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Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
March 4, 1999     Shelton Mason County Journal
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March 4, 1999
 
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00eaders' Charges may be vengeful spR,NG ,s ON Enough Oof thzs Th:rn%7000000 ::=eeO000000rwVr00 e Edo:, ruary 18 d.and huddled masses," IT'S WAY-- Journal: e ey are taking front-, paeg coverage of the charg- gun.., which, will be on a very, As for the. of ve.ue GET READY County has two pomp- money from the notorious Bullitt lug of former Shelton Police Offi- very chilly day, but should I, I am even the filing and the acceptance of the state sisters of Seattle. I think Seattle cer DelaCruz by the local prosecu- apparently more thoroughly in- of charges in and by the local ju- HOWl l Management Act (GMA), to be making a career giving private property and elected county offi- They are a Mr. and Mr. Vern Rutter. they have nev- an official vote from to be the citizens' repre- in deciding use of pri- I will concede Mr. Seems to have a quasi- from God to be one caretakers (his let- Journal in July 1996), believe Mr. Diehl has to any supernatural a mandate from of Mason County cit- they are, trying to property owners of Mason how they may use, or not land they worked so hard And it is distasteful liberals should keep their noses and money out of Mason County. I would like to remind these two gentlemen that when the GMA was put to a vote as Initia- tive 547, in 1990, it was defeated by a margin of 3-1, (900,000 against 300,000 for). But those sneaky little Democrats in the state legislature said to Hades with the voters and passed the GMA of 1991 which eventually in- cluded the politically appointed growth management hearings boards. Enough is enough, Mr. Diehl and Mr. Rutter. Either take a va- cation from your sanctimonious obstruction, or pack your carpet bags and go bother the people in another county. The choice is yours, but I would check out the territory first. John Stockler Belfair County attitude urnal: are concerned with the attitude towards commu- concerning the pro- mine on McEwan invites us to comment, responds with, "There's talk about." We beg to project has been in two years. There is about. as Mason County residents The officials placed of responsibility and members of this corn- !re going to listen. They :sregard the voice of the and set aside our con- they "don't like to organized." How much money is going to be on researching a project is not in the best in- of this community? Well, ;et organized. Let us ad- concerns of the commu- that pay the taxes, Pay the salaries of this s decision-makers. Let us Our officials which side of their butter is on. as a private citizen on a critical aquifer area we are required un- County ordinance to the deed of our property notification which states are restrictions for de- on use or alteration of they are considering out of town" developers Only alter, but to destroy of our county's aquifer What motivates or? the community is cry- fairness in develop- they appease our con- cerns by proposing to prepare a "scoping statement." At whose ex- pense? Third, we do believe that if this project is passed it puts not only the developers but the county, as well, at risk of a lawsuit for dam- ages to the surrounding proper- ties and the degradation of our neighborhoods. In addition to the fact that there seems to be a dif- ferent set of rules for the commer- cial community, we the private community have to abide by the "standards and regulations to control risks." However, they seem to be extending special con- sideration and unlimited expense towards this proposed project. Shame on you. In addition, shame on us if we allow it. It is our responsibility as citi- zens of Mason County to question the actions of our government of- ficials. Let us address this mine issue as a community. Let us lis- ten and respect the concerns of the affected members of this com- munity. Let us not waste any more money researching this project. We already know it will never be passed. The taxpayers of this community will not allow it. When election time rolls around, rest assured the voters of this county will be considering the ac- tions of their officials in this is- sue. We are the people! We have a voice! Listen to us now or reap what you sow come Election Day. "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance... Never trust your gov- ernment. You need a revolution every 10 years, just to keep the government honest!" - Thomas Jefferson Rick and Suzi Simpson Shelton tor's office and the Shelton police certainly leads this reader to be- lieve that said charges may be in response to his appeal of his earli- er firing and might well be venge- ful and discriminatory. It is interesting that now the Shelton police claim that Dela- Cruz "failed to let the department know" his alien status when he was hired and given