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Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
September 2, 1999     Shelton Mason County Journal
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September 2, 1999
 
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Government,7_ :- ------:- ibanking, business: Taylor says management Kerr cites flnancya experience crucial to city backgr,?und fi)r post DickTaylor, theexecutivedi- Hillcrestorwhatever. It'sahel- Carolyn Kerr is a candidate in : ..... this fall's election for a term on the Shelton City Commission. Her qualifications include more than 25 years working in various bookkeeping, accounting and su- pervisory positions, as well as re- lated financial accounting duties. Her experience includes 10 years in government, seven in banking and eight in private business. She was asked how she is dif- ferent from the other candidates ....... "How many times have we had a commissioner of finance that can go in there and do the job?" she said. "I have. I've done it. I've worked for the city. I've done al- most every position in there. So I can do that. "So I would say my experience is governmental accounting. My experience is working with the city, in the city, for the city back in the Eighties, and even more re- cently I spent almost a year work- ing for the city. I think that I know what's going on. I have the knowledge, experience, under- standing of what's happening, what the budget looks like. The learning curve isn't as great." THE TOP THREE things she wants to get accomplished as a commissioner? First, she wants to find ways to increase revenues for the city without increasing taxes. "And then go the other step in saying to decrease expenses without de- creasing services or lowering them," she said. Kerr worries that because of taxes and utility fees, affordable housing isn't available for senior Carolyn Kerr spending money that we don't have." Her position regarding residen- tial growth tbr Shelton? "I'd sort of like to have Shelton stay like it is, the small town that it is," Kerr said. She would like to keep the flavor of small town Shelton. Since she and her family have lived in Shelton, the city has remained approximately the same size while Mason County's population has doubled. the population explosion down as much as possible," she said. She'd like to see the city grow slowly. SHE WAS ASKED how the city should relate with the Port of Shelton and Mason County re- garding Urban Grown Areas. She said she knows that the port, as well as the corrections center, are having problems with either their water or sewage sys- tems. She thinks the city could help those other entities with joint-effort projects, she says. That's the only way the city should increase its area where it can provide those services. "I think we need to work to- gether with other entities, gov- ernmental entities, county, port whatever. We're so connected in everything that we do, that we just need to do that," Kerr said. Her priorities for continuing improvements to the city's in- frastructure? "Streets. Some of these streets have not been improved for years and years and years," she said. HER VISION for the city in the future? "I would hope that we could keep the small-town atmosphere, Kerr said. "I would hope we could bring in enough outside business interests to maybe revitalize more of the downtown area," she added. She hopes more businesses can come in to create more interest downtown. She wants more di- versity in the types of businesses that locate downtown. A major retailer would be so rector of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, is seeking a seat on the Shelton City Commission. He served in the Navy for 34 years and is a former head of se- curity at Bangor Submarine Base in Kitsap County. Taylor said the finance com- missioner post is a management position and takes a person who has management experience and training. "I am the only candidate trained in management and lead- ership and has experience in those fields, extensive experience in those fields, and I think that separates me from them," he said of his two opponents. He was asked to list the top three things he'd like to get ac- complished as a city commission- er. "THE FIRST THING I think we need to do is finish the phase two sewer project. We've got to get that done. It's started, but we have to continue on and finish it," he said. "Then we have to look at roads and street maintenance and pres- ervation. What are we Donna do to take care of that? And we're Donna to have to figure out how to pay for that and set up a priority list and work down it. I know the plan is already there, but I think