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Public defense a necessary cost

Regarding Adele Ferguson’s column on murderers and rapists (“Kitsap murder victims still wait for justice,” Oct. 4), I would say she can go to the nearest mirror to look straight in the face why we have to pay $200,000 per public defense. We have a great justice system, but it’s not perfect. There are a lot of trigger-happy people quick to judge people to death and, because of that, I can write a column right next to hers on innocent people locked up for decades for crimes they didn’t commit. There’s no easy way to sort out the murderers and rapists from the wrongly convicted. I’m all for reducing the price tag, but public defense is a necessary cost of our justice system.

JEFF FLOGEL

Bremerton

Fire merger

Don’t sell out

the residents

The recent editorial cartoon concerning the proposed West Sound Fire and Rescue fire chief selection (Oct. 4) brought up some interesting questions. I have been asking the WSFR Steering Committee for a draft of their proposed budget and have been repeatedly told that it has not been formulated. Additionally, in accordance with statutes governing the formation of a fire authority, it is possible that voters in Central Kitsap may be outvoted and forced into this merger if the other two jurisdictions, South Kitsap and the city of Bremerton, vote to approve it.

Considering that no budget has been formulated, why are we choosing a fire chief? What will his or her salary be? Why would someone accept a job of this nature without a specified salary? Much more importantly, in the event that Central Kitsap voters don’t support this merger, how will our fire commissioners justify it? The residents of Central Kitsap have very specific and unique interests and investments in our fire and emergency services. Fire commissioners, why are you willing to, in effect, sell us out? For decades your citizens have supported your organization when you requested levy increases. Is this the thanks we get?

Maybe we should ask, what’s in it for you all? One CKFR fire commissioner is also an executive officer in the Bremerton Fire Department and could be eligible for a healthy pay raise. It is my understanding that another CKFR fire commissioner is an architect who previously worked for an agency that designs fire stations in Kitsap County. I am not implying that anything nefarious, illegal or unethical is being undertaken or considered. However, this makes it a bit difficult to pass the smell test.

Fire commissioners, we elected you because you represent our community. The Bremerton City Council and the South Kitsap Board of Fire Commissioners do not represent the Central Kitsap taxpayers. You may wish to consider that some of your constituents, specifically those on fixed incomes, will have to choose between buying groceries or heating their homes this winter. Think about that when you are making merger decisions.

BILL MINKS

Seabeck

Thank you

Fundraiser a great success

Our annual Clear Creek Celebration and fundraiser was a great success again this year with the help of wonderful community support. The weather was great, the event was a lot of fun and we were able to generate needed funds to continue our work. Along with our Task Force volunteers, we called in the Marines, tapped the Navy and got wonderful help from our local business community.

The CK Reporter provided great publicity for the event, and EJB (which operates Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor) provided the big canopies, which the Marines erected. The Suquamish Tribe provided the salmon for the top-notch meal expertly prepared by volunteers from the USS Nebraska Gold Team Navy chefs. Vic Keranen, Albertsons, Safeway, Alaska Distributors, Costco and Grape Expectations Wine Shop provided additional food and beverages to round out the meal. Harrison Medical Center and Advanced Rentals provided service items and the grill.

The creativity, artistry and skill evident in the decorated salmon are more amazing each year. It was a real challenge for our judges to award prizes for each of the categories. Patricia Peat donated a beautiful grand prize and Timber Falls Miniature Golf and Spiro’s Pizza stepped forward to provide additional prizes.

Folks were generous in their bidding. They went home with some real treasures which can be viewed at www.clearcreektrail.org.

The support provided by our friends and the business community made this celebration a great success and a lot of fun. For all of you who made this such a successful event — and those who couldn’t make it. Hope to see you next year.

TEX LEWIS

Clear Creek Task Force

Silverdale