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Letters on CAO Review & Update
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LETTER ON SJI SCHOOL TAX LEVY

(Note:Date above left is when the first letter was posted below on the subject)

--------------------------------------- Pay It Forward By Supporting Our Schools

(02-01-12))
To the Editor:

I am writing in support of the upcoming ballot measure to renew and increase the Capital and Technology Levy for San Juan Island schools. The reasons why the parents and families in our community should support this measure are obvious, and well described by others in letters and mailings.

Less obvious is why island residents who do not have children, or children in our school system, should support this measure. I am among this group of people, but I believe very strongly that education and schools are the bedrock upon which we build strong communities. This measure will provide the funds to ensure that we maintain our investment in the schools, beyond their daily operation. It will also ensure that our schools can provide children with access to the technologies that will make them successful in tomorrow's society and job market.

We focus a lot of energy upon what happens in the formal curriculum in schools, of course. But many of the learning opportunities that occur outside the curriculum also provide crucial skills and inspiration that can lead to good careers and jobs down the road. In my own case, I had the great fortune to attend a junior high school which was able, in the late 70's, to buy a single personal computer for the students and faculty to explore. This investment in infrastructure -- difficult to justify in 1979 -- paid handsome dividends for the small group of children and faculty that learned its secrets.

Today, we expect our schools to provide much greater access to technology for our students, of course. But somewhere in our schools, there are the seeds of new experiences and learning opportunities that will be important in the decades to come. We can't plan such things, but we can ensure that our schools have good infrastructure and modern technology. Added to a solid core curriculum and employment of great educators, the result is a great educational system.

As I mentioned, I do not have children of my own. But a previous generation of taxpayers were willing to fund the schools that helped me succeed and give me such formative experiences, and I feel lucky to be able to "pay that forward" by supporting our schools today.

And I urge everyone else to do the same.

Mark Madsen
San Juan Island

--------------------------------------- Supports Proposed Tax Levy

(01-31-12))
To the Editor:

I’m voting ‘Yes’ to support the Capital and Technology Levy of the SJ Is School District this February. After reviewing the website list of technology and building needs, especially at the Elementary School, it’s clear a majority of the funds will go for normal maintenance: a new roof, better fire suppression and alarm systems, new ventilation and heating systems, bathroom repairs, new exterior windows, etc. After 25 years of intensive use, the Elementary School is like any other commercial building, it needs replacement of its critical parts. If we don’t support the protection of these assets with proper maintenance, then our children will suffer from both inadequate classrooms and from compromised teachers as money is moved from general operations to cover necessary or emergency repairs.

I’ve had the pleasure of twice working as a volunteer in the Elementary School lately. What a pleasure it is to enjoy the competency and energy of the other volunteers, mostly parents, and the paid staff. It takes only a little direct experience to realize these parents are committed unpaid workers because the teachers and staff are committed professionals. It’s reciprocal. Involved parents are the best indicator of a healthy school -- this District has hundreds of parents giving their time.

A good basic education (K-12) with inspired teachers, appropriate space and the right technology is critical if we want our children and society to prosper in the 21st Century. Technology needs upgrades just like the buildings do to remain useful. No business can prosper in a changing market without modern tools and a good place to use them - our school district is no different.

Please vote to help our children continue to be good students - vote ‘Yes’ for the capital and technology levy.

David Zeretzke
Friday Harbor

--------------------------------------- Vote To Repair Necessary Facilities

(01-31-12))
To the Editor:

This fall I had the opportunity to be a member of the facilities review committee which vetted projects proposed for the February 14, 2012, School District Capital and Technology Levy.

The committee met for 8 weeks culminating with a presentation and recommendation to the school board. We toured sites and reviewed documents �" all of which are posted on the district’s website www.sjisd.wednet.edu .

The group was diverse being made up of parents, educators, general contractors, civil engineers, network administrators, building material experts, social services providers, district administrators, coaches and interested community members.

Each committee member took the responsibility of understanding the needs of the district very personally. The committee as a whole carefully considered the trade-offs of reinvesting and maintaining the district’s assets, against what the recommended projects would mean in terms of a taxable amount to this community.