we need to aggressively attack it. "And the third thing I would like to do is I would like to strengthen the community cohe- siveness and synergy. Get the community to work together. It isn't a downtown or a Mountain ton. We're all one city and I think we need to build upon that and build our community together, just like our motto says." Taylor said he's a team-build- ing type of person, one who pulls people together to work together toward a common goal to build a better Shelton. HIS POSITION regarding residential growth in the city? "Shelton is one of two areas in Mason County where residential growth is really allowed under the Growth Management Act," he said. "We are one of the two Ur- ban Growth Areas in Mason County. We have to work at that. We need to do it, but we need to do it responsibly," he said of growth. "We can't just stack things in. We have to go by.our codes and regulations. I think we need to build Shelton and we need to do it with residential and commercial growth." Taylor was asked how the city should relate with the Port of Shelton and Mason County re- garding Urban Growth Areas created under the state's Growth Management Act. "THE PORT IS within the Ur- ban Growth Area. And it is the only place in the county that you can have industrial growth per se. And I think we need that to attract jobs to the town," he said. The port is a different entity and is working toward attracting more commerce to the area. "And I totally, totally agree with that," Dick Taylor port their efforts where we can." He said he thinks the city needs to work "hand and glove" with Mason County. "We're all the same people..We're all com- peting for dollars that come from the same people, from various taxational and things. I think we need to work with them. And it should not be an adversarial rela- tionship with the county." He was asked what his priori- ties are for continuing improve- ments to the city's infrastructure. "I think we need to improve our streets and roads within the community. I think that's got to be number one," he said. "Then we obviously have to storm drainage and that. (The) sewer come along. We're to look at that and we are." Looking at the system and water would be next, he said. the city won't get to where it has to treat HIS VISION for future? "I have a feeling Shelton is just on the right on the edge really good things, "We've been population size for since I've been here. When here I think people population was 7,800. years later it's around Taylor said he's seeing al ty starting to take business community. ing people looking opening or expanding es," he said. "There's the hue and cry that town has died off, happened to the it's coming back." Railroad Avenue l good, he said. "I think the town is lookin' pv and it's Donna look move along. And I have to keep workin' do that. And it's a need to do by working And we'll set some orities. I see that edge of breaking loose ing something really move into the 21st citizens and young people. "So they're not going to even afford that let alone all the taxes and the utility fees and this type of thing," she said. "And then you have the homeless who don't have any place to live. And how are you ever going to ge't them start- and gQt them into bow-income housing if, all of a sudden, you have these huge utility bills." She was asked if she had ideas tbr increasing revenue without in- creasing taxes. "ARE WE utilizing all the or- dinances and things that we have in place now? Are we enforcing all the things that we already have working for us?" she asked. "Some people are doing what they should be doing and paying cer- tain things. Some people are not. ... Well, first of all, let's get them to do it. "And maybe that in itself will start increasing the revenues," Kerr said. "It's a long shot and it's a long job and it's hard and it's going to take some time to go over it," she added. The city, she said, has to in- crease revenue without increas- ing taxes or it has to decrease the expenses without losing services. "I just think everything comes down to that," she added. "Quit Special filing set Mason County Auditor AI Brotche announced a special three-day filing period beginning today and extending through Fri- day to Tuesday, September 7, for a two-year unexpired fire commis- sioner term in Fire District 3. The opening is the result of a resignation, Brotche said. Declarations of candidacy will be taken between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Mason County Elec- tions Department at 411 North Fifth Street. Any registered voter who re- sides in the appropriate district "I think I would like to keep nice, she said. View and an Olde Towne or a he