December 2005

Burien residents had an opportunity to view the latest designs for the planned 57,000-square-foot City Hall/King County Regional Library at an open house Dec.

Will Rogers, the great American humorist, once said, “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”

My little Shih Tzu dog, Miss Daisy, died Sunday, Dec. 11, and took with her a huge part of my heart.

What is life’s connection between people and pets that changes a life or rocks our world with smiles and tears? Even Santa has pets -- eight reindeer pulling his sleigh. Do you suppose there’d be no Christmas presents for children without Rudolph and his noble gang?

I am writing in response to the op-ed column by Karen Veloria and Doris Tevaseu in the Dec. 7 Times/News. They made some statements that need clarification and qualification.

They are both on the Highline Unincorporated Council, but let’s get some facts straight:

Karen Veloria says that more time is needed to reach the residents of the North Highline area for the study of annexation. She has been a member of the Highline Council since May.

It is fairly apparent that North Highline Council Member Steve Cox is engaging in misleading propaganda and fear mongering every time he slams South Park. I have lived here for three-plus years and have seen a general improvement in almost every aspect of South Park from our residential area to our business area.

We have one on the largest Neighborhood Association participations based on percentage of attendance vs. population. We have one of the most diverse involved communities I have ever seen.

Mr.

I’m writing in regards to the possible annexation of the North Highline Unincorporated Area into Burien. I have read a lot of misinformation about this topic and this is very unfortunate since this is a serious dollar-and-cent issue.

I am opposed to the annexation for one reason and one reason only. It’ll cost me and my fellow Burien city residents money!

Walking through Costco with an empty buggy on my exercise walkathon, I nearly collided with a lady driver at an intersection of Vitamin Pills and Aspirin.

Elsbeth had preceded me with her own cart so she did not witness my near collision.

The senior lady had the right of way, so I waved her on through. She smiled and said, "Thank you.

Burien Deputy Mayor Joan McGilton told the Times/News last week she assumes a national search will be conducted to find a replacement for City Manager Gary Long.

Long, who has served as Burien’s city manager since October 1998, announced on Dec. 12 that he will leave his post effective Jan. 1.

"I have consulted with the council members who will remain seated in January,” he said at that time.

A parade of frustrated parents and students charged Highline schools lack academic rigor during the Dec. 14 school board meeting.

The speakers, many from Mt.

Almost 50 concerned citizens addressed the Burien City Council during an emotionally-charged public hearing Dec. 12, with most of them speaking against designating North Highline as a Potential Annexation Area.

This was the final opportunity for North Highline and Burien residents to express their opinions on the designation of a Potential Annexation Area (PAA) before scheduled action by city lawmakers.

Burien council members were scheduled to decide at their final meeting of the year Dec.

SeaTac will help fund a student health clinic at Tyee High School.

City council members agreed in a 4-3 vote Dec.