08/16/08 Letters to the Editor

POSTED ON Friday, August 15, 2008 AT 08:04PM

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To the editor -- I have lived within one mile of the proposed Systma Dairy for most of my 73 years. I find it incomprehensible that an operation involving more than 6,000 cows be allowed to be established here, considering the fact that the natural drain for water and air (drift or wind) flows directly toward the Toppenish Creek Wildlife Refuge. The proposed dairy is supposed to be "state of the art." (Big joke!)

I support the smaller dairies that operate around 200 cows or so as their environmental impact is minimal. I commend the Yakama Nation for its stand against the mega, confined-animal feeding operations on the Yakama Reservation.

Of my seven grandchildren, three of them are enrolled members of the Yakama Nation. Some of them wish to return here to live. It would be nice for them to be able to drink the water and breathe the air.

L. BERT DEKKER

White Swan

Ambulance service

To the editor -- Based on skyrocketing fuel, labor, insurance and decreasing Medicare benefits, I predict that within five years we will see a demise of our current ambulance transport capability.

Within the past year, due to cost and liability restraints, we have seen Naches Fire District threaten to discontinue medical service to the White Pass area and the Grandview and Mabton area forming an EMS District to provide ambulance service. Lack of appropriate staffing of ambulances is causing the city of Yakima to propose hiring paramedics.

I have lived in four counties in the state, and Yakima County is the only one without a contracted single ambulance provider. I also understand that the city of Yakima is the largest city in the state without a single ambulance provider.

It is my opinion that the county and/or city can provide stability, continuity and enhance emergency advanced life support by directing a competitive bid process for a single ambulance company to provide this critical and essential service. A single ambulance provider system will provide a quality service at a feasible cost that will benefit both citizens and the ambulance provider at zero cost to the taxpayer.

DENNIS MAYO

Yakima

Wave of the future?

To the editor -- Kick him. Jump on top of him. Smash him in the face. Sounds like a street fight, huh? No way. It is Mixed Martial Arts or semi-organized brawling. Just turn on your TV to view the mayhem or better yet, participate in this "sport" at a "school." Can dog-fighting or bear-baiting be far behind? Will dueling with pistols be our next "entertainment?"

Recently the Yakima Herald-Republic reported that some teens "allegedly mugged a man and menaced motorists with a baseball bat, a crowbar and a broomstick," imitating the "Grand Theft Auto" video game they had viewed.

According to an article in the Herald-Republic's On Magazine, the reviewer of that game, while playing that game, "ran over 20 people and killed another 15 (some of whom had it coming)." He wrote that the "game" is "very entertaining."

Perhaps I'm being kind when I suggest that "garbage in, garbage out" best describes these diversions.

Are modified street fighting and murderous, sexually violent video games the wave of the future in American popular culture? If so, perhaps my getting a Mohawk haircut and pulling my pants down to show my underwear can help drive our popular culture in a healthier direction.

ERIC R. AABERG

Selah

Fed up with crime

To the editor -- We've been robbed eight times. In addition, our pickup was stolen twice and destroyed. Our car was severely damaged twice during attempts to take it. They recently succeeded in taking it.

We are at war with the criminal element right here at home. The residents of the Valley need to understand this, because it's a fact. Why do we have to live like this? We are angry. I am a hard-working taxpayer who has had enough. I know I'm not the only one who can't afford to move or add any more security features. I've been forced to live in what has become a prison, but I won't take it any longer. I have spoken directly to the sheriff about this situation. I believe we must all do more to keep a look out and protect ourselves.

ALAN TAYLOR

Wapato

Neighborhood circus

To the editor -- The circus has come to town.

It invaded the public hearing for an interpretation of the Yakima Urban Area Zoning Ordinance on July 21. The owners of Orchard Inn Bed & Breakfast have requested the interpretation as it applies to the fruit stand operated on adjacent property.

The fruit stand, as a permitted agricultural stand, was welcomed into the neighborhood. Its acceleration into a destination for tour buses, a taco stand and kiddie rides is being questioned.

I've lived in the neighborhood since before the bed and breakfast or the fruit stand and was of course interested and attended the hearing. I was appalled by the behavior of the people who were clearly in support of the fruit stand. They were noisy, rude, laughed inappropriately and seemed to think their noisy support would have an effect on any decision made.