added. "I think we need to sup- Buechel familiar with city Simpson's as builder, critic of budget opens to publ n°im:!;tthembSm /naaefeyoc!i  !ilr;°:ti!::f°:ce!:hi da' Shelton general contractor Kel- ly Buechel is running for a posi- tion on the Shelton City Commis- sion. Buechel has lived in the Shel- ton area for some 30 years. He graduated from Shelton High School in 1972. He was asked how he differs from his opponents. Buechel said he feels he has a little more expertise than his op- ponents because he's been work- ing in the city as a builder, which means he's dealt with public works matters, the permit process and other things such as the cost of housing. BUECHEL SAID he has no knowledge of Taylor or Kerr being involved in the process to that de- gree. He said he got involved with the commission since last fall's budget hearings and has been at- tending meetings regularly since then. The top three things he wants to get accomplished as a commis- sioner include: First, written policies available for people to pick up at the coun- ter at city hall. People need to be able to get a list of rules and reg- ulations that will help them de- cide if they can afford to do a proj- ect or not. He said he's come across policies that aren't written down and that it's difficult to get through that policy process if it's not in writing. Second, better use of the city's resources. Third, the city developing in a way that complements the com- munity. HIS POSITION on residential growth? can file, Brotche said. More infor- mation is available from his office "We're actually not in the posi- at 427-9670, or 275-4467 from ! OFFICE North Mason phones, Extension 470. i . [ I D I:TA I I [ SPRING ROAD CHAPEL[ | ,,, c • r' • a.. I CHURCH OF GOD [ [ SPACE FOR LEASE | 1113 E; Shckon Springs Road ] | | Shclton;WA98584 [ | Will remodel I (360) 427-6998(Msg) [ • . • Contemporary Saturday Servk¢ 6p,ml I to su,t [ Traditional Sunday Scrvicc lla.m, I IARONCn pRnPFRTII:. I • - ''ie " m " -- .....,..n-..--- ...... = Sunday Evcn,ng ACtWlt s  p. , I II -- AhnTinncrstet, Pastor 1 47100_ 00fl£1 I (350) 426-795=1 ] | --'vmvvv " | ........ ". i: 12 S n-Mason County 2, 1999 tion to handle much (residential growth)," he said. "We have over 1,200 lots with no sewer to 'em. We have over 1,100 lots with no water to 'em. We have many streets that are undeveloped. We have many alleys that aren't de- veloped. So as far as residential (growth), we're not gonna to see much of it until we start takin' care of a few things." The problem he sees in Shelton and Mason County is there is no supportive industry for that growth. "And until we get that, we're not gonna have much to offer, our residents." How should the city relate with the Port of Shelton and Mason County regarding Urban Growth Areas? "That's difficult to comment on because I'm not behind the closed doors. I don't know what's goin' on there," he said. "I think it's to the point now that the port, the city and the county seriously need to sit down and resolve issues to benefit the citizens of the whole community. And whatever affects Shelton affects Mason County." IN TIlE PAST, urban growth has said we need to push people into places where the facilities are available, he said. "And yet, if you're on the wrong side of the street, if you're on the wrong side of Dickinson Street, you're in the county and therefore you can't get sewer and water to your resi- dence." He said the county and city need to work together to al- low those people to hook up. "There's no sense in them drill- ing more wells and putting in more sewage treatment facilities for each residence when we have Kelly Buechel sewer right there in the street," he said. Unfortunately the county has been overburdened with ap- peals and a process that has really drained its resources, he added. He was asked about his priori- ties for continuing improvements to the city's infrastructure. "I think what should have come first was the streets. The streets and the sewage and the water, those are the three main issues," he said. "The streets have never been worked on in Hillcrest the whole time that I can remem- ber." I | Suggestion of the Week: Enjoy the 3-day weekend like we are! CLOSED .. SAT. SUN. MON SEPTEMBER 4 . 5 . 6 De Monday-Frlday nney 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. la A lllqlWjl&ll ll I IUI Saturday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. r'/4klll11M I1 IB Blfll 215 South Seoond CMIAN|IR$ & TJldlKOll| ........... 