Thanks from NLMS PTSA

Dear Editor,

North Lake Middle School PTSA would like to send out a big thank you to all the wonderful local businesses for their valued support to our children and staff. 
Please help us thank them by showing your support and visit Bourne Orthodontics along with Subway of Lake Stevens and D.J.’s BBQ and Lasting Impressions of Marysville. 
We appreciate you!

Karen Tadio
NLMS-PTSA President

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Congress may now have the opening it needs to tax everything

Dear Editor,

The recent Supreme Court decision regarding Obama-Care has little to do with the enactment of this law and the “buyer mandate” and everything to do with the power of the Congress to enact taxes.
As I understand it, Justice Roberts identified the mandate that every citizen must buy insurance or pay a penalty as a tax, and under the US Constitution, Congress has authority to enact taxes.
The Pandora’s Box opened with this decision is that the Supreme Court has granted unlimited authority now to the Congress to tax anything, everything, or even to place a tax on nothing. Now we can be taxed on what we do not buy, what I call a non-user tax.
Some scenarios to consider: medical care for smokers is expensive, so let’s raise taxes on cigarettes. Not enough money is raised so let’s penalty-tax those who don’t smoke. We need to pay for a new bridge so we’ll toll the bridge. Not enough money is raised, well just penalty-tax everyone that walks, drives or rides a bike for not using the bridge.  Where does it stop with no controls?
Justice Roberts answered the question, in his Majority statement he advised us that it is up to the voters to put in office those who will abide by their wishes. If we want out-of-control taxation, it will come if we keep putting in office those who will take advantage of a, now unfettered, ability to tax.
We must be careful who we vote for, we will get what’s coming to us.

Kerry Goodwin
Lake Stevens

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Contracting police service can save city money

Dear Editor,

City administrator Jan Berg said, “How can we do business more efficiently?” Has the City looked into contracting police services before laying off officers? If not, why not? I also ask: Have they met the promise of hiring 13 officers to staff the annexation areas? No, they have not.
If it is the same officers doing the same job in the same city and it saves the City millions, why not contract? The city of Snohomish contracted with the Sheriff for police services and is saving $350,000 the first year and $2.5 million over five years.
The City will not lose local control: a chief can be chosen from a pool of well-qualified applicants and officers chosen from the hundreds of deputies.
Any issues and a replacement can be had immediately. No drawn out administrative leave and lawsuits. The city and its citizens would actually get more control over the police department, not less.
Information sharing would be streamlined resulting in more crimes solved. Response times will not go up as officers are assigned to the city.
SCSO provides many opportunities and the City stands to benefit from it: SWAT, Search and Rescue, and an array of specialty investigative units all receive hundreds of hours of training.
Imagine having a patrol officer with years of experience using specialized skills. Opportunities are also a proven way to improve employee morale and performance.
The City already contracts with the County to perform maintenance on all the Lake Stevens police vehicles, contracts fire services and library services.
As you can see, the City has already found contracting services to be efficient and cost effective.
The City would also be free from ancillary costs, such as contract negotiations, payroll and purchasing equipment.
It’s time to ask, “Why not contract?”

Thomas Koziol
Lake Stevens

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Thank you Lake Stevens

 Dear Editor,

 
I know usually you only hear from me to complain, but this time I want to encourage and thank all of our neighbors for their love and support.
For the past 13 years we have had Free Parking in our yard for events like Aquafest, rowing and Ironman. 
Many of our neighbors have been patient and loving during these times and many of you have donated to the many organizations to whom, we were raising funds, organizations like Everett Gospel Mission, and Salvation Army, Caleb, (who works with orphanages to get bedding, medical supplies and other items,) and Samaritan House who works with other organizations to help people who have lost their jobs and homes to get back on their feet.
Many of you parked or just donated to help out. 
My wife and I want to say thanks to all of our neighbors wherever you live in Lake Stevens and let you know we do love living here.
So thank you Lake Stevens, your heart is beyond compare.
 
John and Tracy Worley
Lake Stevens

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