weapons by the department! Whatever hap- pened to background investiga- tions, etc? The department had two shots at discovery, when he became a vestigated than a police depart- ment hire? And wasn't it kind of the Immi- gration and Naturalization Ser- vice to provide the local prosecu- tor with documentation of what appears to be a perfectly legal process of applying for and gain- ing citizenship in this good old U.S. of A... to be used against a person who is now "one of us." Perhaps the process and the tim- ing whereby those papers came to the attention and possession of the prosecutor might be at least revealing, and possibly be of civil rights interest. "Send us your risdiction appears to be evidence that those charging and judging must be blissfully unaware of questions of conflict and potential discrimination. Of course, they may also be aware that any other venue probably wouldn't accept the charges on grounds that the Shelton police and the city of Shelton are parties to the offense with which Mr. DelaCruz is being charged. Another venue might have severely questioned the tim- ing with Mr. DelaCruz's appeal, as well. Gordon Personius Union No time to reduce funds Editor, The Journal: The signing of the Personal Re- sponsibility and Work Opportuni- ty Act in 1996 ushered in a new "welfare reform" era with dramat- ic changes for the nation's under- privileged class. There have al- ready been significant reductions in cash assistance and food stamps for welfare recipients in our area. These reductions, and the announced plan to further re- duce and eventually eliminate as- sistance for many, have led to in- creased attendance at food banks, which serve as the last-resort "safety net" against hunger dur- ing a time of transition. Each month, some 235 food banks in Washington serve ap- proximately 50,000 households. The Hood Canal Food Bank now serves over 300 family food por- tions per month. A recent survey by the Washington Food Coalition has shown that while the demand for food banks in 1998 increased only 2 percent statewide, the in- crease in rural areas was 22 per- cent Along the Hood Canal, this increase exceeded 35 percent. The Food Coalition also found that welfare reform, low wages and the high cost of housing make it harder and harder for low-in- come individuals and families to make ends meet. High medical costs add to the challenge for se- nior citizens and the disabled, who depend on food banks to make it through the month. Washington's Department of Health and Social Services has found that persons coming off welfare assistance use food banks as a major form of support. This means that as welfare reform is more and more successful, a greater load is shifted to inde- pendent charitable corporations who operate food banks. In spite of this increasing bur- den, government assistance to food banks has been reduced and is further threatened. The federal government has cut its commodi- ties program by $10 million in 1999, and Governor Locke is pro- posing to cut the new biennial budget for state support by $2 million. Advocates for the underprivi- leged feel this is not a time to be cutting food resource programs. They counsel further that: (1) Hungry children cannot learn, (2) Hungry adults cannot find or hold down a job, and (3) Undernour- ished seniors are more suscepti- ble to disabling health problems. Thus, society and our communi- ties are weakened, and our future is darkened by failing to correct the problem of hunger. Independent food banks are left to meet these needs with whatever donated food and finan- cial support can be obtained. Vol- unteers work long hours to obtain nourishing food that is available at no cost or low cost. We always wish there were more to share with those painfully in need. Ed Boutwell Hood Canal Food Bank Hoodsport Growth issue inaccuracies Editor, The Journal: Many of the inaccuracies, mis- conceptions and half-truths about growth management planning that have appeared in The Jour- nal in the past several weeks have been addressed well by others. Two areas that haven't are the "privileged triangle of Diehl, Dawes and the hearings board" put forth in a letter by Jay Hupp (Journal, 1-28-99), and the power, appointed status and per- ceived bias of the hearings board itself. The Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board is composed of an attorney from LaConner, a former Thurs- ton County commissioner and the former mayor of Camas (a town not much larger than Shelton, lo- their decisions. Since I disagree with many of the decisions of the ad hoc committee and the plan- ning commission, and find them to be contrary to state law, should I conclude that they, too, be elect- ed? With all due respect to Jay Hupp (and I do respect Mr. Hupp), his reference to the "privileged triangle" (somewhat belabored as a metaphor at any rate) is totally inaccurate. In this case, it was John Diehl, as an in- dividual, and the Mason County Community Development