Every meeting included a discussion of how the dollar value of the projects would translate to real tax dollars, and could our community afford this amount given the challenging economic conditions?

The renewal of this levy does ask for more dollars than in previous years. In studying all the sites it became apparent the district has been under-funded in past cycles to address the issues at the elementary school and all other sites.

Just like our homes, we need to continue to do maintenance to ensure they stay safe and livable. If we ignore the necessary repairs required for the elementary school, we will certainly be faced with higher taxes in the form of a bond to completely rebuild this facility in the not so distant future.

If voters approve this levy, the necessary repairs to our facilities will be made now to ensure their continued use by the students, teachers and all the other community groups who utilize these assets.

I urge you to vote “YES” for the proposed Capital and Technology Levy by February 14th to preserve our existing assets and keep our future taxes low.
Sincerely,

June Arnold
Chair, SJI Capital Facilities & Technology Review Committee

Thank You Fellow Islanders

To the Editor:

We wish to thank the EMT’s, our friends and rest of the community for the cards, flowers, and wonderful support through our time of loss. We also give a special thank you to the John Wilson family for your assistance and support through it all.

Its great to know we have such a supportive community, and Ed wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Ed Johnson Family
San Juan Island

Ed Johnson Obituary

LETTERS ON DRUG TRIAL

--------------------------------------- Criticism Not Deserved

(02-02-12))
To the Editor:

Today I happened upon Mr. Harold Wilson's strongly-worded letter criticizing Judge Eaton's decision in a bail hearing for a person charged with dealing drugs.

While I share Mr. Wilson's concern about the impact of drug traffickers on our community, I respectfully take
issue with his attack on Judge Eaton. It is often difficult to determine what amount of money will reasonably assure a defendant's appearance at future court proceedings, and what conditions will adequately protect the community.

I think anyone who sits in Judge Eaton's courtroom would appreciate the care with which he considers and weighs the specific facts and circumstances in each case before making a decision regarding bail, and would agree that his decisions are reasonable, fair and just.

While I have no personal issue with Mr. Wilson, in light of the information provided to Judge Eaton during the bail hearing, I don't believe the criticism was deserved.

Respectfully,
Charlie Silverman

--------------------------------------- Thank You Sheriff, But Upset With Judge

(01-26-12)
To the Editor:

Thank you to the San Juan County Sheriff's department for arresting one of the worst kinds of scum around. Meth dealer. They prey on addiction and weakness with an evil drug that robs people of their happiness and soul.

All of their hard work has resulted in the arrest of an individual who will be facing a serious prison sentence. This is a dangerous criminal who has been taken off the streets of our community. Our officers deserve our praise. Again, thank you to the Sheriffs Office.

I was SHOCKED to read the news story describing the bail proceedings in this case. The lead detective recommended $50,000 bond. Honestly, for multiple felonies, that sounds on the low end of things.

Judge Eaton had the nerve to lower that to $10,000. 80% off!!! A mere fraction. Typically this is done when the accused doesn't pose a flight risk.

This criminal has multiple convictions for drug offenses. Also, note that they have 10--TEN FAILURE TO APPEAR charges. That means they posted bail to get out of jail and DIDN'T SHOW UP!!!

A judge is given a lot of authority over our justice system and with that comes an immense amount of trust by the people of our community. That trust has been SHATTERED. This is INSANE.

We have 2 choices. Recall Mr. Eaton, or find an opponent who can soundly defeat him when his term is up. We need to weigh the cost and hassle of a recall drive against the potential damage he can inflict on our community during the remainder of his term with SERIOUSLY FLAWED decisions such as this.

This is a call to action.

Sincerely,

Harold Wilson
San Juan Island

Who Paid For Than Ad?

(01-16-12)
To the Editor:

On Jan. 21, the nation marks the second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a decision that enabled corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money to influence federal and state elections. As the 2012 election season ramps up, so will the corporate, union and special interest financing of political advertising. With the proliferation of SuperPACS and 501(c) organizations, major donors funding election advertising remain unidentified to the voters.
Be an informed voter.

First, ask every candidate at every level of government for his or her position on campaign finance reform.
Second, visit http://www.opensecrets.org for reliable information for following the money in races in your district and around the country.

