanks to all the crews during the storm Editor, the Journal This letter is intended for the many people involved in the safety and service to the people of Mason County during our recent winter storm. We give many thanks and kudos to our PUD 3 employees and especially the linemen. They worked m such dangerous and un- comfortable conditions to ease our situations. The ladies who answered the phone calls reporting Jutages were so very nice ,rod reassuring. Everyone was patient and profes- sional. Thanks also to the cable company for a prompt re- sponse to downed lines and our thanks to the postal service and the paper deliv- ery people. Yes we missed a few days service, but you got us caught up as soon as pos- sible. The road crews have been prompt to clear the roads and especially deal- mg with all the downed trees and branches. We really appreciate the 'esponse of everyone and their dedication to their jobs. Gary and Barbara Nutt Shelton Invest your vote in the future Editor, the Journal In the interest of dis- closure, I am a retired educator. My husband is too if someone who returns almost daily to classrooms in North Mason School Distrct can be considered retired. Substitute teaching keeps him involved with, and inspired by, young peo- ple, the ones we recognize as our nation's future. We reside in the south- west corner of Kitsap County, sandwiched be- tween two school districts that are bravely running school levy elections during an unlikely, almost desper- ate economic downturn. Why even try? Why now, when so many voters would welcome any opportunity to lessen their personal tax burdens? Only having their backs to the wall, caring deeply about kids and pro- grams, when state budget cuts continue to eviscerate districts' abilities to provide even basic education, would force school administrators to take this step, that level of desperation and an en- during faith in the voters of their own communities. I was sickened today as I drove, around Gig Harbor, to see a string of"Vote No" signs, indicating a need for "reforms" and that too much is already expended for each Peninsula School District student. Most of us attended public schools, and have sent our children maybe even grandchil- dren through public schools. For most American children, public schooling provides the door to their economic futures, enhanced by their own work and mo- tivation. How can we adults not accept the responsibility for educating the next genera- tion, for ensuring oppor- tunities to embrace those futures? I know little of the details of the Peninsula School District levy pro- posal, but the North Mason levy is simply a continu- ation of the current levy, buying time and education- al opportunities until the economy improves. Voting "no" tells children they are not important and we are unwilling to invest in them. How can we turn our backs on the coming generation and still face ourselves in that mirror in front of us? Jo Reasons Port Orchard Rush to action unwise Editor, the Journal The letter to the editor written by Debbie Riley of the Mason County Public Health, indicates a rush to hand over the responsibility and authority of the county to the Department of Ecol- ogy in respect to the final solution of the Simpson Timber Co. Dayton Wood and Ash Landfill. There is little information given in the supporting document that was available before the commissioners meeting Tuesday, Jan. 24. Salient points were not mentioned and the most egregious con- cerns were also omitted. I requested a public hearing before anything was voted on and was totally ignored. The information that was given states that Ecology will issue a document after seven days of submitting this request from Mason County Public Health. why is there such a rush to have this done? Simpson has been dumping into this landfill since 1984. Are a few more months going to make such a difference? The public has the right to know and comment on what is happening in this com- munity. The WAC173-350 has 108 pages. The public should have the opportuni- ty to read this information in order to make informed comments either pro or con as to how this should be handled. There is also the EPA rules and regulations to check, as these are some- times different than what Ecology uses. It is true that this landfill is a mixed bag of wastes. According to the last report dated April 15, 2011 there are several high readings for elements and compounds. In particular it states, "Two ash samples were analyzed for total RCRA 8 metals. Barium, cadmium, chromium and lead were detected in the samples. Chromium con- centrations exceeded the MTCA Method A soil clean up level for chromium VI. Yes, this is the same chemi- cal that Erin Brockovich sued Pacific Gas and Elec- tric Co. in Hinckley, Calif., for and won the case be- cause of the cancer caus- ing effects it has. We also need the environmental impact statement that was required in 1989 for the permit application. These are important reports that need to be taken seriously. If contami- nants like these get into groundwater, it can cost millions and millions of dollars to clean up if it can be cleaned up. It is over an aquifer with Vance Creek running through it into the Skokomish River and then into Hood Canal. We would do well by slowing down the rush to get this site closed before all the information is available and a way to resolve this problem is planned in a very careful comprehensive way to ensure safety for our groundwater and ensure the responsibility and cost for all cleanups is borne by the contaminator. Patricia Vandehey Shelton