Council (comprising Kerry Holm, Gordon Jacobson and Vern Rutter as in- dividuals) who were the petition- ers. In the overall growth manage- ment appeals process, the in- the MCCDC does have "our act together". We have offered, *and the hearings board has recom- mended, mediated negotiation from the outset, and on a continu- ing basis, only to be rebuffed by the county at every turn. The county has refused to negotiate with us over their comprehensive plan (although two versions have now been found noncompliant). When the county did agree to meet with us on resource ordi- nance issues a year ago, we were not only more than ready to nego- tiate, we requested that the Ma- son County Economic Develop- ment Council be included, along with other parties which had dis- agreements with our position. When we found the EDC had been relegated to onlooker status, ournal: Who support the Growth kent Act feel they stand moral ground be- Is the law. It's a poorly (most likely unconsti- Which needs revision or abolished. and I support the past commissioners in Us a truly representative in these mat- time and money spent Our interests is the re- who have little posi- t on the process but cated in Clark County), and one volved petitioning parties include we requested they be seated at is poor law of them is a (oh-my-gosh-it-can't- the MCCDC (Gordon Jacobson, the tableasafullyparticipating be-true-he-must-be-kidding) RE- president; Kerry Holm, vice presi- party. The MCCDC co-authored PUBLICAN. The King County dent; Warren Dawes, secretary the Shelton Critical Aquifer Re- agenda forced on Mason County? and director of communications; charge Ordinance with the EDC consistently throw hand grenades in the works. It is a paradox that we who have made the sacrifices, invest- ment and commitment over the years and live the ideals to be saved should be the ones to have our rights abrogated and lose much of our dream. That those who support the act have no financial interest is inac- curate. They seek what we have earned at no cost to them. And therein the dispute lies. Sam Comstock Grapeview Hardly. The board members are people like us, and familiar with our problems. Out of the 533 cases filed with growth management hearings boards, rulings have been 77 per- cent "in compliance" (for the gov- ernment entity being challenged), 18 percent "noncompliant" (needs some work), and 6 percent "invalid" (substantially interferes with the goals and policies of the Growth Management Act). A find- ing of invalidity is serious, and used sparingly and reticently by the board. Mason County is the proud (?) possessor of several. and Vern Rutter, treasurer) rep- resenting our substantial mem- bership; the Advocates for Re- sponsible Development (repre- sented both legally and as a spokesman by John Diehl); and the Skokomish Indian Nation. Far from the privileged few: the total membership of the petition- ers is the largest common-cause coalition that I have seen in Ma- son County since I moved here in 1990. And we are not privileged. Cer- tainly the Skokomish Tribe isn't, and the membership of the other (seemingly, and recorded in pub- lic testimony, with everyone's ap- proval). I believe we have devel- oped a good working relationship with them. I too was shocked by Mr. Hupp's letter. But, Mr. Wood, like "Prince Charming," please put the shoe on the foot it fits. Since it is the Advocates for Responsible Development, the Ma- son County Community Develop- ment Council, and the Mason County Economic Development Council (no slight intended to the Skokomish Tribe, but inconven- iently, they just don't have "Development" in their name), Only seven of the 39 counties organizations represents a wide maybe someday we could get to- in Washington (including Mason), cross-section, from timber work- gether and agree on Responsible, for seniors have anyfindingofinvalidity, but ers to environmental groups, from Community.Building Economic the other six cases are much less wealthy businessmen to widows Development. Wouldn't that be serious. For instance, King Coun- on fixed incomes, nice? ' The Journal: received a phone call Ison County senior re- my letter to the edi- e ballots' prob- impact on the District's recent that he wanted to high school but was new school construc- lVnpose added taxes on Overburdened low in- derstandable, concern rne to meet with the Assessor, who ex- the Washington provided several assist in determin- ing property-tax exemptions for certain senior citizens and dis- abled persons. (The county asses- sor's office will be providing this information at a regular school board meeting on March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pioneer Middle School cafeteria, or for further informa- tion, contact the assessor's office at 427-9670, Extension 499. All senior citizens and disabled per- sons are invited to attend.) One can appreciate seniors on fixed income being concerned over a tax increase, however in most cases they would