And finally, question every political advertisement you see or hear. Ask yourself who paid for that ad and why. Does the ad state clearly who paid for it? If the sponsor is a group or organization, can you go to its website and see who is a member and who contributes? If not, ask yourself why not?
Help make democracy work -cast an informed vote!

Susan Dehlendorf
Ann Jarrell
Co-Presidents
League of Women Voters of the San Juans

Thank You Letter: Brann Cabin

Eight years ago, (during the 2003 school year), the third grade classes of Friday Harbor Elementary School, under the direction of Mrs. Sjoholm, Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Harley, created art
cards with drawings of some of the historic buildings on the island and made them available for purchase. They did this as a fundraising effort with a goal toward repairing the Brann Cabin, located in San Juan County Park near Smallpox Bay. ( Related Story )

This last year, (2011), the work which began with those third graders, combined with other donations and grant allotments, along with the efforts of Ed Bailey and the Veterans Conservation Corp, has accomplished the first phase of the Brann Cabin preservation plan (Stabilization).

The walls have been straightened and realigned, a new foundation along with a new roof have been installed. The cabin represents and reflects a time on the island during the homesteading era. Mr. Brann, a Civil War Veteran on the side of the Union fought at Gettysburg. He moved from his home in Maine in the late 1890’s when he was about 60 years of age and settled on land now owned by your County Park system.

The next phase in the preservation plan, (Restoration), is to install doors, windows and other interior features in an effort to re-create the feeling Mr. Brann would have experienced during his days “proving up” his land claim. Should any of you long time residents have any photographs or stories or information pertaining to the Time period of 1900 - 1930 as it relates to the area around Smallpox Bay (or Brann’s Bay as it was once called), it would be most helpful in accurately portraying its history.

Combined with the restoration work will be the development of a Rehabilitation plan which is currently evolving. Once the building is made sound and weather tight, useful purpose(s) are being considered which would provide public benefit and generate a little revenue to help with its ongoing maintenance needs. (If you have any ideas along those lines, please contact the Parks department).

Preserving the historical character of the island imparts a great value to the feeling one encounters during a visit here. In town there are buildings which have been rehabilitated to
provide continued use while retaining a sense of settled stability. Outside of town, the old barns and old homestead cabins hewn from logs continue to reinforce that impression. Those who live here seem to care about their surroundings and make an effort to safeguard the features which visitors, like me, find so refreshing.

Maintaining and protecting the American and British encampments, the early industrial lime producing complexes, the early rural homesteads and township buildings are invaluable
windows into our shared and collective history.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have worked on the cabin at the Park overlooking the water, and to have experienced the calm that seems to permeate the land.

Sincerely,

David C. Rogers

[Mr. Rogers did the restoration work on the Brann cabin -Ed]

Letter On "Targeted Assassination" of American Citizens

To the Editor:

The Administration of President Obama has acknowledged a policy of "targeted assassination" of persons the government asserts are involved with terrorism, and is reported to have a secret “kill list." The killing of targeted people, and often innocent bystanders, by missiles from unmanned drones in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen has increased during the current Administration. We are assured that the use of drones in a sovereign foreign country, without charge, and without due process, conforms to both United States and international law. However, the details of the policies are secret. Many legal experts dispute the legality of targeted assassination, as does the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). No matter the reasons, we reject that that the end justifies this means.

Two American citizens were killed in Yemen on September 30, 2011, the Muslim cleric, Mr. Anwar al-Awlaki, and the Muslim magazine writer, Mr. Samir Khan, by a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) missle. Although stated that they supported al-Queda, the information to substantiate the claim is secret. Subsequently, on October 15, 2011, a missile killed two additional American citizens, Mr. al-Awlaki's teenage son, 16 year-old Abdul Rahman Anwar al-Awlawki, and his 17 year-old cousin Abdul Rahman Anwar al-Alwaki. The two apparently were at a dinner with 7 Yemeni friends, all of whom also were killed by the missile.

The use of drones by the CIA to carry out a military mission are violations of accepted "laws of war" and the U.S. Constitution. First, the United States is not at war with Yemen. Second, the CIA's civilian employees and civilian contractors are not lawful combatants and are not entitled to the combatant immunity that shields killing by the military. Third, American citizens remain protected by the U.S. Constitution when outside the United States. Fourth, the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution states that no person shall be ”deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of the law”. Western countries have recognized due process since the British signing of the Magna Carta in 1215.

