LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Editor:
Initiative 695 led by Tim Eyman all but eliminated the motor vehicle tax, and with it funding for many local government services including law enforcement, public health and public transportation. Fifty percent of public transportation funding in Whatcom County was eliminated. So far, the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) has been able to maintain current services by drawing on reserve funds. However, should those funds not be replaced by 2003, there will be 46 percent reduction in public transportation services in the county. In order to avoid drastic cuts to bus service, the WTA board is placing a ballot issue before the voters on March 12, 2002, for a 3/10 of one percent sales tax increase. That is to say, 30 cents on every $100 purchase thus raising the tax to a total of 6/10 of one percent for public transportation. This tax will be collected beginning in January 2003.
Public transportation is critical to low-income persons and families, elderly and disabled individuals, many of whom cannot drive or cannot afford a car. It is critically important to Western Washington University and will be increasingly important to commuters as the county grows in population.
The liveability of our county will be diminished now and increasingly in the future if the funding shortfall from Initiative 695 is not filled and the WTA board has to cut services. You can be sure our twice month service to Bellingham will be a victim of any major service cuts by WTA. Whatcom County voters rejected Initiative 695, now it is time to fix one of the problems created by that initiative.
What have other counties done? Since the MVET was eliminated in January 2000, eight out of nine counties in Washington placing a transit tax on the ballot have voted to approve an increase in local sales taxes to support transit. Two others in addition to WTA have similar ballots scheduled within the next two months.
If you have any questions or comments, or would like to help in the campaign, please email Transportation Choices for Whatcom County at transportation-whatcom@attbi.com or call Rick Gordon at 360/671-2236 (evenings). Campaign meetings will be held downstairs in the Labor Council Building meeting room (north side of the building) located at 1700 North State Street in Bellingham every Thursday until ballot day from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Parking is available at the Labor Hall, next door in the vacant parts store parking lot or across the street. (The latter not recommended for the faint-hearted.)
Ted Mohr
Point Roberts

The Editor:
To the residents of Michael Palisades who are ‘improving their view’ by cutting trees and leaving the trunks and branches to create the eyesore that exists today. When the bank starts eroding and sliding, I trust you will be there to clean Goodman – Boundary Bay roads.
Wilma Donaldson
Point Roberts

The Editor:
With respect to past and continuing rumors within the Point Roberts community, I am submitting this statement regarding the resolution of a defamation action, filed by myself against a local resident and resolved in an out-of-court settlement last month.
I am satisfied with the monetary terms of the settlement and, in the interests of the defendant’s privacy, choose not to discuss the causes of action that necessitated the filing of this action.
I do, however, wish to respond to certain false allegations contained in material circulated within the Point Roberts community. This material was published in posters and displayed at prominent locations in Point Roberts, including the bulletin board of the International Marketplace, the U.S. post office, and the chamber of commerce visitors information booth.
I won’t dignify some of the more ludicrous statements contained in these posters with a response, other than to reject them categorically and affirm the fact that they were given no credence at last month’s hearing.
However, two of the more serious libels directed against me regarding my citizenship and military record need to be put to rest once and for all. Contrary to the local rumor mill, I am a citizen of both the United States and Canada and have never been convicted of a criminal offense in either country. Regarding my military service, I was not discharged from the U.S. military for a ‘Section 8’ violation, which implies criminality or mental instability. Evidence presented by my attorney confirms the fact that I enlisted in the United States Army in 1968, served in the infantry and later in the Corps of Engineers. I graduated first in my battalion and received letters of commendation from the Department of the Army and a member of the Judiciary Committee of the United States Senate. I received an honorable discharge.
I am a lifelong member and supporter of veteran’s organizations in both the United States and Canada and take particular exception to any attempts, past or present, to malign my citizenship or military service.
I consider this statement, and the monetary settlement with the defendant, conclusive and that no further action will be necessary.
John Lesow
Point Roberts

The Editor:
In the past two years Whatcom County government has downzoned Point Roberts twice. The first downzone was Ordinance 2000-040 which allowed recreational vehicle (RV) usage on all Point Roberts vacant residential lots. The second downzone was the new subarea plan that changed the zoning in many areas from Urban Residential to Rural. Both changes in the law result in a reduction of property values!
You will notice that in examining in your recent property tax statement that the county has not reflected any reduction in taxes commensurate with the downzoning. This is wrong! I am going to appeal for a reduction in property taxes to the Board of Equalization and I urge other property owners to do the same. Call Nadean at 676 6690 to obtain an appeal form. Appeals must be submitted before July 1, 2002 to be considered for next years taxes.
Bruno Moras
Point Roberts

Letters Policy
The All Point Bulletin welcomes letters to the editor; however, the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor. Letters must include name, address and daytime telephone number for verification. Letters must not exceed 450 words and may be edited or rejected for reasons of legality and good taste.
A fresh viewpoint on matters of general interest to local readers will increase the likelihood of publication. Writers should avoid personal invective. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication. Requests for withholding names will be considered on an individual basis.
Thank You letters should be limited to ten names.
Only one letter per month from an individual correspondent will be published.

Please send your letter to: P.O. Box 1451, Point Roberts, WA 98281
or fax (360) 945-1613.
E-mail:editor@allpointbulletin.com

BACK TO TOP