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Where are you? |
I traveled to 41 states last year with the intention of bringing people together. 2004’s journey was called “The Shaking Hands Tour.”
Folks were nice everywhere. Individuals spoke frankly to me, but what do we see around us?
There’s a difference between individuals and the group... (Full Article)
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Legislation should focus on policy, not politics
Let’s fix problems, not gain political advantage by
hijacking what’s already working
By Rep. Cary Condotta |
| Being a state legislator is an honor and a privilege – but it also carries a heavy dose of responsibility. Lawmakers are facing dozens of major decisions this legislative session, from creating a new two-year budget to solving our state’s health care crisis... (Full Article) |
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Contact Your Legislators |
23rd District - Senator Phil Rockefeller, 419 John A. Cherberg Building
PO Box 40423... (Full Article) |
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POLITICS
Is Rossi in the wrong court? EFF thinks so
By Adele Fergusen |
| Bob! I said to my old friend Bob Williams of the Evergreen Freedom Foundation, tell me what’s the number one argument to the courts in favor of redoing the governor election... (Full Article) |
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The shocking realities of being
in business in 2005
By Don C. Brunell, President
Association of Washington Business |
On New Years Eve, I received a publication: “The Complete Guide: Outsourcing Your Production to China.”
At first I thought it was geared toward the big guys-Boeing, Microsoft and Hewlett Packard, but surprisingly it is aimed at small and medium-sized manufacturers... (Full Article)
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Contact Your Legislators |
| 23rd District - Senator Phil Rockefeller (D), (360) 786-7644, rockefel_ph@leg.wa.gov... (Full Article) |
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POLITICS
End of the year gripes
By Adele Fergusen |
Some columnists use the end of a year to confess errors in their offerings over the past 12 months, others to brag of their successes, i.e., “you read it here first.”
I usually give you my annual compilation of ripoffs and rotters, sometimes my favorite stories, and this time, a new category, gripes and gratifications. Well, mostly gripes... (Full Article)
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It’s the economy. Don’t kill it...
By Don C. Brunell, President
Association of Washington Business |
| Employers look back at 2004 as the year when our economy finally started to rebound. It’s been in the tank since 9-11, and job providers enter 2005 with cautious optimism — cautious because our recovery is still very fragile... (Full Article) |
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Workers’ comp rankings shows state
in bad need of system-wide reform
State drops 10 positions in national survey of mandatory business tax |
| An end-of-year release of a national survey on workers’ compensation insurance rates showed Washington dropping 10 places, which, according to the state’s largest small-business advocacy group, the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB) threatens to stall any prospects for full economic recovery... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
SK School Levy |
| Four years ago the South Kitsap community was faced with a tremendous challenge – passage of the school levy. At that time, the group CLASS was created, “Community Leaders Affirming Support for Schools.” It consisted of local business men and women, members of local government, clergy and a wide assortment of concerned citizens, all united in their belief that quality schools help build a quality community. We believed it then and believe it now... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Uninformed Voters |
| We just finished another election for a majority of Commissioners, whose campaigns were buried beneath megatons of political manure. Political emotions so recently played out on this editorial page and elsewhere essentially foreclosed most attention from critical county races... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
BIAW |
| Regarding your article, L & I Senior Managers Told to Find a New Job in the December 2004 edition: Since when did so-called “Sources tell BIAW” cut the mustard for accountability? Who were these “sources”? Perhaps as explained in the article... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Election |
| Count, recount, and count again until you get the result you want. That’s the new mantra of the Washington State Democratic Party... (Full Article) |
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POLITICS
Why don’t we unseat unethical legislators?
By Adele Fergusen |
Newspaper editorial writers spend a lot of space on how hard it is to unseat an incumbent, particularly in Congress.
One advantage incumbents have is name familiarity and the ability to announce pork for the district. Yet in the last couple of elections, the worm has so turned to the point many endorsements are made on the basis of the experience and knowledge the incumbent has gained and how terrible it would be to lose that and put some new person in who’d have to start from scratch... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Tribal Response |
| As the spokesman for the Suquamish Tribe, I would like to take this opportunity to provide some factual background regarding the Suquamish Tribe’s appeal of the Growth Management Hearings Board decision on the South Kitsap Urban Growth Area Expansion. As you state in your November 2004 Kitsap Business Journal article, it is true that the Tribe appealed the Hearings Board decision... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Adele and Muslims |
| In response to a recent opinion piece by Adele Ferguson: Where she wrote “ ITEM: Muslim mosques in Washington state are participating in a national campaign to encourage Muslims to register to vote as a first step in becoming politically active. ‘ We think Muslims have a lot of positive things to contribute to the political process... (Full Article) |
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Transforming the red and blue
into the red, white and blue
By Don C. Brunell, President
Association of Washington Business |
Thankfully, the elections are over. Hopefully, the economy won’t collapse with the end of campaign spending. More than $4 billion was spent on federal elections, $1.2 billion of that on the presidential race alone.
