Editorial
January 31, 2013
Public input critical in superintendent searches
Selecting a new superintendent is easily one of the most important decisions a school board can make. The superintendent sets the tone and direction for staff members and students across the district.
In a strange turn of events, both school districts that serve Newcastle students are in search of new district leaders, after Issaquah School District Superintendent Steve Rasmussen announced plans to retire at the end of the school year.
The Renton School District is already deep into its own search for a new superintendent after Mary Alice Heuschel left to take a position in Gov. Jay Inslee’s office.
Rapid response
January 3, 2013
What is your New Year’s resolution?
Go green in 2013!
— Grace Stiller
My New Year’s resolution is to do whatever I can to help to improve the U.S. economy to create jobs in our region and country. I hope my dream is shared by others across the nation.
— Jesse Tam
I’ve taken to not making resolutions; instead I have reframed my intentions for the New Year as “creating” what I want to happen each year. It’s a different energy and much more powerful.
— Jackie Foskett
Notes from Newcastle
January 3, 2013
Newcastleite? Novocastrians? What should city residents call themselves?
People from the United States of America are known as Americans. People from Washington state go by Washingtonians. People from Seattle are Seattleites. But what do people of Newcastle call themselves?
Christina Corrales-Toy
Based on a highly informal survey of Newcastle residents, there doesn’t appear to be a clear consensus when it comes to identifying the people who live in this community.
The exercise is made all the more difficult thanks to the pesky vowel at the end of the city’s name. Sure, Seattle ends with an ‘e’ as well, but Newcastleite just doesn’t roll off of the tongue like Seattleite does. Newcastleans and Newcastleonians don’t sound much better.
Editorial
January 3, 2013
New year brings new city goals
Each year, we offer you our list of 2013 goals for Newcastle. Let’s get the agenda started!
Infrastructure projects. An extensive pavement management program, two sidewalk projects and a multitude of storm water projects are in line for 2013. It’s ambitious, but nothing city staff can’t manage to ensure they are done well and on time.
School construction. It’s an exciting time as the new middle school prepares for construction to begin in 2015. The Renton School District will hold community presentations to showcase the design and invite the community to help name the school. Get ready to help shape an important educational and community space.
Editorial
December 6, 2012
Council, staff should be applauded for budget
City Manager Rob Wyman, Finance Director Chris Olson and the entire Newcastle City Council should be applauded for their work on the city’s 2013 budget.
In a landscape where citizens are often being asked to shoulder taxes upon taxes to help cities stay afloat during difficult economic times, the City Council approved a 2013 budget that includes no new taxes.
On top of that, the 2013 budget increases public safety, adequately funds pavement management and works quickly to fix the Coal Creek Parkway issues.
Rapid Response
December 6, 2012
In honor of the Newcastle Library’s grand opening, what is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring.” It was the driving force that opened people’s eyes to issues and the long-range complications of not understanding how we affect the health of our environment. It tweaked the consciousness, catapulting the environmental movement. She died early of cancer, but I’m sure she would have had a lot more to say.
— Grace Stiller
Mine would be “A Child’s Garden of Verses.” Having learned it by heart from reading it so many times to my children, I often recite a stanza or two from one of the poems to mark one of those quotidian, but still heart-lifting moments — “How do you like to go up in a swing, up in the sky so blue…” or “In winter, I get up at night and dress by yellow candlelight…” Like music, it never loses its lilt.
— Sue Beverly
Letters
December 6, 2012
Discuss annexation now
First annexation by Bellevue is a distraction and now it is “premature” to discuss annexation. And next it will be too late.
Given the previous reports about budget issues, when will it not be premature to investigate the option? At some point, it will be moot because nobody is going to absorb excessive debt.
We can only afford to have one police officer on duty at times, per previous articles, and it is not time to start looking at all options?
Bill Juliano
Newcastle
Rapid Response
November 1, 2012
What are you most looking forward to when the Newcastle Library opens Dec. 8?
An award-winning book and media selection that’s only minutes away. Not to mention, meeting rooms! Various clubs and HOAs would greatly appreciate that service.
— Dave Martinez
A great place to simply look at physical books, research and commune with others in our great Newcastle!
— Jackie Foskett
What capital projects or priorities would you like to see the City Council pursue as the 2013 preliminary budget is unveiled?
Carving bus turnouts to Newcastle Way and other streets that would benefit. Enough said.
— Dave Martinez
Litzow, Maxwell for state representatives
November 1, 2012
Newcastle voters face some clear choices in the legislative races on the Nov. 6 ballot. If you haven’t yet voted, here is more food for thought.
State Senate — Steve Litzow
Republican Steve Litzow was elected to represent the 41st District just 22 months ago. Already, Litzow has shown leadership on diverse issues — education reform and same-sex marriage among them — and the capacity to ably represent his constituents. Most notably, Litzow played a key role in bringing together both political parties to agree on a state budget. He has demonstrated his ability to work across the aisle for the good of his district. He deserves the opportunity to return for a full term.
Opponent Maureen Judge is an articulate, intelligent candidate, and we encourage her to seek public office again in the future.
State House of Representatives,
Position 1 — Marcie Maxwell
Democrat Marcie Maxwell serves her district well by acting as a genuine community representative. Residents in Issaquah, Sammamish, Newcastle and other cities throughout the district are as apt to meet her at community functions as residents in her hometown, Renton. Every district should be so lucky as to have an elected official that has the time to devote to community outreach and understanding.
Challenger Tim Eaves wears his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his commitment to serve, but Maxwell is the better choice.
Letters
November 1, 2012
Joining Bellevue is a good idea
Please let it be known as a resident of Newcastle, the facts remain that this city cannot survive unless it raises taxes on the people of Newcastle. I cannot and will not support this!
The people who want to stay the city of Newcastle should give their own money to the city. I do not agree that Newcastle needs its own chief of police! We do not have a fire chief.
In these hard times, joining the city of Bellevue would be the best for all; we already have their fire department services, which have been great.
Kraig Kurata
Newcastle Read more
