02/07/12 Letters to the Editor

State stimulus questions

To the editor -- A Jan. 26 article describes the $1 billion stimulus plan sponsored by Democrat Hans Dunshee. I only have three questions for Mr. Dunshee and the rest of our legislators (those elected officials who are supposed to manage this state for the citizens).

First: Have you witnessed the state of the U.S. economy since Obama's nearly $1 trillion stimulus package? The economy has barely budged, proof that their definition of "shovel ready" was very far from accurate; and proof that short-term stimulus rarely provides sufficient returns, especially over a longer term.

Second: Where will you get the money when we have been fighting to close the deficit gap, more borrowing? How is that working for the United States as we approach a federal deficit that is more than the gross domestic product of the U.S. economy?

Finally: Where have you been (collectively) during the time these projects have needed to be done over the past several years? How come they are suddenly an emergency when you were able to ignore them in recent years due to budget problems? Is this another boon to the unions as the federal programs were?

DICK MAISON

Yakima

Flat-lined thinking

To the editor -- Global warming (see Jan. 27 letter, "Global warming claims") is not the only hoax being perpetrated on us by the government. Regarding those "Round World" theorists: Many claims are made, but when were we last provided actual proof of these irresponsible liberal beliefs?

For the truth, see www.theflatearth society.org: "the earth is flat and ... Round Earth doctrine is little more than an elaborate hoax." Learned experts including Dr. Samuel Birley Rowbotham have submitted easily reproducible evidence demonstrating that the surface of the earth does not curve.

Why would good American citizens choose to instead believe someone from Greece (Pythagoras), France (Maupertuis) or Portugal (Magellan)? Ask yourself, why are big government agencies (NASA, U.S. Geological Survey) using our tax dollars to perpetrate on us their false belief that the world is round? "Round World" is only a theory some scientists promote, not a fact.

We need to fight craziness. Educate yourself. Don't just accept claims made without proof.

CAROL INOUYE

Naches

Dairy practice problems

To the editor -- The dairy industry donated $30,000 for Yakima Regional Clean Air Authority's Dairy Policy Research Project. This project allowed the industry to set its own guidelines and perimeters for the project. There was/is no off-site, scientific data gathering of surrounding properties and homes, even though the Washington State University scientists suggested doing so.

The dairy industry gave the donation to WSU with the intention of selecting dairy friendly scientists of its choice. Project end results are to use their eyes to determine odors from manure and urine. Local citizens and environmental groups were not included in decisions that affect the dairy owners' neighbors, their health and the value of their homes and property.

Scientists from Johns Hopkins did an extensive off-site, scientific data gathering research in 40 selected homes near dairies or feedlots. Their peer-reviewed study reveals there is dairy pollution inside the homes. Recently, a federal court judge ruled that Best Management Practices contribute to pollution. BMPs have been in effect for many years -- apparently they don't work.

JIM DYJAK

Moxee

Allow all equal rights

To the editor -- Thank you to the letter writers and others who stand up for gay rights. Every person on earth has the right to a happy life, and the right to totally share that happiness with one chosen mate. As a parent, all I ever want and pray for my children is a life of happiness and treated equally in every aspect of their life.

The day that one of your children "outs" to you, is not something you expect or planned for in those dreams you had for them. It is not an easy path for them to go down, and we always want an easy life for our loved ones. No parent is exempt from possibly hearing those words from their son or daughter. But, that doesn't stop us from loving them as much as before, and still wanting that "happy forever after" for them with the one they love.

Please, Washington state, allow all of our children that "forever happy with the one they love" right that they deserve.

PEGGY MYHRE

Yakima

Approve Yakima levy

To the editor -- Please vote yes for our Yakima school levy!

While public resources are limited, education is a wise investment for our future. Public schools serve all our children and provide their basic learning opportunities, including complex programs to meet special needs.

We all benefit if the district is able to continue the quality programs and services currently available to students.

Without a doubt, it's a tough time to ask our community for financial support. The school board voted to keep the levy at a level that would just maintain the ongoing programs.

That was a good, responsible decision.

Levy dollars strengthen the district's operating budget. Levy dollars are not used for constructing new buildings. If we lose local levy dollars -- and any possible state levy equalization money -- then programs and opportunities for all kids would be significantly weakened or reduced.

We cannot afford that.

Yakima schools provide strong academic, special education, vocational, honors, music/arts and athletic programs, and leadership and community service opportunities in secure environments -- most made possible through levy dollars.

Our future rests in the strong hearts and educated minds of Yakima's youth.

Their future options and achievements depend on the decisions we make today.

BARBARA GREENBERG

Yakima

Selah bonds needed

To the editor -- Selah residents have the opportunity to pass school facilities bonds in February and improve the community of Selah without raising taxes. The bond measure would replace Selah Junior High, expand Selah High School, and make efficient use of our current facilities without raising the current tax rate of $1.23 per thousand.

If passed, John Campbell Elementary School would become the future home of all preschool through second-grade students within the Selah School District. This configuration would give the youngest students one place to go to school with the older students attending Selah Intermediate School. John Campbell was designed as an elementary school and the facilities, structure, etc., were created to serve small children. The current facilities and campus at Robert Lince were designed as a high school and although remodeled to accommodate elementary-age students, the campus and facilities still provide challenges for students.

Passing the upcoming facilities bonds would allow all primary teaching staff the opportunity to collaborate as a group rather than being split up among the two current elementary buildings. This new John Campbell campus would provide students the ideal school configuration to begin their education. Join in me voting yes for Selah students.

TODD HILBERG

Selah

Can't afford West Valley levy

To the editor -- Something is wrong! Asking for 22 percent more is wrong! Please, West Valley homeowners, we need to send a strong message that we cannot add another $1.5 million to our property taxes. For years we have been told that it's just another $100-plus. How many more times can adding another $100-plus to everyone's taxes be justified?

We need to be courageous and vote no! We need to tell West Valley School District administrators and our school board that we do not have bottomless pockets. Home-owners are concerned about the security of their jobs and need to be cautious.

The WVSD can have another election and ask for the same amount it is receiving now. While the vast majority of homeowners have not received any increase in their salaries, we hear proposals to increase sales tax, the gas tax and we constantly face higher food costs and power bills. We cannot afford another $1.5 million!

My school taxes are $1,061.18. My other property taxes are $906.97. Does this sound like someone who is selfish? All I am saying is that $1,968.15 is enough! Let's all join hands and defeat this 22 percent increase of $1.5 million. It's wrong! Vote no!

ROBERT E. SWOPE

Yakima

None of the above

To the editor -- How about those great politicians we will get to vote for this year? And they're always so honest about their taxes and their love life. Doesn't it just make you warm and fuzzy all over?

PURDY G. CONRAD

Yakima