March 2008

and Rep. Eileen Cody

Reforming our health care system is like rebuilding an airplane while it's in flight. It's incredibly tough to do - some say impossible.

But we have to try. _We have to try because we can't stay on this course and smash into a financial wall. Think that health care costs have been going up lately? Wait until all the baby boomers retire. And they just started.

The need for reform _

Everybody is hurt by the flaws in our system today:

(_Businesses can't keep paying more and more to offer health insurance.

Is there really a way to prevent the common cold and flu?

Well, one retired local pharmacist-turned-author believes he has the answer to this age-old question.

In his new book, Finally!!! Stop Having Colds & Flu, Normandy Park's J. Albert Hermle shares what he learned through the years. The big news is that his antiviral breakthrough is surprisingly simple.

At a book signing on Saturday, March 15, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Burien Books, 643 S.W. 152nd St., readers will have the opportunity to meet Hermle. He will also sign books March 16 from noon to 3 p.m.

South King County is struggling.

Poverty, poor health, high dropout rates, lack of options for transportation and parks and trails, and little opportunity for arts and culture have challenged our economic development and fractured our cities as they, often unsuccessfully, fight to compete for grants and regional funding.

If the following statistics come as a surprise, you are not alone.

Over the past several weeks, I have presented startling facts to city councils, chambers of commerce, Rotary Clubs and other groups, with responses ranging from shock to anger a

Public use of the Des Moines Marina boat launch has been decreasing since 1998, with few exceptions, Harbormaster Joe Dusenbury told a gathering of local residents March 6.

Dusenbury discussed changes planned for the marina during a talk at the North Hill Community Club.

In 2003, he noted, there was a large increase over the 2002 launches - something Dusenbury credited to an increase in salmon runs that year.

Dusenbury said business at the boat launch is strongly related to fishing.

Overall, however, "The use of the launcher has gone down pretty sign

Public use of the Des Moines Marina boat launch has been decreasing since 1998, with few exceptions, Harbormaster Joe Dusenbury told a gathering of local residents March 6.

Dusenbury discussed changes planned for the marina during a talk at the North Hill Community Club.

In 2003, he noted, there was a large increase over the 2002 launches - something Dusenbury credited to an increase in salmon runs that year.

Dusenbury said business at the boat launch is strongly related to fishing.

Overall, however, "The use of the launcher has gone down pretty sign

Groundwater contaminated by past fuel leaks and spills at Sea-Tac International Airport remains beneath airport property and will not affect wells and other water resources in the area in the foreseeable future.

This is the conclusion of a recently completed extensive study that was conducted by the Port of Seattle, which operates the airport, under an agreed order with the Department of Ecology.

The state agency has reviewed the study and is seeking public comment through April 2.

Ecology scientists and port consultants will be available at an open house to pr

As a long-time resident of North Highline, I find most troubling the proposed annexation of our communities.

At the meetings on annexation that I have attended, I get the feeling and impression we as residents are not really getting our input into this mix.

Seattle and Burien are, as you might say, running the show as Seattle does not seem to want us unless they can receive the $1.3 million of state funding.

Meet Ron Brown - I was perusing the new Fred Meyer store in Midway during the recent Grand Opening, waiting and wandering while Elsbeth was checking out the huge women's wear section where she actually did get lost.

She tried to find her way out but kept going in circles. She is so short she can't see so I will probably tie a helium balloon to her hat next time.

Then I was greeted by Ron Brown.

Zack Hudgins, D-Renton, reported to the Times/News that HB 3259 to put a moratorium on port property tax collections had passed the House. Frankly, "I am from Missouri" on that issue.

He referred to the PORT ASKING THE TAXPAYERS. If true that would be a real break for the taxpayers. The Port of Seattle has always taken tax dollars WITHOUT ASKING.

Oh for crying out loud.

Editor Eric Mathison's recent column reads like it was written by a nostalgia-brain-soaked Baby Boomer with his feet mired in the muck of the sixties. We all know some Boomers didn't quite mature beyond that era of rebellion. Most die-hards never suffered a day in defense of their country and have been rationalizing their guilt ever since. Moreover, most hid behind a "going to school" deferment when their country called.

In the Feb.