Gary Cuillier, Yakima County hearing examiner, is by reputation a fine attorney and by demeanor a thoughtful and patient man. He will make the decision and foolish antics will not change that fact.

DOROTHY F. DUNCAN

Yakima

Vicious dog attacks

To the editor -- We have another horrific story to share in this summer of dog attack stories. Our neighbor's dog, Lacy, just 12 pounds of fluff and big brown eyes, was brutally attacked by a Rottweiler on July 4. Lacy was walking on a leash near her home. It took four adults to pull the Rottweiller off her. Eleven days later, Lacy died of her injuries, which included three broken ribs, puncture wounds between her shoulder blades and damage to her liver and pancreas.

The attacking dog's owner was identified by authorities, but he did not offer to pay or help pay veterinary bills. He did not collect his dog, which had been picked up by animal control.

Lacy's owners are overwhelmed with grief, and those of us who ran to help are still in shock over this nightmare.

Owners of vicious dogs must be held accountable.

LINDA L. LOMBARD

Yakima

They're not artists

To the editor -- On Aug. 1, the Yakima Herald-Republic ran a large photo and article calling two young criminals "graffiti artists."

Yakima County has many outstanding young people in the arts. We are the hometown of a violinist heading to Harvard, to musicians forgoing weeks of summer vacation to study their art in Chicago and Eugene, and a writer who won first place in a state competition, among many other fine students in the arts.

Those who vandalize our downtown businesses and neighborhoods are not artists.

Readers of the Herald-Republic might come to believe that our youth are "girls in gangs," brawlers in backyards, and that vandals are our artists.

The Herald-Republic is unlikely to do it, so I want to recognize that there are outstanding artists, musicians and actors achieving statewide acclaim and local anonymity. The vandals will get the press, but they are wholly undeserving of the term "artists" for the crimes they commit. I know art when I see it, and this is not it.

PATRIC SMITH

Yakima

Hybrids: cars' future

To the editor -- The genies are out of the bottle; the sum of all fears for oil countries and companies. We call the genies Prius, Volt and ReCharge with many more left in the bottle. Businesses will be booming in 2009 for automobile manufacturers that have good reliable hybrid electric cars. They will be able to sell at the minimum 10 million cars a year for many years to replace the 300 million gas guzzlers that Americans are driving. It's not going to take very long, probably a million hybrids in 2009 and maybe 10 million a year thereafter.

A Toyota Hybrid Prius gets about 40 mpg in the city or on the highway; the plug-in GM Volt will use zero gas for short trips and the Volvo ReCharge is revolutionary with four-wheel drive and electric motors that use the brakes to recharge the batteries. Their small engines for charging could run on gasoline, ethanol or natural gas.

With the automobile industry's rebirth, manufacturing industries will boom. As President Herbert Hoover said many years ago, prosperity is just around the corner. We need Congress to step up and help our auto industry tool up to make it all happen as soon as possible.

JOHN R. ANDERSON

Yakima

Ways to save gas

To the editor -- The economic analysts continue to bemoan our over-dependence on foreign oil.

At the risk of perhaps oversimplifying some possible measure that might alleviate the situation, I offer the following suggestions:

1. Lower the national speed limit to 55 mph. I has been done before and is proven to increase miles per gallon by 15 percent to 20 percent.

2. Pass a law prohibiting drive-through service windows except for the handicapped. This would force Americans to shut off their big SUVs and walk into the bank or fast-food joint to do business. This measure would save millions of gallons of fuel each day. (It might also help with the problem of overweight citizens.)

3. Require auto manufacturers to produce a larger percentage of 35-plus-mpg vehicles. They can do it.

These three measures would cost the government very little and would make a real impact. Couple them with price regulation of fuel and alternative energy and we would see a real drop in the price of oil.

DAVID BETZING

Yakima

Neighborhood woes

To the editor -- Re: Doug Carey's Aug, 7 letter, I would like to state the true sources of contention:

While the concept of belonging in a neighborhood is fading, it's alive and well in our neighborhood.

It is and has always been a single-family neighborhood, and we are not building any new ones like this one.

The neighbors have united several times in the past to protect the unique, one-of-a-kind neighborhood.

There are no bed and breakfasts in our neighborhood. Irish House has reverted back to a single-family dwelling.