426-.71 ....... THE CITY NEEDS to take care of the whole community, not just certain areas, he said. "And I think if people can't afford to pay their sewer bill and their water bill, they're goin' elsewhere. And, unfortunately, an average sewer and water bill is $75 a month." Buechel said that is difficult on a person, who ifhe's earning $10 an hour, takes home $320 a week. "It's unfortunate that a working person can't hardly afford to live. And we need to focus on makin' it more livable, not only esthetical- ly, but financially for our citi- zens." His vision for the city in the fu- ture? "I see a community with streets you can drive (on)," he said. "I see a community where you can go shopping at 5 o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, downtown, rather than finding out the stores are closing at 2 and 3 o'clock. The reason they're clos- ing is they don't have business, I see a community that people are not only proud to live in but can financially afford to live in it without the homeless problems, without people that are wander- ing the streets because they have no place to go 'cause they can't af- ford to live somewhere." The city needs to focus not so much on beautifying things as much as improving what it al- ready has, he added. Literacy group can help new speakers of English Mason County Literacy has programs for newcomers and others for whom English is a sec- ond language. Information is available at 426-9733. lands opened for recreation start- ing yesterday. Popular hunting and fishing lo- cations on the company's 287,000 acres of timberland will be acces- sible by motor vehicle unless fire danger increases, forcing the com- pany to restrict access, said Simp- son spokesperson Patti Case. "As always, we urge visitors to exercise caution throughout Wing, manager of management for SimpsOn' Visitors to Sim should look for green open gates, indic open for recreational use. Other signs, Case dicate areas that are motor vehicles or that completely due to active operations. Transit seeks rider in' Mason County Transit will take public testimony from 4 to7 p.m. today at the North Mason Timberland Library on proposed changes for its bus routes. Minor changes are planned for Shelton-Belfair, North Mason- Belfair Loop, Shelt on'q and Shelton North Those who co night's session in night's in Belfair ca] 4934 or 1-800-281 responses. GOING OUT 0 BUSINESS. Most MOVIES for sale $9 99 or less. Thanks for 10 good years! OLYMPIC VIDE 2104 Olympic Hwy. N. • 426-159 QUITTING BUSIN S SAI. SHOP EARLY- DON'T MISS THE GREAT SELECTION Save 20%-50% on selected items. 00lll MONDAY-FRIDAY 11:30-6:30 00o:oo.00:o0 Barkley Square, 2121 Olympic Highway North • Government,7_ :- ------:- ibanking, business: Taylor says management Kerr cites flnancya experience crucial to city backgr,?und fi)r post DickTaylor, theexecutivedi- Hillcrestorwhatever. It'sahel- Carolyn Kerr is a candidate in : ..... this fall's election for a term on the Shelton City Commission. Her qualifications include more than 25 years working in various bookkeeping, accounting and su- pervisory positions, as well as re- lated financial accounting duties. Her experience includes 10 years in government, seven in banking and eight in private business. She was asked how she is dif- ferent from the other candidates ....... "How many times have we had a commissioner of finance that can go in there and do the job?" she said. "I have. I've done it. I've worked for the city. I've done al- most every position in there. So I can do that. "So I would say my experience is governmental accounting. My experience is working with the city, in the city, for the city back in the Eighties, and even more re- cently I spent almost a year work- ing for the city. I think that I know what's going on. I have the knowledge, experience, under- standing of what's happening, what the budget looks like. The learning curve isn't as great." THE TOP THREE things she wants to get accomplished as a commissioner? First, she wants to find ways to increase revenues for the city without increasing taxes. "And then go the other step in saying to decrease expenses without de- creasing services or lowering them," she said. Kerr worries that because of taxes and utility fees, affordable housing isn't available for senior Carolyn Kerr spending money that we don't have." Her position regarding residen- tial growth tbr Shelton? "I'd sort of like to have Shelton stay like it is, the small town that it is," Kerr said. She would like to keep the flavor of small town Shelton. Since she and her family have lived in Shelton, the city has remained approximately the same size while Mason County's population has doubled. the population explosion down as much as possible," she said. She'd like to see the city grow slowly. SHE WAS ASKED how the city should relate with the Port of Shelton and Mason County re- garding