Washblog

Himmel's hubris

This letter was published in Dec 4, 2005 Wenatchee World and is actually one of the more rational ones. You have to wonder if these right-winged morons really believe the nonsense they write or if they just want to try to upset those of us that can read and think. The frightening part of this is that Eastern Washington has more than it’s fair share of these nuts. This guy isn’t just some overdosed prescription drug “ditto head” he is the chairman for the Republican party!!! No matter how bad you guys think it is on your side of the mountains it is a LOT worse over here.

Peter Himmel, Chairman of the Douglas County Republicans East Wenatchee rambles:

Eastside perspectives

[please welcome a new eastern wa blogger from wenatchee -Brian]

I was browsing through the horses' ass site and read about Eyman and property taxes.

75% of my property taxes go to schools, not roads and other amenities. Since it seems that the schools are a money pit that continually need and get more money but none ever seem to make it to the class rooms (where does all of that money go??) I really don't feel a need to continually feed the monster until some real reform is made in how all of the funding is spent.

Citizens were outraged when the courts allowed private entities to condemn properties so that they could "upgrade" and "improve" neighborhoods. Everyone was screaming private property rights but not one peep about homes being lost to taxes, which is a major disregard for property owners and private property rights.

Why is it that they only apply to developers and other 'for profit' groups or individuals? If some one that has lived in an area for years and likes it because it is clean, quite and safe would like to keep it that way they are against private property rights and 'progress', but the developer that comes in to the area and wants to pollute, disturbed and basically screw up the whole neighborhood is a great defender of private property rights - because he is making money by doing it. If a group like Futurewise, Nature Conservancy or a land trust purchases land to keep as open space so all of the people can enjoy it, they are land grabbing socialists (a quote from one of the BIAW publications) but developers can take a piece of prime farmland or habitat and turn it into blacktop and houses that can never be used for anything else again and they are NOT land grabbers. At least not by BIAW standards (which are not very high to begin with.) All of these agricultural bills being passed to make it easier for farmers to develop their farmland in order to ease the burden of farm cost have nothing to do with helping farmers. They are created, backed, and supported by developers, realtors and their good friends in the BIAW.

You may hear the Farm Bureau toting the greatness of these bills, but one of their close associates is Dino Rossi who was the BIAW's choice bought and paid for to be our next governor. Another big supporter of farm bills that allow increased development, breaking up farmland into smaller and smaller parcels and ag tourism is Senator Linda Parlett. Although Senator Parlett is not a farmer her husband is a land use attorney and developer.

Congrats, Pat Notter

From our friends in beautiful Chelan County:

It has been an exciting couple of months for Pat Notter and area Democrats. After having just been selected Washington's Democrat Woman of the Year at the "Maggie" Awards (Warren G. Magnuson Awards) event on August 16, Pat was elected to the Democratic National Committee over the weekend.

Pat explained, "I live in a part of the state that is dramatically growing its Democratic ranks, needs representation at the leadership table, and needs party support from the state and federal level to meet the challenge it faces."

Pat replaces retiring Patsy Whitefoot from Yakima. She will serve a three year term. Congratulations, Pat!

Senator Cantwell in Leavenworth August 19th

From the Chelan County Democrats:

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell is coming to Leavenworth on Friday, Aug. 19, to meet with Democrats and all interested residents from Chelan and Douglas counties.  YOU are invited!  Her visit will be a nice opportunity for local Democrats to get together, and to raise money to support the Democrats of Chelan County’s increasing outreach in this historically Republican area.

Senator Cantwell will arrive around 5 p.m. at Two Rivers Farm (directions below).  She will speak informally for a while with local Democratic leaders and citizens, as everyone mingles and enjoys refreshments. The senator then will deliver a short presentation about her accomplishments and goals in the U.S. Senate.  She also will answer questions.  After partaking of refreshments, Sen. Cantwell and her staff will leave at about 6:30 p.m. to return to Western Washington.

The reception is sponsored by Make Every Vote Count and the Chelan County Democrats.  In addition to the opportunity to meet and listen to our Democratic senator (who is seeking re-election in 2006), the Aug. 19 event will offer entertainment, hearty hors d’oeuvres and beverages.  The “Vote Rockers” will provide background music that’s a unique blend of rock, bluegrass, country and folk music – and it’s almost guaranteed that an eagle or two will fly overhead during the festivities.

Two Rivers Farm is situated on the Wenatchee River, just across from the Leavenworth Golf Course.  From Icicle Road turn left on Wilson Street and go to the end of the road (less than a quarter mile).  The 26-acre organic farm is owned by Nick Stemm and Nancy Denson, who provide organic produce to the restaurant trade and contribute to the local community supported agriculture (CSI) movement.

Tickets to the Sen. Maria Cantwell reception are $25. Proceeds will go to communication and maintaining the Democratic headquarters in Wenatchee.  You may purchase tickets in advance by mailing a check to Democrats of Chelan County, P.O. Box 1061, Wenatchee WA 98807; by stopping by the Democratic headquarters at First and Mission streets in Wenatchee; or by paying at the door.  For more information about the event, contact chairwoman Pat Notter at 663-7659.