As an Islander, I have a good deal of faith in the workings of the staff at the City of Mercer Island, especially when people like Deb Symmonds are involved.
Julie Biggs
ISLAND FORUM
A story in this issue is about generations learning from each other. It is a story that starts out in a familiar way. A teen is searching for a service project suitable to meet the final requirements of his Eagle Scout award. A parent’s friend has an idea. The scout is not certain it will work at first, but takes it on. The project involved interviewing WWII veterans, some now into their 80s, about their war time experiences. The project yielded a set of memories now saved for future generations in the archives of the Library of Congress.
Ellie Gittelman
Island Forum
Patrick Paulich
Island Forum
Washington state voters now hold the key to doing away with the super-majority law after state lawmakers agreed last week to send the change to the ballot this fall. Voters will decide in November whether or not to change a 1944 amendment to the state constitution that imposed the super-majority rule to protect property owners from tax increases voted in by non-property owners — those who did not bear the burden of such taxes.
Marion Mohler
Island Forum
Last week the Mercer Island City Council and Renton officials agreed to delay any further decisions on the expansion of Renton’s municipal airport until further studies are conducted. It was a smart move.
James Toomey
Island Forum
The 105-day 2007 Legislative session ended in Olympia 10 days ago. The results brought joy, relief and the inevitable disappointments — and a long list of what needs to be done next time.
For some time, we have heard that our young people are stressed, depressed and prone to engage in risky behavior. We hear frightening statistics about how often students are medicating themselves, driving while intoxicated — how they feel alienated and worry if they can possibly measure up. Much of the problem seems to be the adults in their lives — parents who either care too much or care too little. We have heard all this before. What can be done?
Two things I feel compelled say about charitable giving: “Thank you,” and “Pass it on.”
Thumbs up for Mercer Island School District’s Wellness Committee’s one-month pilot project to introduce more nutritious and appealing lunch choices for elementary school students. The fact that both kids and their parents at the three elementary schools were enthusiastic about the changes speaks volumes.