Urban Grown Areas. She said she knows that the port, as well as the corrections center, are having problems with either their water or sewage sys- tems. She thinks the city could help those other entities with joint-effort projects, she says. That's the only way the city should increase its area where it can provide those services. "I think we need to work to- gether with other entities, gov- ernmental entities, county, port whatever. We're so connected in everything that we do, that we just need to do that," Kerr said. Her priorities for continuing improvements to the city's in- frastructure? "Streets. Some of these streets have not been improved for years and years and years," she said. HER VISION for the city in the future? "I would hope that we could keep the small-town atmosphere, Kerr said. "I would hope we could bring in enough outside business interests to maybe revitalize more of the downtown area," she added. She hopes more businesses can come in to create more interest downtown. She wants more di- versity in the types of businesses that locate downtown. A major retailer would be so rector of the Shelton-Mason County Chamber of Commerce, is seeking a seat on the Shelton City Commission. He served in the Navy for 34 years and is a former head of se- curity at Bangor Submarine Base in Kitsap County. Taylor said the finance com- missioner post is a management position and takes a person who has management experience and training. "I am the only candidate trained in management and lead- ership and has experience in those fields, extensive experience in those fields, and I think that separates me from them," he said of his two opponents. He was asked to list the top three things he'd like to get ac- complished as a city commission- er. "THE FIRST THING I think we need to do is finish the phase two sewer project. We've got to get that done. It's started, but we have to continue on and finish it," he said. "Then we have to look at roads and street maintenance and pres- ervation. What are we Donna do to take care of that? And we're Donna to have to figure out how to pay for that and set up a priority list and work down it. I know the plan is already there, but I think we need to aggressively attack it. "And the third thing I would like to do is I would like to strengthen the community cohe- siveness and synergy. Get the community to work together. It isn't a downtown or a Mountain ton. We're all one city and I think we need to build upon that and build our community together, just like our motto says." Taylor said he's a team-build- ing type of person, one who pulls people together to work together toward a common goal to build a better Shelton. HIS POSITION regarding residential growth in the city? "Shelton is one of two areas in Mason County where residential growth is really allowed under the Growth Management Act," he said. "We are one of the two Ur- ban Growth Areas in Mason County. We have to work at that. We need to do it, but we need to do it responsibly," he said of growth. "We can't just stack things in. We have to go by.our codes and regulations. I think we need to build Shelton and we need to do it with residential and commercial growth." Taylor was asked how the city should relate with the Port of Shelton and Mason County re- garding Urban Growth Areas created under the state's Growth Management Act. "THE PORT IS within the Ur- ban Growth Area. And it is the only place in the county that you can have industrial growth per se. And I think we need that to attract jobs to the town," he said. The port is a different entity and is working toward attracting more commerce to the area. "And I totally, totally agree with that," Dick Taylor port their efforts where we can." He said he thinks the city needs to work "hand and glove" with Mason County. "We're all the same people..We're all com- peting for dollars that come from the same people, from various taxational and things. I think we need to work with them. And it should not be an adversarial rela- tionship with the county." He was asked what his priori- ties are for continuing improve- ments to the city's infrastructure. "I think we need to improve our streets and roads within the community. I think that's got to be number one," he said. "Then we obviously have to storm drainage and that. (The) sewer come along. We're to look at that and we are." Looking at the system and water would be next, he said. the city won't get to where it has to treat HIS VISION for future? "I have a feeling Shelton is just on the right on the edge really good things, "We've been population size for since I've been here. When here I think people population was 7,800. years later it's