Special to the Times/News

"If you were President of the United States and the same national and world conditions prevailed then as now, what would your top priorities be, I asked?"

Congressman Adam Smith (D-Tacoma) replied, "Now that's quite a question."

How many times have we wished decision-makers would ask us what we thought and then heard our answer? Opinions are many; doable solutions few.

Rep. Smith identified his four major points: tax reform, health reform, foreign policy and fiscal responsibility.

"Income tax reporting requirements need to be simplified," he said. "They're too complicated.

"Compared with tax cuts granted, our nation's current projected debt will be eight trillion dollars in the not so distant future unless there are changes now."

(Note: this figure was before the hurricane disasters.)

"We're working on health reform with the military to provide benefits to their families.

"We must develop foreign policy with other governments to work mutually and not take on the role of'policeman of the world" anymore.'"

Learning opportunities have to be provided where America's workers can increase their job skills to compete in today's high technology world.

Highline Community College President Priscilla Bell noted that the average age of their students is 29 to 30 years.

Smith said, "Labor is dislocated by export of jobs not only for lower costs. Foreign workers are highly skilled. We must invest in education now specializing in mathematics and science to compete from kindergarten up."

Lars Anderson, his press secretary, said, "Programs must be fully funded such as 'No Child Left Behind' and the $15 billion dollar AIDS program. That has not been done."

In the meantime, locally, Mayor Sheckler's recent Leadership Meeting volunteers are prioritizing and setting into motion action methods to help this community live up to its untapped potential.

Amazingly, some of their concerns and ideas are the same as folks shared here since this town first became a city 46 years ago. We're on track!

Considering city hall was one room with a pool table desk in the basement where Rolling Thunder motorcycle shop is today and city hall now is a campus, more tools and resource opportunities exist.

These volunteer leaders are studying various organizations that could work together on common goals: identifying city support resources, outside financial help, citizen safety, and how to make wishes happen.

When these results are put into practice watch this cinder-covered Cinderella city blossom into the Queen city she really is.

If you'd like to offer a suggestion to any of these committees, they are: Citywide Beautification, Marina District, Community Events, Form Partnerships, Encourage Business, Improve City Permitting Process, Youth and Seniors Programs, Public Safety, and Citywide Communication/Information Sharing.

Contact City Hall at 206-878-4595 or email: sbowman@ desmoineswa.gov.

Federal and world issues are a little difficult to get a handle on. Still, it's up to you and me to know who and what we're voting for.

Washington, D.C., or in our town, good, bad or indifferent, our grandchildren, and we, will live our tomorrows by the priorities of today's elected leaders. Sometimes that ain't very funny!

Congressman Smith's words challenged my opinionated thoughts and I wondered how I'd answer that same question. How about you?

We're pretty well practiced at voicing opinions about what's wrong with this world and how to fix it.

Thanks to our forefathers for that right to speak up, write, and change leaders with our votes. Our loudest voice is our vote.

Yet, here's another chance to be heard.

In a future column, I'll include your answer to this question:

If you were president of the United States and the same national and world conditions prevailed then as they do now, what would your top priorities be and why?

Answers will be edited for space and liability. The return deadline is Friday, Oct. 14.

Meanwhile, remember French Premier Charles DeGaulle's words: "Politics, is much too serious a matter to be left only to politicians."

Send your comments to hteditor@robinsonnews.com with "Attention: Earline" in the subject line, or by regular mail to 133 S.W. 153rd St., Burien, WA 98166.