State legislature needs to put the people first

Dear Editor,

 

Are our state legislative representatives listening? Projections have fallen another $238 million and the Governor wants to cut spending.

Remember that our legislature (prior to 2009) had increased spending by 34 percent over the previous four years. The legislature should pass a constitutional amendment to limit spending to the ration of inflation plus population growth and place the excess in the state’s rainy day fund.

This one step will immediately get us off the rollercoaster. The areas in changing spending are vast but feasible if we use common sense. The legislature could implement more of the state auditor’s performance audit recommendations.

The state could cut the benefits for the chronically unemployed. The governor’s office itself increased their budget in the first term to $62 million which is an increase of 84 percent. The number of her staff making in excess of $100K has quadrupled.

Also under Governor Gregoire, the state employees have increased by 6,100 in her first term. I am sure there are smarter ways to staff state needs.

I have only mentioned a small amount of possible solutions, let’s see if our legislature (next session) have the courage to do the right thing for Washingtonians and not special interest groups.

 

Todd Welch, Everett

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Rico, the choice for Superior Court Judge

Dear Editor,

 

I’ve had the great fortune to work with Rico Tessandore as his legal secretary in the Property Crimes/Drug Unit of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for five years prior to my retirement. 

I was impressed by his intelligence, work ethic, caring manner, and personal values.  I strongly feel his experience as Judge Pro Tem in both Superior and District Courts, his trial experience and daily exposure to the court system in Snohomish County, and the absolute integrity of his character make Rico Tessandore the best choice for Superior Court Judge.

Rico is a family man, was impeccably raised by a single parent, and is the first person in his family to have graduated college. 

His many impressive endorsements include those of the Washington State Attorney General, many Superior Court, District Court, and Appellate Court judges, law enforcement officials, community leaders, and the sole endorsement of the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Union.

Rico Tessandore would make an outstanding addition to the Snohomish County Superior Court bench and I urge everyone to consider him as our next Superior Court Judge.

 

Pat Bear, Mukilteo

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Saleem takes action, will make a good Mayor

Dear Editor,

 

This is in response to Mrs. Quarterman’s question whether or not Saleem would be a good leader of our community.  If you wanted some background on a person, why would you call the State Liquor Control Board, unless you wanted some ‘dirt’?

The activities you reported were not the actions of Saleem.  These activities have been going on for years, long before Saleem took over the establishment. 

These activities have been significantly reduced thanks to the surveillance cameras Saleem had installed inside and outside the premises, his vigilant surveying and good hiring practices. 

Many establishments in Snohomish County have had these kinds of problems.  Saleem takes action.

If you want more background on my choice for Mayor, go to the Timberline Café, have a cup of coffee and see what a fine man he is.

If it’s ‘dirt’ you want, read the State Auditor’s report and you might want to change your vote.

 

David Sellars, Granite Falls

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Granite Falls Community Coalition thanks community

Dear Editor,

 

The Granite Falls Community Coalition and Granite Falls School District Mentor program, want to thank each and everyone of our wonderful community members and local businesses who stepped forward and donated backpacks and school supplies to our students here in Granite Falls.

Because of your overwhelming generosity, we were able to distribute over 74 backpacks complete with school supplies, which helped our students start their first days of school with the tools needed for academic success.

Once again, we thank you and appreciate your support!

If you are interested in being involved in this great community support system, The Granite Falls Community Coalition meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at Crossroads Alternative High School, at 3:30 pm.

We would love to see you there.

Call Cheryl Berg at 360-283-4407 for more information or to get on the e-mail list.

 

Mary Wysocki, The G.F. Community Coalition

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