LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Editor:
Thirteen years ago, I met a local dynamo named Renee Coe. At that time, she was deeply involved with the Parent Teacher Organization, was a contributing partner in the establishment of the Blue Heron Gallery and served as an elections official in Point Roberts voting precinct for each election over a period of nine years. She spent countless hours researching many of the concerns pertaining to the Point over the years, many times driving to Blaine and Bellingham to speak in support of local issues. To this day, Renee continues to volunteer countless hours for the benefit of this community, actively involved in the Historical Society and always ready to offer assistance when needed.
Over our years of friendship, I have known her to be nothing if not scrupulously honest, deeply concerned about the welfare and future and the Point and a passionate advocate for the causes in which she believed. Renee would serve this community well as a water commissioner and will put in many long, hard hours of service. She brings to the position some 16 years of history living in Point Roberts, giving her an understanding of the need for a balance between growth and preservation.
Kitty Doyle
Point Roberts
(Additional letters in support of Renee Coe came from Lola & Ernie Loreen, Rose Momsen, Knick & Lyn Pyles.)

The Editor:
Nine reasons why storytime at the Point Roberts Library is great!
Storytime is great for children of all ages, not just pre-schoolers, as they hear stories, sing songs, make crafts and play games.
Storytime is great for harried parents, as you get time to browse the library and chat with friends.
Storytime is great for home-schoolers, as the kids get to interact with other children and adults.
Storytime is great for pre-schoolers and elementary students, as it exposes the kids to different books and various teaching styles.
Storytime is great for library patrons, as you hear the joyous sounds of children engaged in reading and activities.
Storytime is great for volunteers, as you get to share the fun of reading with youngsters.
Storytime is great for our library, as it exposes the youngsters to the many books in the youth section.
Storytime is great for Point Roberts because it brings members of the community together.
Storytime is great because it occurs weekly on Tuesdays, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
We hope to see you at our great storytime.
Sylvia Branzei-Velasquez
Point Roberts

The Editor:
In the November election, we will be voting to fill a vacancy on the water board.
This position requires a person with a strong technical background, management and financial experience and long range planning ability.
The water district has an excellent manager. The operation of the water supply and distribution system is in itself a demanding job. In addition, he carries out functions that are essentially the responsibilities of the board. Among these responsibilities, are initiating operating policies, establishment of alternate water sources, financial planning and anticipating future needs of the district.
Every member of the board should have abilities and experiences that contribute to the board’s responsibilities.
The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) has set up water districts as businesses each with a board to be accountable for their operation.
Syd Wallace, former water board
chairman, 12 years
Point Roberts

The Editor:
Thanks to the work of many good people in our community, the Point Roberts Food Bank now has a van (red vehicle), which will be used to pick up supplies for the recipients in our community. Special thanks to Rose Momsen and the quilters, Tom Raasch and Henry Rosenthal, who is also one of the team of capable assemblers and distributors. Bill Ladner, Curt Bush, Mary Acosta, Josh Richardson and John Miller are first-rate helpers in serving commodities. Thanks also to the many who have contributed food and money over the past years.
Funds are always needed to continue this community program and opportunities to assist will include a chili cook-off dinner on November 12 at Kiniski’s Reef Tavern. There will also be a dinner for the benefit of the food bank on November 19 at South Beach House Restaurant.
On December 10, we are planning a craft show and dinner at the community center. For information, call Henry at 945-1711 or Ernie at 945-5175.
The food bank continues to provide foot items each Wednesday at the community center on Gulf Road, from 11 a.m. – noon.
Thank you for your support. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and thanks-living.
Ernie Loreen, coordinator
Point Roberts