Children of WaShington state take a back seat again Editor, the Journal Children of Washington state take a back seat in the legislature again. Plas- tic bags, driving in the rain with headlights and gay marriage are much more important in Olympia. Kids can't vote, so year after year the arrogant, self- centered elected "leaders" of our state ignore our schools. Frank Chopp has an iron grip on every Democrat in the House. Nothing sees the light of day without his blessing. The Senate is the same. The Gover- nor gives lip service. She called a special session of the legislature, paid them for doing nothing and still has no budget solution. while bloated bureaucra- cies mushroom and gorge on tax dollars, children in our schools receive less and less. But teachers and prin- cipals are held accountable when their schools cannot meet all the mandates the State imposes. The state Supreme Court ruled the legislature is not meeting its constitutional responsibility; Frank Chopp says they'll "try" to fix that by 2018. So, what happens to our children between now and then? It will take a decade to rebuild the pro- grams, libraries, teaching staff, etc., and in the mean- time, more kids are robbed of the one thing that most parents can't provide with- out public schools. This illegal and sense- less tragedy has occurred over several terms, but Gov. Chris Gregoire has presided over the latest most egregious attacks on our schools. Her legacy and that of her legislative body of friends will be the dis- integration of Washington state public schools. Thanks Queen Chris, you'll be re- membered. Carrie Riplinger Seabeck Mason County lacks legislative clout Editor, the Journal I can't help but look with envy when I see Tacoma bull d a new bridge, and do extensive repairs on anoth- er, and see Seattle building a very expensive tunnel. We have one of the highet gas taxes in the nation, but can't seem to corral our share down here in Mason County. We have been living with a killer intersection for many years (Lynch Road and U.S. Highway 101). They need to close it off and build a connector road down to the large intersection a half-mile away, but it never seems to happen. We have a road that has been crumbling into the bay (State Route 302) just past Victor for years and the best we can do is keep pil- ing blacktop on it and put- ting up traffic cones. l get the impression Ma- son County has no clout in the legislature. Perhaps new faces over there are in order. Don Stacy Allyn Help needed for transplant Editor, the Journal An account has been opened at Our Community Credit Union for Bill Morton and Ramona Brehmeyer. Bill needs a kidney trans- plant and Ramona is going to be his donor. Bill was em- ployed at Little Creek Casi- no as a facilities tech and is the husband of Tami Morton who works in the cage and Ramona Brehmeyer works in TLS. They need help with expenses as Ramona and Tami are out of vacation and sick leave. Tami will be out of work to take care of Bill. The families of Bill and Ramona would very much appreciate your help. Donna Wells Shelton PAPERBOY like Add as many zeros as you "n the 1970s then-standup come- tin said it was the last number before Here's my evidence: You and I don't | dian Steve Martin had a bit he infinity. . read emails very thoroughly because .,L called googlephonics. There is comfort in this for me today they are so prolific and Google makes Google, as almost no one knows because it is the beginning and the its money by selling advertisers data today, was originally derived from a near end of the most prolific media so those advertisers can send you more By TOM mathematical term which was simply company of my lifetime. And it is iron- ' emails. The more emails they send a really, really big number (a one, fol- ic (and comforting to a paperboy) that (and it may double by the time you put MULLEN lowed by a hundred zeros). Steve Mar- their name will be their own end. this paper down) the less you pay at- ---it means nothing tention. The U.S. Post Office is on the brink of collapse and the main reason is the postman carries about half the junk mail he once did to your mailbox. Hurray for us when we open our See Paper Boy on page A-5 lr:: Shelton-Mason County ii USPS 492-800 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Shelton-Mason County Journal, RO. Box 430, Shelton, WA 98584. Published weekly by Shelton-Mason County Journal, Inc. at 227 West Cota Street, Shelton, Washington Mailing address: P.O. Box 430, Shelton, WA 98584 Telephone (360) 426-4412 • www.masoncounty.com Periodicals postage paid at Slelton. Washington Sheton-Mason County Journal is a member of Washington Newspaper Publishers' Association. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $37 per year for Mason County addresses, $51 per year in state of Washington but outside Mason County, $61 per year out of state. Owned and published by Sheton-Mason County Journal, Inc Kari Sleight, publisher Advertising: Jesse MuUen, general mgr. Dave Pierik, St. Acct. Executive Harvey Morris, ad representative Newsroom: Kevan Moore, managing editor Front office: Aria Shephard, North Mason, Donna Kinnaird, bookkeeper environment, reporter Margot Brand, circulation Natalie Johnson, reporter Cricket Carter, mailroom Emily Hanson, sports reporter supervisor Adam Rudnick, copy editor Page A-4 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Thursday, February 2, 2012 Corn posing room: William Adams, graphics Koleen Wood, c lassifieds/legals Becky Corr, typing Pressroom: Kelly Riordan, production manager Travis Miller press operator