around Taylor said he's seeing al ty starting to take business community. ing people looking opening or expanding es," he said. "There's the hue and cry that town has died off, happened to the it's coming back." Railroad Avenue l good, he said. "I think the town is lookin' pv and it's Donna look move along. And I have to keep workin' do that. And it's a need to do by working And we'll set some orities. I see that edge of breaking loose ing something really move into the 21st citizens and young people. "So they're not going to even afford that let alone all the taxes and the utility fees and this type of thing," she said. "And then you have the homeless who don't have any place to live. And how are you ever going to ge't them start- and gQt them into bow-income housing if, all of a sudden, you have these huge utility bills." She was asked if she had ideas tbr increasing revenue without in- creasing taxes. "ARE WE utilizing all the or- dinances and things that we have in place now? Are we enforcing all the things that we already have working for us?" she asked. "Some people are doing what they should be doing and paying cer- tain things. Some people are not. ... Well, first of all, let's get them to do it. "And maybe that in itself will start increasing the revenues," Kerr said. "It's a long shot and it's a long job and it's hard and it's going to take some time to go over it," she added. The city, she said, has to in- crease revenue without increas- ing taxes or it has to decrease the expenses without losing services. "I just think everything comes down to that," she added. "Quit Special filing set Mason County Auditor AI Brotche announced a special three-day filing period beginning today and extending through Fri- day to Tuesday, September 7, for a two-year unexpired fire commis- sioner term in Fire District 3. The opening is the result of a resignation, Brotche said. Declarations of candidacy will be taken between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Mason County Elec- tions Department at 411 North Fifth Street. Any registered voter who re- sides in the appropriate district "I think I would like to keep nice, she said. View and an Olde Towne or a he added. "I think we need to sup- Buechel familiar with city Simpson's as builder, critic of budget opens to publ n°im:!;tthembSm /naaefeyoc!i  !ilr;°:ti!::f°:ce!:hi da' Shelton general contractor Kel- ly Buechel is running for a posi- tion on the Shelton City Commis- sion. Buechel has lived in the Shel- ton area for some 30 years. He graduated from Shelton High School in 1972. He was asked how he differs from his opponents. Buechel said he feels he has a little more expertise than his op- ponents because he's been work- ing in the city as a builder, which means he's dealt with public works matters, the permit process and other things such as the cost of housing. BUECHEL SAID he has no knowledge of Taylor or Kerr being involved in the process to that de- gree. He said he got involved with the commission since last fall's budget hearings and has been at- tending meetings regularly since then. The top three things he wants to get accomplished as a commis- sioner include: First, written policies available for people to pick up at the coun- ter at city hall. People need to be able to get a list of rules and reg- ulations that will help them de- cide if they can afford to do a proj- ect or not. He said he's come across policies that aren't written down and that it's difficult to get through that policy process if it's not in writing. Second, better use of the city's resources. Third, the city developing in a way that complements the com- munity. HIS POSITION on residential growth? can file, Brotche said. More infor- mation is available from his office "We're actually not in the posi- at 427-9670, or 275-4467 from ! OFFICE North Mason phones, Extension 470. i . [ I D I:TA I I [ SPRING ROAD CHAPEL[ | ,,, c • r' • a.. I CHURCH OF GOD [ [ SPACE FOR LEASE | 1113 E; Shckon Springs Road ] | | Shclton;WA98584 [ | Will remodel I (360) 427-6998(Msg) [ • . • Contemporary Saturday Servk¢ 6p,ml I to su,t [ Traditional Sunday Scrvicc lla.m, I IARONCn pRnPFRTII:. I • - ''ie " m " -- .....,..n-..--- ...... = Sunday Evcn,ng ACtWlt s  p. , I II -- AhnTinncrstet, Pastor 1 47100_ 00fl£1 I (350) 426-795=1 ] | --'vmvvv " | ........ ". i: 12 S n-Mason County 2, 1999 tion to handle much (residential growth)," he said. "We have over 1,200 lots with no sewer to 'em. We have over 1,100 lots with no water to 'em. We have many streets that are undeveloped. We have many alleys that aren't de- veloped. So as far as residential (growth), we're not gonna to see much of it until we start takin' care of a few things." The problem he sees in Shelton and Mason County is there is no supportive industry for that growth. "And until we get that, we're not gonna have much to offer, our residents." How should the city relate with the Port of Shelton and Mason County regarding Urban Growth Areas? "That's difficult to comment on because I'm not behind the closed doors. I don't know what's goin' on there," he said. "I think it's to the point now that the port, the city and the county seriously need to sit down and resolve issues to benefit the citizens of the whole community. And whatever affects Shelton affects Mason County." IN TIlE PAST, urban growth has said we need to push people into places where the facilities are available, he said. "And yet, if you're on the wrong side of the street, if you're on the wrong side of Dickinson Street, you're in the county and therefore you can't get sewer and water to your resi- dence." He said the county and city need to work together to al- low those people to hook up. "There's no sense in them drill- ing more wells and putting in more sewage treatment facilities for each residence when we have Kelly Buechel sewer right there in the street," he said. Unfortunately the county has been overburdened with ap- peals and a process that has really drained its resources, he added. He was asked about his priori- ties for continuing improvements to the city's infrastructure. "I think what should have come first was the streets. The streets and the sewage and the water, those are the three main issues," he said. "The streets have never been worked on in Hillcrest the whole time that I can remem- ber." I | Suggestion of the Week: Enjoy the 3-day weekend like we are! CLOSED .. SAT. SUN. MON SEPTEMBER 4 . 5 . 6 De Monday-Frlday nney 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. la A lllqlWjl&ll ll I IUI Saturday 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. r'/4klll11M I1 IB Blfll 215 South Seoond CMIAN|IR$ & TJldlKOll| ........... 426-.71 ....... THE CITY NEEDS to take care of the whole community, not just certain areas, he said. "And I think if people can't afford to pay their sewer bill and their water bill, they're goin' elsewhere. And, unfortunately, an average sewer and water bill is $75 a month." Buechel said that is difficult on a person, who ifhe's earning $10 an hour, takes home $320 a week. "It's unfortunate that a working person can't hardly afford to live. And we need to focus on makin' it more livable, not only esthetical- ly, but financially for our citi- zens." His vision for the city in the fu- ture? "I see a community with streets you can drive (on)," he said. "I see a community where you can go shopping at 5 o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, downtown, rather than finding out the stores are closing at 2 and 3 o'clock. The reason they're clos- ing is they don't have business, I see a community that people are not only proud to live in but can financially afford to live in it without the homeless problems, without people that are wander- ing the streets because they have no place to go 'cause they can't af- ford to live somewhere." The city needs to focus not so much on beautifying things as much as improving what it al- ready has, he added. Literacy group can help new speakers of English Mason County Literacy has programs for newcomers and others for whom English is a sec- ond language. Information is available at 426-9733. lands opened for recreation start- ing yesterday. Popular hunting and fishing lo- cations on the company's 287,000 acres of timberland will be acces- sible by motor vehicle unless fire danger increases, forcing the com- pany to restrict access, said Simp- son spokesperson Patti Case. "As always, we urge visitors to exercise caution throughout Wing, manager of management for SimpsOn' Visitors to Sim should look for green open gates, indic open for recreational use. Other signs, Case dicate areas that are motor vehicles or that completely due to active operations. Transit seeks rider in' Mason County Transit will take public testimony from 4 to7 p.m. today at the North Mason Timberland Library on proposed changes for its bus routes. Minor changes are planned for Shelton-Belfair, North Mason- Belfair Loop, Shelt on'q and Shelton North Those who co night's session in night's in Belfair ca] 4934 or 1-800-281 responses. GOING OUT 0 BUSINESS. Most MOVIES for sale $9 99 or less. Thanks for 10 good years! OLYMPIC VIDE 2104 Olympic Hwy. N. • 426-159 QUITTING BUSIN S SAI. SHOP EARLY- DON'T MISS THE GREAT SELECTION Save 20%-50% on selected items. 00lll MONDAY-FRIDAY 11:30-6:30 00o:oo.00:o0 Barkley Square, 2121 Olympic Highway North •