May 2006

If anyone wonders why our state is so "tax-happy," one need only look at the front-page article (May 17) to see one of the reasons why. Since school police officers were paid for by a federal grant, and that money dried up, schools either have to go without the police officers or fund them through local tax increases to keep them.

When federal money dries up for services people want, local government must raise taxes and approve spending to fund them.

Washington State Rep. Shay Schual-Berke deserves a standing ovation for her work on campaign finance reform legislation that finally passed the House and Senate this year.

Having just received in the mail Rep.

I would like to thank the Burien police officer and the young woman who helped me after my car broke down at Southwest 146th and Fourth Avenue.

A motorcycle police officer stopped and pushed my car around the corner to 145th Street. While trying to figure out what to do next and watching cars pass by without offering to help, a nice young woman pulled over and asked if I needed help.

When I heard Lettie Gavin Gudmestad had hit her final typewriter key, I knew we had to have some special recognition for the work she did for the Highline Times as editor of the Women's section. This was back in the days when weekly papers had dedicated sections.

I knew Lettie well. She was crusty, outspoken and cantankerous and very talented. But her editor was the highly esteemed Reid Hale.

Reid is retired and living in Bothell so I called him and asked for some thoughts regarding the news of Lettie's demise.

All human situations have their inconveniences.

Benjamin Franklin

A recently completed investigation by an independent agency into the conduct of two Burien City Council members, which found there was no intentional wrongdoing by the lawmakers, has rekindled a long-simmering debate.

Should city council members be trusted to police themselves?

Garden tours are the "field work" for both the serious and the curious gardener, and the lookey Lou as well. It's the annual opportunity to sneak a peak at other people's work product and be a bit nosey. It's also the best opportunity to learn what works and what doesn't without enrolling in a junior college horticulture program.

Mark the calendar, break in some new walking shoes and get ready to meet new people and have fun.

June 10 is the annual fundraiser for the Highline Historical Society.

PUBLICATION FOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Midway Sewer District, in accordance with the laws of Washington, RCW Chapter 39.80, is announcing its request for statements of qualifications from qualified professional engineering firms. Midway Sewer District is seeking the services of a qualified construction management firm for the provision of construction management services related to the construction of a planned 48" submarine outfall.

The third time around was a charm as Des Moines voters approved a property tax levy lid lift on May 16 to restore police staffing to 1999 levels.

By a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent, the Des Moines community agreed to raise their property taxes by 44 cents, from $1.16 to $1.60 per $1,000 of assessed value, to restore revenue for police services that had been lost due to a series of budget cuts in recent years.

"I believe we were successful in bringing the community together on this issue," said Des Moines Police Chief Roger Baker.

Two previou

The Burien Council approved on May 15 an additional $764,000 for the new City Hall/King County Regional Library project.

On April 24, city Finance Director Linda Gorton reminded the lawmakers prior to their vote, they agreed to add 2,600 square feet to the planned city hall.

In addition to the physical space, the costs of a council dais and furniture are included in the supplemental appropriation.

Other factors that caused the need for additional funds, Gorton continued, are an earlier shortfall of $81,000, a King County Library System spreadsheet err