The Editor:
The Better Community Solutions political action committee has found their dream candidate in young Craig Mayberry.
He is definitely “on message” with the pro-development lobby, citing “viable solutions” and criticizing his opponent for “sub-optimal solutions.”
Just what are Mr. Mayberry’s solutions on Whatcom County issues?
On the issue of Lake Whatcom, Mayberry’s answer was “No Response” to all five questions posed by Whatcom Watch in their recent candidate questionnaire.
However, he advertises himself as “having the ability to listen to and understand all sides of the debate.”
Really? Then why can’t he or his handlers fashion an answer to questions on development and water quality, two of the most pressing issues in this election?
In the interests of public disclosure, who is funding the negative attack ads against Mayberry’s opponent on KGMI radio? I’d like a straight answer to that question from Mr. Mayberry. But I’ll bet we won’t know until after election day.
John Lesow
Point Roberts

The Editor:
We want to express our appreciation to the volunteer drivers of the WTA – “Blue Heron Express” – community van. Jim Linde, Henry Rosenthal, Mr. Teng and Cheryl Fitzgerald have been transporting our students from Blaine after cross country running practices, Monday through Friday, for the past eight weeks. Cheryl has also been the overall coordinator, organizing this van pool along with many other scheduled trips.
The students have been participating in cross country after school sports program at Blaine middle and high schools. We want everyone to know how much of an asset the Blue Heron Express community van is for Point Roberts, and that the van depends on these volunteer drivers for its success!
Thank you all very much!
Sandy & Jeff Raine, Robin Nault, Sheila
Monty & Greg Hebert
Point Roberts

The Editor:
I originally intended to write this letter last summer when my name was left out of a very important article regarding county officials coming to the Point to discuss roads. I came to the Point because I love it and the wonderful diverse people it attracts. I also came because I chair the County Council Public Works Committee and wanted to hear from my constituents regarding road issues. Since there were only two elected officials and a number of staff (all, except me, who were reported) I figured I should let Point Roberts residents know that I was there.
Then I got busy and another issue of the All Point Bulletin came out. And then another. So here I am and I’m glad I waited because another issue came out that stirred my desire to open my big mouth.
There was an article regarding someone’s disappointment that he perceived the Voters’ Association and the Taxpayers’ Association were not staying active enough on issues. Well, I remember that Point Roberts used to hold candidates forums around election time. I did not hear of one this year. I hope it was an oversight on my part and I would love to hear from anyone if it was. If there was no forum this year I hope there will be in the future. There really is something so special about coming to Point Roberts and being bombarded by pointed questions that require direct, specific answers that no one can wiggle out of. Especially when it is followed by cookies and friendship afterward. You folks at the Point have such a special place and it is certainly worth putting us elected officials on the spot to insure it stays that way.
Barbara Brenner, Whatcom County
Councilmember
Bellingham

The Editor:
I’d like to thank Terrie LaPorte for her many years of service and dedication to our town. While she may be stepping down as president of the Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce, her contributions continue.
While most of us just don’t find the time, Terrie tirelessly served on many local community projects over the past 30 years on the Point. Her annual garden tour has directly benefited our youth by contributing $1,000 for the second year in a row to our skateboard park.
Terrie almost succeeded in getting a pier built, but the government can be an unyielding opponent.
It’s never been more true: “What can I do for my country?” and not, “What can my country do for me?” Which group would you rather belong to?
Volunteer, vote, care. No matter at what level, we get the kind of government we deserve.
Helena Biga Furno
Point Roberts

The Editor:
It is with great pride and appreciation that we announce Point Roberts Dollars for Scholars has been chosen as the charity recipient of the Ron Nielson Fall Classic Golf Tournament. This popular event was held on September 28 at the Point Roberts Golf and Country Club. Brad Merritt, from Tsawwassen, B.C., was the 2005 tournament winner.
This is the third year that the Nielson family has sponsored a golf competition to honor the memory of Ron Nielson, an avid golfer who helped make the dream of a golf course in Point Roberts come true. All participants of the tournament contributed to the charity with a portion of their entrance fee, producing a check amounting to $750 for the Dollars for Scholars.
What a generous gesture! We are very grateful to have been chosen to receive this wonderful donation. All of the money will go toward scholarships for Point Roberts students. Thank you to everyone for helping to support the Dollars for Scholars.
With gratitude,
Davea Fisher, director of Dollars for
Scholars
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

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