Letters to the editor
October 9, 2011
Wanted: compost bins
As another great summer in Newcastle winds down, we were talking about all of the events that the city held in the park this year.
We live downtown and had a blast on the Fourth of July — being able to walk down to see a great fireworks show was an unexpected perk of moving into the area. The series of Concerts in the Park that were held this year were also great — we love taking walks in the evening after work and running into some free music along the way was a delight.
Wanting to support local business, we purchased some grub from a few of the vendors. Most of the packaging that our food came with (cups, plates, silverware) was clearly marked as compostable. However, when we searched the appropriate compostable bin in which to toss our waste we could not find one. As a result, we were forced to throw our waste in the garbage.
It is a shame that compostable food bins were not set up for these events — think about how much space we could have saved at the landfill! We would just like to raise the issue of having compostable bins at city events and also advocate for home compostable service and pickup like in other local cities.
Justin Norman and Olyvia Velasquez
Newcastle
Letters to the editor
September 2, 2011
Safety audit proves it’s safe to walk to school
Hazelwood Elementary School has been part of the Safe Routes to Schools grant to encourage and support “active commuting” on the part of school children and families.
The goals are to identify safe and unsafe areas for biking and walking, design safety improvements, educate students about safe walking and biking practices, and launch events to encourage children to walk and bike. Through new and improved systems that encourage more students to walk and bike, we can also help combat childhood obesity.
To date, we have completed a walking audit with the support of Feet First and more than 30 student and community volunteers, and taught all fourth- and fifth-graders bicycle safety with the support of Bicycle Alliance of Washington.
Newcastle Days will celebrate best of city!
September 2, 2011
Imagine that! Newcastle is the 18th best place to live in the nation, according to CNN’s Money Magazine.
Distinction for Newcastle is nothing new. Two years ago, Newsweek ranked the city No. 17.
Someone at City Hall or the chamber of commerce did a good job supplying the information that helped Money Magazine determine Newcastle’s ranking.
“The volunteer spirit is alive and well in this former coal-mining town…,” writes the magazine. “Despite serious budget cuts that threatened the city’s summer 2011 events, local businesses and citizens offered time and cash to keep the community’s concerts and fireworks afloat.
Letters to the editor
August 5, 2011
Gordon Bisset is the right choice
I returned from California to the good news that Gordon Bisset is running for the Newcastle City Council. I had urged him to do so, and I support his election.
Gordon is a long-time neighbor, a capable and active member (currently president) of our Hazelwood Community Association, who has served with distinction on Newcastle’s Planning Commission and City Council.
He’s been deeply involved in Newcastle since its founding, and is one of those rare civic-minded folks who attend council meetings year after year, maintain a deep knowledge of city issues and frequently speak out — about a wider range of issues than most of us can manage.
Gordon gets things done: he helped the Hazelwood Community Association make Donegal Park a reality, and he’s led the successful effort to raise funds for a memorial barbecue in the park. And he’s a realist who understands budgets; who wants a lean, efficient government that sticks to basics.
Given Newcastle’s dire financial situation, his voice is needed on the council.
Garry Kampen
Newcastle
Editorial: Newcastle Days needs you
August 5, 2011
Newcastle Days is fast approaching, but more volunteers are needed to help before and during the Sept. 9-10 festival.
What a fun way to get involved in your community! If you have a head full of ideas, or are just willing to help booths and bands get set up during the event, let the committee know now. They’ll accept all offers of help. No reason not to get the kids signed up for a little community service along with you!
Call Grace Stiller at 228-7927 to volunteer
Editorial: Gordon Bisset unmatched in City Council race
August 5, 2011
Between the two candidates still seeking election to Position 4 on the City Council — now that Andrew Shelton has withdrawn — Newcastle News can only endorse Gordon Bisset for the job.
Bisset’s unrelenting involvement in Newcastle and his vast knowledge of city issues and municipal government makes him an ideal choice and a fantastic addition to the council.
As a former councilman, former member of the city’s Finance Committee, current president of the Hazelwood Community Association and an involved citizen who attends nearly every city meeting, he is up to speed and prepared to get to work immediately.
Given his decadelong involvement in the city, Bisset knows what issues are recurring and the history behind them. He knows what the council can realistically accomplish, and conveys his ideas honestly and directly.
Rapid Response
July 1, 2011
What do you think of the new Lake Boren Park playground?
Lake Boren Park playground is a huge success for Newcastle. The kids love it. The park looks great with it. It was also built under budget and we actually refund the balance back to the state.
— Jesse Tam, Newcastle
Fantastic! My kids love it.
— Trina Sooy, Newcastle
Letters to the editor
July 1, 2011
Don’t let strip mall development replace pedestrian friendly downtown
In last month’s Newcastle News, City Councilwoman Carol Simpson announced her desire to be re-elected.
In that article, she expressed her concern that Newcastle was becoming too pedestrian oriented. Her solution to the problem is to modify the downtown plan and allow more drive-thru businesses, which, I believe, agrees with the goal of the current City Council.
So, if everything works for Ms. Simpson, we could be blessed with a drive-thru pharmacy on the corner where the fruit stand now sits. If you think this will improve the quality of our city, the city’s economics or your property values, relax, your interests are well represented.
Life jacket rule could create confusion
July 1, 2011
The King County Council has passed an ordinance to require anyone who swims, floats or boats on major rivers this summer to wear a life jacket. Violators will be fined $86.
The law takes effect July 1 and expires Oct. 31. The short-term requirement is in response to the swift, icy snow melt from mountains filling rivers later than usual this year, creating a heightened risk to public safety.
The ordinance is a bit over the top for citizens who don’t like government telling adults how to be safe. The idea has been quick to garner comments from those opposed to “nanny” laws, and those who believe the county is seeking a new revenue source.
From the Web
June 3, 2011
Caspar Babypants
Presidential performer brings toddler rock to the masses:
Great article! It’s nice to have musicians doing interesting children’s music.
I’m in a band and we go into my son’s school a few times per year to play music for his class. Very fun!! The kids love it!
Gary – Musicforkids.com
Theater helps performer connect to audience, and also to life
I would like to thank (you) for allowing our daughter to share her highs and lows with depression and Asperger’s. Our family is very thankful for the LHS Patriot Players for being a large part of our families support network over the past four years!
Cynthia Freese, Issaquah