The ACLU’s deputy legal director Jameel Jaffer stated, “The government's authority to use lethal force against its own citizens should be limited to circumstances in which the threat to life is concrete, specific, and imminent.”

Roger deRoos,
San Juan Island Chapter, ACLU of Washington
Friday Harbor, Washington

Letter On Cuts To Prosecuting Attorney's Budget

---------------------------------------Shoplifters Not Prosecuted?

(10-27-11)
To the Editor:

One must seriously question the judgment and professionalism of a Prosecuting Attorney who openly tells potential shoplifters that they are free to steal from local merchants without any fear of legal consequence. A prosecuting attorney who openly advises would-be thieves that if caught the only penalty they will suffer is the possibility of having to pay for the goods they stole, but who promises them no prosecution, no criminal record, no fine, no probation, no community service, no jail time. (Related Story)

This is Mr. Gaylord’s idea of how to serve and protect the public.

Being a merchant in San Juan County is hard enough without having to deal with thieves who know that there will be no penalty for stealing from them.

It’s not as though Mr. Gaylord doesn’t have alternatives. He could re-assign prosecutors who normally work on less vital civil issues to assist in District Court prosecutions. He could drop some but not all shoplifting cases, so that thieves would at least face some risk of criminal penalties for their crimes. He could spend some time of his own time prosecuting District Court cases. He could take a temporary cut in his very generous salary and use the money to restore the lower paid half-time position he claims to need.

But he prefers to give aid and comfort to criminals who may choose to prey on hardworking local merchants. This may be his version of responsible public service. It certainly isn’t mine, and I don’t think it’s the view of very many local residents.

Since Mr. Gaylord publicly admits that he can’t fulfill his responsibilities as Prosecuting Attorney on the budget allocated to him, it’s time for him to resign and let the voters elect somebody who can.

Christopher Hodgkin
San Juan Island

Response To Sallan Column

To the Editor:

I certainly have no issue with the main theme of Mr. Sallan's recent column [The Value of Money and Occupy Wall Street]. The occasional homily to the values of hard work, thrift, and respect for each is useful. Although it is perhaps instructive to remember that every generation, as it gets older, seems to think that the generations younger than they lack these virtues. I have no doubt that Mr. Sallan's grandparents thought their grandchildren's generation lacking the same virtues that he now sees lacking. Mine certainly did.

I write simply to point out that Mr. Sallan has erected a nasty and pernicious "straw man" in his characterization of the Occupy Wall Street protestors. In repeatedly characterizing the protestors as "lazy, spoiled kids," Mr. Sallan repeats an idea which has become widespread in the mainstream media, and, I dare say, among those who are inclined to see protest as ineffective, useless, or illegitimate.

It turns out, when one checks the facts (which I would usually expect from a writer of Mr. Sallan's caliber and professionalism), that the average age of Occupy Wall Street protestors in early November was 33. This was determined by political scientists from Fordham University, who sampled the protestors at Zucotti Park and gathered data on demographics and the protestor's intent, ideas, and ideological associations. Since standard statistical theory assures that a sample (of the size gathered in the study) is symmetrical and "bell-shaped" around that average, and since we know there are plenty of young people participating in #OWS, we can conclude that there are also a large number of people older than 33.

Enough people older than 33, in fact, that Mr. Sallan's characterization of the Occupy protestors as "lazy" kids is not simply incorrect on a factual level, it's blatantly misleading. This would be a simple enough matter, if repeated assertions of the protestor's obvious failures at "hard work" and looking after their own lives and finances were not such a central aspect of his argument. I wonder if, confronted by examples from the upper half of the age distribution among the protestors, Mr. Sallan would be so quick to judge their track record of hard work and thrift?

I want to reiterate that I have no problem with Mr. Sallan's main points about hard work and the value of money. I do find his characterization of the Occupy protestors to be offensive and inaccurate. I have often enjoyed his columns in the past, but I will read them with a much more critical eye in the future, given the casual disregard for facts displayed in his most recent.

Mark Madsen
San Juan Island