When hooded sweatshirts attack | Editorial
I recently got back from a much needed vacation in the Sunshine State. Generally speaking, I’m not a particular fan of Florida - it’s hot and muggy and has an oh-so-tacky color scheme. But a week’s worth of beaches, umbrella drinks and Key West sunsets in the middle of another Pacific Northwest April was about perfect.
May 14, 2012
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Brunell's Business View: Grand Coulee is no dam business of removal activists
In 1942, the completion of Grand Coulee Dam was hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World.” Seventy years later, most of us aren’t aware of what that dam or the others on the Columbia River continue to do for us.
May 11, 2012
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Editorial | Get elected, lose a bit of freedom | Rich Elfers
I was elected to the Enumclaw City Council in November 2008. In January 2009 I attended a workshop for newly elected officials workshop where I was trained in the art of being a good public servant.
Taxpayers were protected during legislative session | Editorial
This year, instead of raising taxes to balance the budget, Senate Republicans, with the help of three Senate Democrats, forced a compromise plan that made needed financial reforms without cutting education.
Guest Editorial: IMHO, teen texting while driving makes me SMH
Most teens understand there may be consequences of texting while driving, but do not see it as severe as driving drunk. According to national data from highway safety groups, injuries and deaths related to distracted driving are up. To quantify, 16 percent of all fatal crashes and 20 percent of injury in 2009 across the country involved reports of distracted driving.
April 26, 2012
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Adjustable Rate Mortgages still a raw deal | Guest Column
ARMs were created in 1982 to make borrowing easier. The advantage was low interest rates for the borrower. The Federal government wanted people to be able to buy homes because it spurred the economy. Once Americans got a new home they were likely to fill them up with washers, driers, refrigerators, and furniture. These purchases would further spur the economy, especially in the real estate industry, banks, construction, and insurance companies, creating jobs and wealth in a ripple effect.
April 24, 2012
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Adjustable rates mortgages still a problem | Rich Elfers
Recently I received a second offer in the mail to finance the purchase of a house using a low rate adjustable mortgage (ARM). My first reaction was to think, “Déjà vu.”
Cathy Dahlquist | This first term was a whirlwind | Plateau People
Many of you know that I served as the president of the Enumclaw School Board before running for state office. Education is my passion. I have children in the public school system and know that while our school district is successful, there are areas in our state where school districts are leaving children behind. Every child deserves the opportunity to have a first-class education.
April 23, 2012
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Weighing religious emotion, scientific fact | Wally's World
Well, class, it's time for a little anthropology, a subject that's always been close to my heart.
April 20, 2012
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Editorial | A herd mentality is tyranny's shepherd | Dennis Box
I have seen the word "Groupthink" in action many times through the years. The word is always alive and well in the audiences of the council meetings I have covered for various newspapers.
April 20, 2012
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Guest Editorial | The reasons for elected officials' actions goes more than skin-deep | Richard Elfers
The first clue to find out what is going on in local government is to come to council meetings on a regular basis, at least until you understand the personalities, perspectives and agendas of the various council members. Watching the program on television at home can give you some clues, but actually observing body and facial language and tone of voice can give you deeper understanding. Much of that can only be gained by actually being in the room.
April 18, 2012
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