be exempt from new school levies or bond issues if his or their combined income is less than $30,000 per year. Bill Merifield Grapeview ty is prevented from building ball- fields on agricultural lands; Pacif- ic County can't bulldoze or devel- op a particular coastal dune area; Snohomish County can't issue permits in one 34-acre subdivi- sion. As for being appointed, rather than elected, the hearings board is certainly not alone. A few ethers come to mind, including: the Shoreline Advisory Board; the Fish and Wildlife Commission; the Mason County GMA Ad Hoc Committee; and the Mason Coun- ty Planning Commission. Why is the hearings board singled out? Because some people, people who historically have had, and contin- ue to have, undue influence over our county government, don't like In regard to Mr. Wood's com- ments (Journal, 2-11-99), I think Kerry Holm Hoodsport Men not like Bill Editor, The Journal: I have tried to stay out of the whole Clinton mess, but I have to respond to Mrs. Miller's letter on "Give Hillary Her Due" last week. She made the following state- ment, "Maybe Bill feels he needs other women to satisfy his ego like most men. The majority of the people understand and that's what counts." I feel sorry for Mrs. Miller, that her experiences in life have led her to believe most men are that way. Most of the men I know are not. Whether the majority "under- stands" or not doesn't make it right. Truth and honesty are not relative; their meaning doesn't change because you don't believe in it. Debbie Rabourn Shelton Our rental tiller comes with all the dirt on how to use it. And you can buy fertilizer here, too. And peat moss, work gloves, grass seed, wire mesh and everything else you need to get the job done. You won't spend all day hunting them down - they're just down the aisle, along with the best advice around. That's THE RENTAL ADVANTAGEI CALL AND RESERVE YOURS MOSS KILLER i ' ! Covers 5,000 sc ft. 816 9.99 NU-LIFE RID MOSS 16.99 GARDEN TOOLS • Hoe • Shovel • Rake 5gS 052/045/219 Your ChOlce 3099 ca. PEAT MOSS LATEX CRINKLE. COATED GLOVES Provideprotectlon from thorns. Assorted sizes. 474 046/034/0 3.99 3-I,B. FAST START00 r WELDED WIRE " GRASS SEED I ' Repairs bare spots. Special rapid growth mixture for all lawns. 50' I 136" I 15o88 #144139 14s" 1 20.88 PRIMROSES • " ,. I/' " 4" budded and blooming. 68¢ The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten 100' 27.88 #297132 36.88 #97146 46.88 #297173 I First & Mill, Shelton 426-4373 or 426-2411 Monday-Saturday 7:30-7 Sunday 9-6 Thursday, March 4, 1999 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page 5 00eaders' Charges may be vengeful spR,NG ,s ON Enough Oof thzs Th:rn%7000000 ::=eeO000000rwVr00 e Edo:, ruary 18 d.and huddled masses," IT'S WAY-- Journal: e ey are taking front-, paeg coverage of the charg- gun.., which, will be on a very, As for the. of ve.ue GET READY County has two pomp- money from the notorious Bullitt lug of former Shelton Police Offi- very chilly day, but should I, I am even the filing and the acceptance of the state sisters of Seattle. I think Seattle cer DelaCruz by the local prosecu- apparently more thoroughly in- of charges in and by the local ju- HOWl l Management Act (GMA), to be making a career giving private property and elected county offi- They are a Mr. and Mr. Vern Rutter. they have nev- an official vote from to be the citizens' repre- in deciding use of pri- I will concede Mr. Seems to have a quasi- from God to be one caretakers (his let- Journal in July 1996), believe Mr. Diehl has to any supernatural a mandate from of Mason County cit- they are, trying to property owners of Mason how they may use, or not land they worked so hard And it is distasteful liberals should keep their noses and money out of Mason County. I would like to remind these two gentlemen that when the GMA was put to a vote as Initia- tive 547, in 1990, it was defeated by a margin of 3-1, (900,000 against 300,000 for). But those sneaky little Democrats in the state legislature said to Hades with the voters and passed the GMA of 1991 which eventually in- cluded the politically appointed growth management hearings boards. Enough is enough, Mr. Diehl and Mr. Rutter. Either take a va- cation from your sanctimonious obstruction, or pack your carpet bags and go bother the people in another county. The choice is yours, but I would check out the territory first. John Stockler Belfair County attitude urnal: are concerned with the attitude towards commu- concerning the pro- mine on McEwan invites us to comment, responds with, "There's talk about." We beg to project has been in two years. There is about. as Mason County residents The officials placed of responsibility and members of this corn- !re going to listen. They :sregard the voice of the and set aside our con- they "don't like to organized." How much money is going to be on researching a project is not in the best in- of this community? Well, ;et organized. Let us ad- concerns