Sequim Gazette Editorial and Letters to the Editor

What's the big deal?



Let me begin by saying that I have no dog in this fight by many Carlsborgians who would deny an individual the right to operate what appears to me to be a reasonable and appropriate business in the area. It occurs to me that some of the most fervent opposition comes from representatives of businesses which not only enjoy the benefits of their current locations - and even enjoy the privilege of expansion - while stirring up opposition which seems to me to be more hysterical than historical. There are so many more causes that might benefit from the energy being expended on this issue. I don't need to list them. You know what they are.

Terry Vogel

Sequim



One for the average Joe



I attended the appeal of the certificate of occupancy (re: Carlsborg crematorium) on Aug 27. Hearing examiner Melly stated "by way of disclosure" that he had a prior working relationship with Lauren Erickson, attorney for the Startups (owners of the building Jason Linde is leasing for his planned crematorium). Mightn't that be a reason for Melly to recuse himself?

After two hours of legal arguments, Melly adjourned without a decision because Donella Pratt, county senior planner (who has steadfastly recommended approval), failed to notify all interested parties.

Citizens for Carlsborg attorney Gerald Steel stressed repeatedly that Melly didn't even have jurisdiction to hear this appeal. According to Steel, the county's own building code requires this appeal to be heard by a board appointed by the commissioners, which may not include the hearing examiner.

If the language for such an appeal process is in place, as Steel argues on behalf of CFC, then we have the right to use it; the county cannot pick and choose what it wishes to do, forcing us to comply. There must exist accessible avenues for civil redress by the average Joe, or are we just supposed to go home with our tails tucked between our legs? Isn't it our right as citizens to question decisions, to demand proper scrutiny and oversight by government officials, especially regarding a proposal which could have potentially hazardous and far-reaching consequences? Opposition to a crematorium in Carlsborg's light industrial park has been loud and clear: hundreds of signatures against it, two appeals by separate appellants, a formal request for investigation and letters to the editor.

Let's hope our elected county commissioners listen to these voices opposing a crematorium in an area not zoned for cemetery use and that they will respect the intent of the zoning laws meant to protect those with vested interests here. This isn't just about a crematorium in Carlsborg, but whether we have a voice in the Clallam County process, for this and future zoning issues. Please attend the hearing of the Board of County Commissioners, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m.

Susanne Severeid

Carlsborg



Crematory shouldn't be denied

When my grandmother passed away several years ago, I was astonished by the cost of the basic funeral services here in

Sequim. It was an unexpected surprise at an already difficult time for our family. For the past couple years I have been pleased to observe Linde Family Funeral Services begin providing a service for our community that has been an absolute need! A reasonably priced funeral service is finally an option for all those living on the peninsula. This is not something to be taken for granted by our community.

Citizens for Carlsborg is concerned that the industrial park is not a good location for a crematory. After spending time reviewing the different zoning codes, I would ask those in objection, where is a better location? What zone is better suited for a crematory? It seems clear to me that Mr. Linde has done his homework and chosen the most suitable location based on all options available. Has anyone happened to notice that the only other crematories in the county are both located in Port Angeles near the Roosevelt Elementary School? Is this a better location? I am concerned that if Linde were denied this location, it would become apparent that there is not a more suitable location. I believe that the commissioners will be forward thinking and recognize this on Sept. 17.

After researching reliable information, the facts seem conclusive that modern crematories are designed to be very clean and efficient. Mercury released by modern crematories was determined to be negligible by the Environmental Protection Agency. When we fail to research facts, it is easy to get carried away in fear mongering or be confused by those who would spread distorted information. Our community should not allow misinformation to stand in the way of this most useful and needed service. The pollution concerns can be put into perspective in recognizing that half the homes on the Olympic Peninsula are heated by wood burning stoves. As has been stated previously, "one wood burning stove creates more pollution than a crematory."

In reality, the fear that our community should share is the potential consequences resulting if Mr. Linde was unable to obtain his crematory permit. It would be an absolute shame to lose the services that Linde Family Funeral Services is providing to our peninsula. It's my hope that the commissioners will see past the fear and misinformation that has been spread by a small group of individuals for the benefit of the vast majority. I am not alone in saying that our community needs Linde's service. I encourage our community to support Linde Family Funeral Services in their efforts to obtain a crematory permit on Sept. 17.

Chris Price

Sequim



Boxing show a huge success



A big thank you from the North Olympic Boxing Club for the Gazette's coverage of our first annual amateur boxing show on Aug. 23. The event would not have been possible without the generous assistance of those who helped out.

Also, thanks to those in the community who came out to support our local boxers as well as the many young competitors who traveled quite a distance to box here. If there is local interest, we may make this a more frequent event.

