Terry Schiavo … the name alone likely stirs passion in your mind. Ask anyone and they will have an opinion, one way or another. But who really has the right to say whether she lives or dies? Does her spouse, who was by her side in marriage? Do her parents? It’s an interesting battle with most polls indicating people think the spouse should have the final decision. It is something that, due to this case, many of us are discussing with our own spouses.
For the record, I do not want to live by machine. To me, that is not living and my living will, yet to be written, will reflect my desire. If nothing else comes of the Schiavo case, I would assume many of us are getting our affairs in order. I don’t want my family squabbling over whether or not to pull the tube. In my opinion, it is the spouse’s decision because it is likely something they discussed, just as most of us have, at one point or another, broached the topic with our own spouses.
Building moratorium … what an oxymoron that is, especially in the city of North Bend. The big question is, will it ever get resolved? Is the state really interested in assisting cities, such as North Bend, in gaining water rights? Have we become a society interested only in saving the environment to the detriment of man? OK, that analogy might be a bit far strung, but honestly, let’s consider Jim’s rule of thumb: It’s better to ask for forgiveness than permission. Luckily, my kids don’t understand this rule yet, but I would bet our City Council members do.
What would be the impact if North Bend said to heck with it, we are going to process building permits and allow construction regardless of how much water we are allowed to use? It’s not like the water isn’t there. It’s an outside agency that really doesn’t care if North Bend exists that will process the required applications or allow new wells to be drilled.
A bigger point of the question is that every elected state representative from our area has worked with the Department of Ecology to find a solution. It’s obvious to an outsider that the agency stands tall basking in its own glory with very little control from the state Legislature. I don’t feel real confident that Gov. Christine Gregoire will step in and push the effort, either.
Grant the building permits, allow the water usage and deal with the consequences. What would the penalties be? Would council members be held personally liable? Not likely. Will the city be penalized into bankruptcy? The mayor told me there are stiff fines for taking more water than allocated, but which is worse – a slow death with no growth for North Bend, or uncollectable fines and an attempt to get the ball rolling? My hope is that a solution is found soon since the city’s only saving grace has been a very adept treasurer in Elena Montgomery.
Cascade County … hmmm, this is really a tough one. I am more inclined to change government by voting out the problems, such as our county executive. But to create a new county is an interesting proposition. Can it sustain itself? Can it provide a reasonable level of service comparable with what I now receive? Will it be more responsive to my needs than King County?
It is an option worth exploring and yes, the Legislature needs to allow a process for creation of a new county. I wonder if there is a process for the demise of a county?
Bill Rancic … for those who don’t watch “The Apprentice,” the name will not mean anything. The popular television show has viewers wondering how well we would do in the same situation. Rancic won the first season of “The Apprentice,” but more importantly, he is coming to Snoqualmie.
On Saturday, April 2, Rancic will be at the new Mignone Interiors on the corner of Railroad Avenue Southeast and River Street in Snoqualmie from 1 to 4 p.m. Mignone will be celebrating its grand opening and brought in a “reality” celebrity to help kick it off. Stop by and show him what Snoqualmie hospitality is all about.
