Letters

Published 1:41 pm Thursday, July 2, 2009

Decision 2009

Maupin best choice

for mayor

I have known Will Maupin both personally and professionally since the ’70s. His professional background as an engineer and manager plus his eight years on the city council including numerous civic committees gives him the correct background and experience. Will has demonstrated problem-solving skills and leadership abilities in these positions. Complementing these learned and demonstrated traits are his people skills, his personal integrity as an individual, his great, but sometimes hidden, sense of humor and his sensitivity to do a good job for Bremerton and its people.

His wife, Karen, is a complete supporter of Will and the city. Being the daughter of one of Bremerton’s greatest mayors, “Whitey Domstad,” her roots in the city are deep and well meaning.

While Will’s campaign motto is to “Maintain the Momentum” for improvements in Bremerton, his vision includes expanding revitalization to neighborhoods throughout the city, not just downtown. Will is the kind of guy who will use the resources of the city, and those outside the city, effectively to improve Bremerton and our quality of life, especially during these difficult financial times.

Will Maupin is the best choice for mayor of Bremerton.

BRIAN MANDAK

Bremerton

Fourth of July

Keep pets safe

Animal shelters will be packed for the next two weeks with lost and panic-stricken dogs and cats. Despite warnings by veterinarians and animal control officers, many pet owners fail to take full precautions in shielding their dogs and cats against fireworks.

The best place for your dog or cat over the Fourth of July weekend is in your laundry room, den or garage, away from where the fireworks are set off. Extra precautions are needed because the loud noises and bright explosions of fireworks can be terrifying to pets. Sometimes playing soft music will muffle the sound of fireworks. Fireworks have a shocking effect on dogs and cats because their sense of hearing is much keener than man’s. Dogs sometimes chew restraining ropes, thick doors or jump fences in trying to escape. Some frightened animals who are fleeing their homes are struck by automobiles or an older dog or cat can die of a heart attack.

Dogs or cats should always wear a license and ID tags. Each one insures the life of your pet and might lead to the pet being reunited with his owner. Otherwise, your once-cherished pet may face death at an overcrowded shelter. Very few pets are provided with a license or ID tag because the pet owner never anticipates his pet running away and getting lost. Some cherished pets are lost forever during this traditional holiday. Others are found sometimes days and weeks later. To cope with the noise, many owners buy tranquilizers from veterinarians for their pets. Many pets run away when there is an electrical storm and the same precautions should be taken.

B.J. ALCORN

President

PAWS of Bremerton

Church and state

No on Ref. 21 petition

Decline to sign Referendum 71 petitions. Many domestic partnerships are between straight people, but this is beside the point. Consider where one must go for a marriage license, the courthouse. The marriage license is issued by the state.

Separation between church and state is a fundamental principle in this country. There is no logical reason to refuse any two consenting adults the right to form a legal partnership and call it a marriage if that is the purpose of the partnership. All citizens should have the right to participate in the rights and privileges of this civil institution. That said, the churches should be free to bless whatever they choose to

bless — separation between church and state.

LAURYN CHRISTEAN

Bainbridge Island

Obama administration

Promises not kept

There is probably nothing worse than making promises you absolutely cannot keep. Like a parent that promises their children a trip to Disneyland they can’t deliver, and believe me they won’t forget it! Fortunately, my husband and I were never guilty of that!

Well, before he was elected to be president of the United States and since, Obama made/and has made a lot of promises which he can’t deliver. Maybe he wasn’t aware he would not be the “Supreme Ruler” once in office and he had a Congress to consider! And finally, a lot of the American people are realizing they have been “had” after electing him! Better vote for some changes in the next election.

NORMA L. CARD

Bremerton