of the commu- that pay the taxes, Pay the salaries of this s decision-makers. Let us Our officials which side of their butter is on. as a private citizen on a critical aquifer area we are required un- County ordinance to the deed of our property notification which states are restrictions for de- on use or alteration of they are considering out of town" developers Only alter, but to destroy of our county's aquifer What motivates or? the community is cry- fairness in develop- they appease our con- cerns by proposing to prepare a "scoping statement." At whose ex- pense? Third, we do believe that if this project is passed it puts not only the developers but the county, as well, at risk of a lawsuit for dam- ages to the surrounding proper- ties and the degradation of our neighborhoods. In addition to the fact that there seems to be a dif- ferent set of rules for the commer- cial community, we the private community have to abide by the "standards and regulations to control risks." However, they seem to be extending special con- sideration and unlimited expense towards this proposed project. Shame on you. In addition, shame on us if we allow it. It is our responsibility as citi- zens of Mason County to question the actions of our government of- ficials. Let us address this mine issue as a community. Let us lis- ten and respect the concerns of the affected members of this com- munity. Let us not waste any more money researching this project. We already know it will never be passed. The taxpayers of this community will not allow it. When election time rolls around, rest assured the voters of this county will be considering the ac- tions of their officials in this is- sue. We are the people! We have a voice! Listen to us now or reap what you sow come Election Day. "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance... Never trust your gov- ernment. You need a revolution every 10 years, just to keep the government honest!" - Thomas Jefferson Rick and Suzi Simpson Shelton tor's office and the Shelton police certainly leads this reader to be- lieve that said charges may be in response to his appeal of his earli- er firing and might well be venge- ful and discriminatory. It is interesting that now the Shelton police claim that Dela- Cruz "failed to let the department know" his alien status when he was hired and given weapons by the department! Whatever hap- pened to background investiga- tions, etc? The department had two shots at discovery, when he became a vestigated than a police depart- ment hire? And wasn't it kind of the Immi- gration and Naturalization Ser- vice to provide the local prosecu- tor with documentation of what appears to be a perfectly legal process of applying for and gain- ing citizenship in this good old U.S. of A... to be used against a person who is now "one of us." Perhaps the process and the tim- ing whereby those papers came to the attention and possession of the prosecutor might be at least revealing, and possibly be of civil rights interest. "Send us your risdiction appears to be evidence that those charging and judging must be blissfully unaware of questions of conflict and potential discrimination. Of course, they may also be aware that any other venue probably wouldn't accept the charges on grounds that the Shelton police and the city of Shelton are parties to the offense with which Mr. DelaCruz is being charged. Another venue might have severely questioned the tim- ing with Mr. DelaCruz's appeal, as well. Gordon Personius Union No time to reduce funds Editor, The Journal: The signing of the Personal Re- sponsibility and Work Opportuni- ty Act in 1996 ushered in a new "welfare reform" era with dramat- ic changes for the nation's under- privileged class. There have al- ready been significant reductions in cash assistance and food stamps for welfare recipients in our area. These reductions, and the announced plan to further re- duce and eventually eliminate as- sistance for many, have led to in- creased attendance at food banks, which serve as the last-resort "safety net" against hunger dur- ing a time of transition. Each month, some 235 food banks in Washington serve ap- proximately 50,000 households. The Hood Canal Food Bank now serves over 300 family food por- tions per month. A recent survey by the Washington Food Coalition has shown that while the demand for food banks in 1998 increased only 2 percent statewide, the in- crease in rural areas was 22 per- cent Along the Hood Canal, this increase exceeded 35 percent. The Food Coalition also found that welfare reform, low wages and the high cost of housing make it harder and harder for low-in- come individuals and families to make ends meet. High medical costs add to the challenge for se- nior citizens and the disabled, who depend on food banks to make it through the month. Washington's Department of Health and Social Services has found that persons coming off welfare assistance use food banks as a major form of support. This