Feedback
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
Election 2008
Get the porkers out of office
As an Independent voter, I want to thank Rep. Inslee and Sen. Cantwell for voting against the so-called bail out bill, which should be called the “Gut Bill of 2008.”
It is as full of pork as most politicians are full of that product the Tacoma Zoo sells and that product smells better. Truth be told, it did nothing for Main Street. Yes, it raised the FDIC, but if you have no savings account, then you recieved a bucket of that smelly product. If I collect one dollar from all of you and return 20 cents of it in the form of a project that truly benefits only the select few, then I have not served you. Look around you. Government taxes you in the name of the common good, then spends your money in a manner that would put a drunken sailor to shame. Seattle is a prime example of government at its worse. It has millions to spend on a place for addicts who spend your tax dollars on booze. But, can it fix the potholes in its streets? No, not without a tax increase.
It is time to retire these pork barrelers. Too bad they get 100 percent of their pay and benefits as retirement not to say anything of their COLAs. Yet, they have the audacity to point fingers at COEs and their Golden Chute benefits? These porkers are worse than millionaire ball players. At least the ball players entertain us and we can chose not to go to their games or buy the products they endorse. But, we are saddled with the taxes to pay for the largeness of these porkers and their earmarks. I plan to set aside time come next primary season, so that I can become politically active and work for the defeat of those who supported this bucket of crap. I care not about which party I work for as long as I am working against these porkers. I want them out of office. It is long past the time for cleaning house in our government.
If Rep. Inslee runs against Patty Murray for the Senate he shall have my vote because it is time for change. Real change.
L.P. OLIVER
Bremerton
Appleton
an advocate
for children
Sherry Appleton has worked tirelessly for Washington’s children. One of her priorities is to make health care available for every child in Washington state and we’re covering more children every year. Sherry knows that healthy children are better equipped to succeed socially as well as scholastically. She also is a champion of early childhood education in the public school system and knows this is especially important in disadvantaged areas. Her attitude that healthy children given good early learning opportunities will grow into healthy adults who are better prepared to earn a living wage for their families is an attitude I share. That’s why I’m voting for Sherry Appleton.
SANDRA BULLOCK
Poulsbo
Danielson a valuable asset
When I first started practicing law, I worked for a general practice firm and was assigned various types of cases dealing with numerous laws. If I needed advice about case law or trial procedures, I called Bruce Danielson. With most attorneys, time is money and they are always concerned about billable hours. This was never the case with Bruce. He always took the time to answer my questions and assist me. Bruce Danielson has been my mentor. He has a unique ability to analyze complex legal issues quickly, understand the laws applicable to a case and knows which course of action should be pursued for the most efficient, cost-effect manner for the client. His knowledge of civil litigation law: business, property, divorce, and bankruptcy and federal law, is extensive and not just the technical issues, but practical aspects as well. Bruce Danielson is highly respected among his colleagues who have had cases decided by Bruce as an arbitrator. Bruce Danielson also has a reputation for working toward resolutions rather than prolonging litigation. Bruce Danielson would be a valuable asset to the Kitsap Superior Court.
TODD R. DEVALLANCE
Attorney at Law
Seattle
Cooney is the top candidate
Larry Cooney is the best choice for District 23. As times get tough we can no longer afford to let the government squander the people’s money and run honest small businesses into the ground. Larry has stated he will work to reduce spending and balance the state budget. The incumbent is for increased state spending, and seems to have little regard for the needs of business. Cooney will make it easier to run a business in Washington state by working to remove many of the government mandates that do more harm than good.
The state auditor has completed an audit of many state agencies and cited ways to save the taxpayers millions, if not billions, of dollars. Yet little or nothing has been done to implement the state auditor’s recommendations. Larry Cooney will work with the auditor’s report to get many of these state agencies to stop wasting taxpayer’s money. State spending needs to be brought under control, and Larry Cooney is the man to do it.
Larry Cooney has read the Washington State Constitution and believes firmly in Article I, Section 1, “All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.” He knows the fundamental job of the government is to protect individual rights and allow adults to make informed decisions for themselves. He will not cater to special interests by voting for laws that give them special privileges at the expense of individual rights.
DAN GOEBEL
Keyport
Cooney equals change
Governments in Bainbridge, Kitsap and Olympia are in varying degrees of meltdown and befuddlement. Truth be told, our 23rd Legislative delegation of Appleton-Rolfes-Rockefeller chart toward more abysmal finances and clouded vision. This delegation has delivered on wild-eyed extravaganzas on global warming, missing ferry boats and new taxes.
23rd Legislative District candidate Larry Cooney is a shining star on our political horizon. Cooney has vast experience managing private enterprises dedicated to helping people at the human service level. Larry Cooney knows what it is to raise money, to make budget and to serve the people government often allows to fall between the cracks due to wasteful and inefficient government.
It is time to break the cycle of returning tired and inattentive elected leaders to a job they clearly can’t or won’t do. Ms. Appleton has been on the public payroll for far too long. Elect Larry Cooney as a proven leader who is a prophet calling for fiscal responsibility and a truly caring government. Cooney equals positive change.
CROSBY J. OLSEN
Bainbridge Island
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. Please think about that at your meetings when you are making merger decisions.
BILL MINKS
Seabeck