The Radkes were real estate agents in Nevada before buying Rosedell and as such must have known the history regarding prior owners' intent to change Rosedell from its single-family dwelling status.

Yes, we are concerned about creeping commercialism -- it's easy to be complacent and think this is "for the good." However, would you like to live amongst several B&Bs? Consider that there are several large homes on Yakima Avenue and Chestnut Avenue between 16th and 24th avenues and that some occupants are aging and will leave the neighborhood. It would be hard to deny another petition for a bed and breakfast if Rosedell is allowed the application for a bed and breakfast.

DURELLA DeGRASSE

Yakima

Eschbach is an asset

To the editor -- I was a guest at a wedding at Eschbach Park recently. I had misgivings as to how this venue would be, as I had been at the park a few years ago, and was very disappointed in what I had seen. At that time, the park looked neglected and generally run down. Rumors had also circulated about the park not being a safe place anymore.

Much to my delight at this visit, I found the park to be clean and as nice as it had been years ago. The users of the park were all enjoying it to the fullest. Kids and adults alike were using the water facilities. Everyone was having a good time and no one was giving anyone else any problems.

Families in this community need to see just what a jewel we have in this park. This place needs our involvement through its use. I would encourage everyone to come out and to explore this wonderful area, even if it's just to sit by the water and read a good book on a warm day. The weekend $3-per-car entrance fee is a real bargain. I would hate to see our community lose this resource because of not enough use.

MARY ELLEN DEPREY

Yakima

God or no God?

To the editor -- Frequently we find letters to the editor extolling the greatness of God.

In my opinion God is not an entity, but a title given to that which we do not know nor understand. Mankind has had multiple gods through the ages. They have run the gamut from A to Z: Apollo to Zeus. Currently and primarily we now have Yahweh and Allah.

To find God or to deny God requires the same effort. It requires that each individual take the first step, then the succeeding steps in going beyond where he is.

To not seek beyond engenders a stultifying existence in which one never moves past his inherited or boxed in beliefs. Religionists and educators should join forces in seeking that beyond.

GLENN LEUNING

Buena

Ways to pick a candidate

To the editor-- I have voted in every election since 1948. I try to evaluate the candidates as best I can with the information available. I am still in a quandary as to whom to vote for in the various judicial and "nonpartisan" positions.

I have come up with the following possibilities:

A. The one who has the most signs.

B. The one with the most letters of endorsement in the paper.

C. The one (in the eyes of the beholder) who is most photogenic.

D. The old tried and true W.A.G. method (Wild Ass Guess.)

I am glad to be able to help with this previously insolvable problem.

DAVID LUCAS BRUSH

Yakima

Johnson is best for 14th

To the editor -- I am writing this letter to endorse Norm Johnson for 14th District Representative. Ever since I heard that Mary Skinner was to relinquish her seat, I have been questioning who could possibly fill such a vital roll in our legislature. I found the answer in Norm Johnson.

Norm has an impressive biography, some of which has been detailed in this newspaper before. His contributions as a teacher, counselor and principal in Toppenish and Mabton speak to his generosity and excellent work ethic, as do his 20 years on the Toppenish City Council, four of which were spent as mayor.

Yet none of the things I've learned about Norm has impressed me nearly as much as what I learned recently. The only times Norm has not lived in this area was when he attended college and served in the Army. This is a man rooted and dedicated to our Valley and its concerns. His is the voice we need to competently and passionately assist Sen. Curtis King and state Rep. Charles Ross is their efforts in Olympia.

Please join me in voting for Norm Johnson on Tuesday for 14th District Representative!

KATE ADKISON

Yakima

Support Elofson for judge

To the editor -- I have known David Elofson his entire life. In many ways, he has been like a son to me. I have known him as a young man, as a family man and as an attorney.

I respect and admire his moral values. He understands and analyzes issues in a way that simplifies problems. I am proud of his decision to seek the position of Yakima County Superior Court judge. I am pleased to write this letter on his behalf. David is precisely the right person for the job of Superior Court judge. Join me in my support for David.

JOY LARSON

Yakima

More support for Elofson

To the editor -- I have known David Elofson for 40 years. We played sports together as kids and worked together in the orchards as teenagers. I have consulted David for legal advice, as needed, and he has coached my kids in sports.