means that as welfare reform is more and more successful, a greater load is shifted to inde- pendent charitable corporations who operate food banks. In spite of this increasing bur- den, government assistance to food banks has been reduced and is further threatened. The federal government has cut its commodi- ties program by $10 million in 1999, and Governor Locke is pro- posing to cut the new biennial budget for state support by $2 million. Advocates for the underprivi- leged feel this is not a time to be cutting food resource programs. They counsel further that: (1) Hungry children cannot learn, (2) Hungry adults cannot find or hold down a job, and (3) Undernour- ished seniors are more suscepti- ble to disabling health problems. Thus, society and our communi- ties are weakened, and our future is darkened by failing to correct the problem of hunger. Independent food banks are left to meet these needs with whatever donated food and finan- cial support can be obtained. Vol- unteers work long hours to obtain nourishing food that is available at no cost or low cost. We always wish there were more to share with those painfully in need. Ed Boutwell Hood Canal Food Bank Hoodsport Growth issue inaccuracies Editor, The Journal: Many of the inaccuracies, mis- conceptions and half-truths about growth management planning that have appeared in The Jour- nal in the past several weeks have been addressed well by others. Two areas that haven't are the "privileged triangle of Diehl, Dawes and the hearings board" put forth in a letter by Jay Hupp (Journal, 1-28-99), and the power, appointed status and per- ceived bias of the hearings board itself. The Western Washington Growth Management Hearings Board is composed of an attorney from LaConner, a former Thurs- ton County commissioner and the former mayor of Camas (a town not much larger than Shelton, lo- their decisions. Since I disagree with many of the decisions of the ad hoc committee and the plan- ning commission, and find them to be contrary to state law, should I conclude that they, too, be elect- ed? With all due respect to Jay Hupp (and I do respect Mr. Hupp), his reference to the "privileged triangle" (somewhat belabored as a metaphor at any rate) is totally inaccurate. In this case, it was John Diehl, as an in- dividual, and the Mason County Community Development Council (comprising Kerry Holm, Gordon Jacobson and Vern Rutter as in- dividuals) who were the petition- ers. In the overall growth manage- ment appeals process, the in- the MCCDC does have "our act together". We have offered, *and the hearings board has recom- mended, mediated negotiation from the outset, and on a continu- ing basis, only to be rebuffed by the county at every turn. The county has refused to negotiate with us over their comprehensive plan (although two versions have now been found noncompliant). When the county did agree to meet with us on resource ordi- nance issues a year ago, we were not only more than ready to nego- tiate, we requested that the Ma- son County Economic Develop- ment Council be included, along with other parties which had dis- agreements with our position. When we found the EDC had been relegated to onlooker status, ournal: Who support the Growth kent Act feel they stand moral ground be- Is the law. It's a poorly (most likely unconsti- Which needs revision or abolished. and I support the past commissioners in Us a truly representative in these mat- time and money spent Our interests is the re- who have little posi- t on the process but cated in Clark County), and one volved petitioning parties include we requested they be seated at is poor law of them is a (oh-my-gosh-it-can't- the MCCDC (Gordon Jacobson, the tableasafullyparticipating be-true-he-must-be-kidding) RE- president; Kerry Holm, vice presi- party. The MCCDC co-authored PUBLICAN. The King County dent; Warren Dawes, secretary the Shelton Critical Aquifer Re- agenda forced on Mason County? and director of communications; charge Ordinance with the EDC consistently throw hand grenades in the works. It is a paradox that we who have made the sacrifices, invest- ment and commitment over the years and live the ideals to be saved should be the ones to have our rights abrogated and lose much of our dream. That those who support the act have no financial interest is inac- curate. They seek what we have earned at no cost to them. And therein the dispute lies. Sam Comstock Grapeview Hardly. The board members are people like us, and familiar with our problems. Out of the 533 cases filed with growth management hearings boards, rulings have been 77 per- cent "in compliance" (for the gov- ernment entity being challenged), 18 percent "noncompliant" (needs some work), and 6 percent "invalid" (substantially interferes with the goals and policies of the Growth Management Act). A find- ing of invalidity is serious, and used sparingly and reticently by the board. Mason County is the proud (?) possessor of several. and Vern