Sequim Gazette Editorial and Letters to the Editor
Budget deficit bringing on streamlining of state government
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Gov. Chris Gregoire announced earlier this week that more than 150 state boards and commissions are being eliminated and that some state agencies are being merged or trimmed down.
This action undoubtedly is a reflection of the state budget deficit the governor and Legislature are facing.
More than $6 billion in red ink -- with some pundits pointing to $7 billion or
$8 billion being possible - is looming on the horizon for the Washington state government over the next two years.
In advance of the governor's announcement, we are beginning to see the effects of these cutbacks.
Forks Mayor Nedra Reed is seeking support for keeping the state Department of Licensing office open in Forks.
Meanwhile, the statewide DOL office is asking residents to use online licensing options as much as possible. Closing the office would mean a long drive to Port Angeles for teenage drivers and others who need to take a driving test to acquire a driver's license.
The proposed closing of 13 state parks is another issue.
A meeting is set at Forks City Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in support of finding a solution that will keep open the state's Bogachiel State Park campground located six miles south of Forks.
The solution might be a private operator taking over the park on a concession basis or a nonstate government or tribal agency coming in.
The park is said to have the only public showers for campers within a reasonable driving distance of Forks. The park is popular with both local residents who need a getaway campground that's close by and affordable and with visitors coming to the West End.
These two issues are likely just the beginning of cuts in state funding. Cuts in welfare, education, highway maintenance and in other areas are likely as the state and national economy continue to dip with no turnaround yet in sight.
Streamlining state government agencies, using the Internet to organize citizen-state communications, finding private sector solutions that will boost the economy while replacing state services that require tax dollars are steps that have been needed for years.
The silver lining to our current economic problems may be a new direction for state government that's better for its citizens in the long run.
Chris Cook is editor of the Forks Forum which, like the Sequim Gazette, is published by Olympic View Publishing.
Louis Howard, who regularly appears here, has resigned his "Observations" column in a dispute over editing procedures and withdrew his most recent column from publication.
"We regret losing Mr. Howard's column," said Jim Casey, Gazette editor.
"Sometimes the issues of creativity and quality control are hard to resolve."
The Gazette will solicit contributors to its Opinion pages to replace "Observations."
Candidates should submit at least three sample columns to editor@sequimgazette.com.
This action undoubtedly is a reflection of the state budget deficit the governor and Legislature are facing.
More than $6 billion in red ink -- with some pundits pointing to $7 billion or
$8 billion being possible - is looming on the horizon for the Washington state government over the next two years.
In advance of the governor's announcement, we are beginning to see the effects of these cutbacks.
Forks Mayor Nedra Reed is seeking support for keeping the state Department of Licensing office open in Forks.
Meanwhile, the statewide DOL office is asking residents to use online licensing options as much as possible. Closing the office would mean a long drive to Port Angeles for teenage drivers and others who need to take a driving test to acquire a driver's license.
The proposed closing of 13 state parks is another issue.
A meeting is set at Forks City Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in support of finding a solution that will keep open the state's Bogachiel State Park campground located six miles south of Forks.
The solution might be a private operator taking over the park on a concession basis or a nonstate government or tribal agency coming in.
The park is said to have the only public showers for campers within a reasonable driving distance of Forks. The park is popular with both local residents who need a getaway campground that's close by and affordable and with visitors coming to the West End.
These two issues are likely just the beginning of cuts in state funding. Cuts in welfare, education, highway maintenance and in other areas are likely as the state and national economy continue to dip with no turnaround yet in sight.
Streamlining state government agencies, using the Internet to organize citizen-state communications, finding private sector solutions that will boost the economy while replacing state services that require tax dollars are steps that have been needed for years.
The silver lining to our current economic problems may be a new direction for state government that's better for its citizens in the long run.
Chris Cook is editor of the Forks Forum which, like the Sequim Gazette, is published by Olympic View Publishing.
Louis Howard, who regularly appears here, has resigned his "Observations" column in a dispute over editing procedures and withdrew his most recent column from publication.
"We regret losing Mr. Howard's column," said Jim Casey, Gazette editor.
"Sometimes the issues of creativity and quality control are hard to resolve."
The Gazette will solicit contributors to its Opinion pages to replace "Observations."
Candidates should submit at least three sample columns to editor@sequimgazette.com.
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