If you’ve been watching the steady climb of gasoline prices, you may have missed the latest boost by the state to the gas tax. Effective July 1, the state added the final 1.5-cent increase from the 2005 transportation revenue package passed by the Legislature.
But before you scream about adding insult to injury, take a moment to see where that money has gone.
Hundreds of Renton teens are waking up this morning after one of the most exciting days and nights of their lives – high school graduation.
OK, maybe some of them will wake up this afternoon. But the sentiment is the same, following Friday’s day of commencements.
For them, it’s the end of 12 years (and maybe 13, if they went to kindergarten) of education that will lead to a college career or directly to work.
It’s really sad to think that Alvina Popke or anyone who reads her story will harden their hearts to those in need. If that happens, then that is what the con artist has really stolen from us – a giving heart.
But the message is clear.
If someone walks up to you on the street, out of the blue, with a scheme to help you or a charity, keep on walking. Instead, walk down to the Salvation Army and write them a check. Or mail off a check to your favorite charity.
The election season is approaching and the state’s two major political parties are in a twitter.
It’s the oldest piece of advice from those who want everyone to have a good – and safe – time on the water.
The countdown has started for hands-free calling here in our state. It can’t come soon enough.
When it comes to public safety, no one is looking the other way, not Mayor Denis Law and certainly not the Police Department.
Important pieces of mail have been arriving in the mailboxes of voters in the Renton School District.
Here’s part of the reason behind the state’s Open Meetings Act, as outlined by the state Legislature.
That famous (infamous) Public Hospital District No. 1 election of two years ago to expand Valley Medical Center’s service area to better reflect its size is an example of how victory sometimes just isn’t enough for some – and how the bitter taste of defeat can linger.
This is not, I repeat not, a sales pitch for Charlie Conner and his new high-end development on Lake Washington, Barbee Mill.
Sylvia Cavazos has it all wrong when she blames politicking for the groundswell of opposition to Valley Medical feeding at the public trough. I’m no enemy of Don Jacobson and no great fan of Pam Roach, but this time the senator has an idea that makes sense. Far from “interjecting” herself, she is doing just what I wish the legislators in my district would do — acting in the interest of the taxpayers she represents.
A neighbor of mine – Tony – is trying his best to take this “going green” thing seriously. For example, he tells me that he’s recently begun recycling his newspaper each week. “The entire newspaper?” I asked. He shook his head. “No, “he admitted. “ Just your column.”
A grassroots Town Hall meeting will be held Thursday at the Newport Way Library to discuss launching a commuter rail service on the Eastside, sponsored by Eastside Rail Now!
It’s spring break in the Renton School District. Kids are playing in the yard or at the parks. Watch out for them. And, no, they aren’t skipping school.
Most of us recognize education’s sweeping impact as an equalizer and door to opportunity for people of all backgrounds and economic status.
Last year, I was shocked to discover that nearly half of all property owners in King County did not receive an itemized breakdown showing where their property taxes go. Property owners who pay their taxes through a mortgage company were not seeing their tax bill. In response to this, I introduced legislation requiring King County to mail a courtesy tax statement to 100 percent of all property owners. My ordinance unanimously passed the King County Council.
Me thinks there is a political ploy at play.
The recently completed short session of the state Legislature ended with some good news for Renton.
Thousands have found medical care, not to mention food, in the last few years at that wonderful building on South Tobin Street, The Renton Rotary Salvation Army Food Bank and Service Center.