Like so many other residents of this Valley, I want to add my name to the list of those supporting David in his Superior Court judicial candidacy. So many people have come forward to help with David's campaign because they believe in his character and ability and they believe he is the right person for this job.

Residents of this Valley who have placed their trust in David and believe in his ability. His broad base of local support is the direct result of his having earned a reputation for diligence, intelligence, and honesty. I am proud to support David Elofson for Superior Court judge.

ROBERT JAY CARLSON

Yakima

Lawrence-Berry can serve

To the editor -- I would like to urge the citizens of Yakima County to vote for Rob Lawrence-Berrey for Superior Court judge.

I have known Rob and his family for several years. I have been continually impressed by his work ethic, involvement in community and legal groups, and dedication to his profession while still making time for family activities. Rob has extensive legal experience in both civil and criminal matters as an attorney in private practice, prosecutor for the city of Selah, and occasional pro-tem judge.

He will serve our community as a fair and impartial jurist. If you want to elect the best qualified, hardest working judge, vote for Rob!

JOHN PICKENS

Zillah

Johnson for 14th District

To the editor -- Norm Johnson is the person we need for the 14th District Representative, Position 1. Having lived all his life in the Valley, he knows our problems and is very capable of working with other people in solving the issues that exist.

He has held many other positions in local government and has the knowledge and foresight to know what needs to be done.

Please give your vote to Norm; you can't go wrong.

JEAN LODGE

Yakima

Give Elofson your vote

To the editor -- I support your editorial endorsement of David Elofson for Superior Court judge.

As a teenager, I spent a great deal of time in the Elofson home. He was raised with the values of hard work, honesty, fairness, compassion, and love of family and community.

I left Yakima for 30 years, returning just three years ago. Although I am confident in David's integrity, personally and professionally, I base my support on the opinions of those who have closely followed his legal career in Yakima over the past 20 years.

As your editors discovered, David has demonstrated he has the drive and the backbone to get things done. That is what we need in order to accomplish the difficult job of clearing up the backlog in our courts.

The survey of lawyers indicates that they also believe David has that sort of dedication. These are his colleagues. They rated him superior in every category, including experience, integrity and legal skills.

David entered the race to give back to the community where he was born and raised, and where he has raised his own family. He will bring to the courtroom a deep commitment to our community as well as the skill, integrity and temperament we look for in a judge.

CATHLEEN NUZUM ROBINSON

Yakima

The pricing of fuel

To the editor -- It has been wonderful to follow the TV networks' reports of a drop of around $25 (7 percent) per barrel in the price of crude oil, but what is happening at the pumps? Here in France, over the following days, I noticed about a 9 percent drop in the local supermarket gas station price for a liter of diesel. Per-gallon fuel prices in all of Europe are quite high, in most cases because of taxes. As of now, a gallon of diesel here is 5.09 Euros, or $7.89. You should see the highways those taxes pay for!

Now that $7.89 cost for a gallon of diesel in France isn't that painful, because the 1995 car I drive here recently went 40-41 miles per gallon on a road trip.

Trading in crude oil futures seems in many ways a rather self-serving operation to me, one that needs investigation and more oversight. Any excuse to cause a trade and pocket commissions is better than none. With so many lame reasons for the price to continue to rise, why did the price tumble so much in such a short time? It sounds like the "Enronization" of crude oil to me. Investigations there were quite fruitful.

JOHN PUTNEY

Yakima

An asset to community

To the editor -- While I know that the Yakima Herald-Republic is more than capable of being the hometown news source, I was extremely disappointed by the very poor article on Stacey Locke being one of three finalists for National Principal of the Year. It was buried on the second page of the Home Front section Aug. 7 with few details of the important accomplishments that have led to this high honor.

I frequently read letters to the editor from people who complain about all the negative news in our Valley. Here we have something to celebrate and shout to the rooftops about, and what do we get? A generic few paragraphs that convey no pride or sense of accomplishment from our community news source. After all, 47 other states don't even have a person in the running for the top spot.

Stacey Locke's successful innovations have a direct impact not only on the 1,900 students at Eisenhower High School, but ultimately on our entire community. Surely this is what we all want for our community.

BONNIE SCOGGINS

Yakima

08/16/08 Letters to the Editor

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