Jesús Solís

North Olympic Boxing Club

Sequim



Here we go again



Remember back when Fir Street had a gate that closed off the street at various times? One year the district was after a new tax. I (and other seniors) had a conversation with the then superintendent that us seniors would vote for their tax if they would open up Fir Street permanently. We did and they did. Of course we now have a new super and it seems that they want to throw out the agreement we made. Go figure.

Harvey & Margaret Martin

Sequim



Look before you miss the sidewalk

The editorial in the Aug. 27 Gazette, "Street vacation a good idea" made some very good points, but did omit one fact when, halfway through the article, it said that "there are no sidewalks." This looks like a quote right out of the school folks' statement, without someone ever looking at Fir Street. There is a full-sized cement sidewalk on the north side of Fir Street which travels the entire distance (east to west) along the high school fence, with pedestrian crosswalks at each intersection. In my opinion, with the addition of one more crosswalk mid-block, the problem could be solved. Especially, if the same officials would teach the children to use the sidewalk that is there.

Bob Lampert

Sequim



Thinly veiled advertising

As I enjoyed the Olympic Games on TV, I couldn't help but also "enjoy" the commercials. The cleverness always makes an impression, such as the many feel-good ads from oil companies and automakers - they really want us to like them and support the status quo. They must hope we won't connect the millions of advertising dollars spent with recent oil company record profits.

My work is in the resource management field and I am reminded every day that drinking water, farmland/food supply and rising sea level crises are just around the corner. I believe that deep down we all know we need to do business in a new way. The old idea to drill more oil to become energy independent is not a solution.

We need many voices and strong leadership to face reality and find new strategies. The status quo is no solution.

Ann Soule

Sequim



Thanks for the cell phones

Nancy's Fashions and Cell Phones for Soldiers would like to say thank you to the many citizens of Sequim and Port Angeles who have donated to this worthy cause. We have collected enough phones to provide over 120 one-hour calling cards for our troops overseas. This was accomplished in under 45 days. Keep them coming. Nancy's Fashions will continue to be a collection site for this valuable service to our troops. Remember each recycled phone represents two one-hour long distance calling cards. We know from personal experience, our son-in-law was in Kuwait, how valuable calling cards are to our service members. Also you can get on the Cell Phones for Soldiers Web site and find out how to donate directly at no cost.

Daryl Raines

Sequim



Use common driving sense



Regarding the pileup at Louella Road a week or so ago, I read that an elderly driver was cited by the patrol for driving too fast for conditions. This is right, but only partially. In my opinion, the driver turning left onto Louella Road was the primary cause of this (preventable) accident and should have been cited. In the absence of a turn storage lane on a major two-lane highway such as (U.S. Highway) 101, no one should have the god-given right to turn left in heavy traffic! Use a little common sense and pull over to the right shoulder until it is safe to turn left. I have done this many times southbound on Sequim-Dungeness Way, at the entrance to SunLand, due to heavy two-way traffic.

Ironically, just a few days after this accident, we were westbound on 101 approaching Louella Road and, lo and behold, it happened again; this time with only six or eight cars coming to a screeching halt behind the blithe driver wanting to turn left. Two days later, we were witness to yet another close call farther east in Jefferson County, caused by a driver turning left in heavy traffic, on a very dangerous stretch of 101.

Since there is apparently no law against this dangerous maneuver, perhaps it is time for the Legislature to consider passing one. I am sending copies of this letter to DOT and the State Patrol, to get their input on the subject.

Al Hiebert

Sequim





Affirming freedom of speech

For 184 years western civilization was one nation under God. Then the ACLU and atheist judges began their assault on Christianity. The Supreme Court has ruled public school students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the school house gates." Washington state schools have breached this law in policies and practices. The American Center for Law and Justice will provide intervention when that occurs.

The impact of removing the moral compass from public education has resulted in a youth crisis where one-fourth of the youth never achieve productive lives. Education cannot be called education if it neglects the most essential aspects of man's nature.

Billy Graham has proclaimed we must take back our public schools; the Southern Baptists have proposed withdrawing millions of students from public education.

The U.S. Department of Education sums up religious freedom in American schools as:

• Students can pray, read their Bible or other religious books and talk about their faith at school during school hours.

• Students can organize prayer groups and religious clubs and announce their meetings.

• Students can express their faith in classwork and homework.

• Teachers can organize prayer groups and Bible studies.

• Students can express their faith at school events including graduation ceremonies.

Back to school is an excellent time to remind public educators of their responsibility to assure students of their constitutional freedoms. Correspondingly, community ministers need to remind their congregations of these freedoms and consider the youth crisis their mission responsibility.

Don Albright

Sequim