Rutter, treasurer) rep- resenting our substantial mem- bership; the Advocates for Re- sponsible Development (repre- sented both legally and as a spokesman by John Diehl); and the Skokomish Indian Nation. Far from the privileged few: the total membership of the petition- ers is the largest common-cause coalition that I have seen in Ma- son County since I moved here in 1990. And we are not privileged. Cer- tainly the Skokomish Tribe isn't, and the membership of the other (seemingly, and recorded in pub- lic testimony, with everyone's ap- proval). I believe we have devel- oped a good working relationship with them. I too was shocked by Mr. Hupp's letter. But, Mr. Wood, like "Prince Charming," please put the shoe on the foot it fits. Since it is the Advocates for Responsible Development, the Ma- son County Community Develop- ment Council, and the Mason County Economic Development Council (no slight intended to the Skokomish Tribe, but inconven- iently, they just don't have "Development" in their name), Only seven of the 39 counties organizations represents a wide maybe someday we could get to- in Washington (including Mason), cross-section, from timber work- gether and agree on Responsible, for seniors have anyfindingofinvalidity, but ers to environmental groups, from Community.Building Economic the other six cases are much less wealthy businessmen to widows Development. Wouldn't that be serious. For instance, King Coun- on fixed incomes, nice? ' The Journal: received a phone call Ison County senior re- my letter to the edi- e ballots' prob- impact on the District's recent that he wanted to high school but was new school construc- lVnpose added taxes on Overburdened low in- derstandable, concern rne to meet with the Assessor, who ex- the Washington provided several assist in determin- ing property-tax exemptions for certain senior citizens and dis- abled persons. (The county asses- sor's office will be providing this information at a regular school board meeting on March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Pioneer Middle School cafeteria, or for further informa- tion, contact the assessor's office at 427-9670, Extension 499. All senior citizens and disabled per- sons are invited to attend.) One can appreciate seniors on fixed income being concerned over a tax increase, however in most cases they would be exempt from new school levies or bond issues if his or their combined income is less than $30,000 per year. Bill Merifield Grapeview ty is prevented from building ball- fields on agricultural lands; Pacif- ic County can't bulldoze or devel- op a particular coastal dune area; Snohomish County can't issue permits in one 34-acre subdivi- sion. As for being appointed, rather than elected, the hearings board is certainly not alone. A few ethers come to mind, including: the Shoreline Advisory Board; the Fish and Wildlife Commission; the Mason County GMA Ad Hoc Committee; and the Mason Coun- ty Planning Commission. Why is the hearings board singled out? Because some people, people who historically have had, and contin- ue to have, undue influence over our county government, don't like In regard to Mr. Wood's com- ments (Journal, 2-11-99), I think Kerry Holm Hoodsport Men not like Bill Editor, The Journal: I have tried to stay out of the whole Clinton mess, but I have to respond to Mrs. Miller's letter on "Give Hillary Her Due" last week. She made the following state- ment, "Maybe Bill feels he needs other women to satisfy his ego like most men. The majority of the people understand and that's what counts." I feel sorry for Mrs. Miller, that her experiences in life have led her to believe most men are that way. Most of the men I know are not. Whether the majority "under- stands" or not doesn't make it right. Truth and honesty are not relative; their meaning doesn't change because you don't believe in it. Debbie Rabourn Shelton Our rental tiller comes with all the dirt on how to use it. And you can buy fertilizer here, too. And peat moss, work gloves, grass seed, wire mesh and everything else you need to get the job done. You won't spend all day hunting them down - they're just down the aisle, along with the best advice around. That's THE RENTAL ADVANTAGEI CALL AND RESERVE YOURS MOSS KILLER i ' ! Covers 5,000 sc ft. 816 9.99 NU-LIFE RID MOSS 16.99 GARDEN TOOLS • Hoe • Shovel • Rake 5gS 052/045/219 Your ChOlce 3099 ca. PEAT MOSS LATEX CRINKLE. COATED GLOVES Provideprotectlon from thorns. Assorted sizes. 474 046/034/0 3.99 3-I,B. FAST START00 r WELDED WIRE " GRASS SEED I ' Repairs bare spots. Special rapid growth mixture for all lawns. 50' I 136" I 15o88 #144139 14s" 1 20.88 PRIMROSES • " ,. I/' " 4" budded and blooming. 68¢ The bitterness of poor quality lingers long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten 100' 27.88 #297132 36.88 #97146 46.88 #297173 I First & Mill, Shelton 426-4373 or 426-2411 Monday-Saturday 7:30-7 Sunday 9-6 Thursday, March 4, 1999 - Shelton-Mason County Journal - Page 5