So the key question is, “Where do we go from here... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Election Results |
| It pleased me to see the people of Kitsap County had the good sense to not only re-elect Jan Angel, but to do it by a large majority... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Patriotism vs terrorism |
| Thank goodness I grew up in the time of common sense and not political correctness. Everybody knew what was right and wrong and also knew what “patriotism” really meant... (Full Article) |
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POLITICS
SCasting my own ballot...
By Adele Fergusen |
| For the primary election, I told you afterwards who I voted for, and I had requests this time to make recommendations in advance, on the assumption, I guess, that my 43 years as a political writer makes me more knowledgeable on the issues and quality of the candidates... (Full Article) |
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Lawsuit abuse hits the little guy hardest
By Don C. Brunell, President
Association of Washington Business |
| While enterprising personal injury lawyers may want us to think it is “big business” that shells out billions in lawsuit settlements each year, a new report shows that, in reality, shop owners, merchants and small companies are hit the hardest... (Full Article) |
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POLITICS
Some interesting asides to the governor’s race
By Adele Fergusen |
Well, the daughter of the short order cook beat the son of a minister in the Democratic runoff for governor. She’ll go up against the Republican son of a waitress Nov. 2.
Some of the pitches for high office this year sounded more like scripts for a soap opera. Poor Chris Gregoire hardly knew her father but she never told us why. Maybe he was like Indiana Jones’ father, who was so busy trying to track down the Holy Grail, Indiana was spending his spare time with all sorts of unsavory characters. Gregoire also had to toil her way through college... (Full Article)
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The Business Journal’s endorsements
for the Nov. 2 Election |
President: Jimmy Buffett
George Bush has made a mess in Iraq, has no real exit strategy, alienated our traditional allies and diminished our standing in the world. He still doesn’t have a firm handle on the war against terror — which is far more critical to our long-term security and survival than anything else, including Iraq — and he has restricted our freedoms with the Patriot Act.
In the meantime, the Democrats couldn’t come up with a candidate any less pathetic than John Kerry, or a platform that reflects the real needs of the average American and addresses the core problems in this country... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
For Rossi |
Dino Rossi is the only acceptable choice for governor in this election.
Chris Gregoire and the Democrats have done so much to hurt our state in the last 20 years that I have to wonder why a thinking person would ever consider voting for her.
Remember, it was $18 million of OUR money that she lost because she couldn’t meet a deadline. Then she tried to cover it up. When that didn’t work, rather than take responsibility, she made someone in her office into a scapegoat... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Against Rossi |
| I am amused that Dino Rossi is trying to bolster his stature with Washington voters by producing his father’s employment as a Seattle Public School teacher. A working class background is always appreciated in a candidate, however, Mr. Rossi as much as he touts his father’s job as a qualification for his own governorship has done much to undercut teachers across the state... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
McMahon |
| The purpose of an election is to choose the most popular candidate. Voting across Party lines to land a weaker candidate of the Primary into the General Election (therefore beatable) has cost us our freedom of voting independently in the Primary... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Rental Market |
This is a brief response to Connie Christman, President, Puget Rental Owners Association, in the September KPBJ.
Yes, indeed, I searched the Bremerton Sun’s classified ads for rentals under $400. There were no results returned by search engine (although I did see one apt. advertised for $390/mo.). Fairly typical income for persons in public housing is around $500/month... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Kitchens |
I was visiting with out of town guests on August 2, 2004 at the Silverdale Red Lion the same day Doug Kitchens held his kick-off for the State Senate. I saw on Kitchen’s handout table an endorsement from Kitsap County Sheriff Steve Boyer.
If Sheriff Steve Boyer supports Doug, so do I! I urge all my friends and neighbors to vote for Mr. Kitchens too.
Nancy Hamilton, Kingston
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POLITICS
Of Muslims and Indians…
By Adele Fergusen |
| ITEM: “A false sense of insecurity” grips the nations, experts say, despite the fact dangers from terrorism are scant, compared to other risks. Political scientists and terrorism advisers at a number of universities blame war rhetoric from President Bush and his Democratic challenger, Sen. John Kerry... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Housing Authority |
| We have been seeing accolades about Kitsap County Consolidated Housing Authority. Granted, KCCHA has accomplished some positive changes. However, there are also negative ramifications to be considered... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
KRCC |
| The actions proposed to be taken by the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC) on population projections are an abdication of responsibility... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Mahaffay |
| I’m writing in support of Frank Mahaffay for State Representative 23rd District, Position 1, Republican. Frank Mahaffay believes in and supports the Kitsap County Republican philosophy... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Media |
| The mainstream media still has an obligation to bring America the news. The over reporting of sex between Bill and Monica shaped debate. Meanwhile, the non-discovery of WMDs, and other news items were brought to us daily for months... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Judge Laurie |
| It is with great enthusiasm that I offer my support/endorsement of Judge Anna Laurie for re-election to the Kitsap County Superior Court bench. I have had the unique pleasure to appear in front of Judge Laurie since she was first elected to the bench in 2000 in both criminal and civil matters. Judge Laurie is not only experienced, she is knowledgeable in both civil and criminal law and conducts her courtroom in a highly professional and civilized fashion while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process... (Full Article) |
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POLITICS
Just some random comments...
By Adele Fergusen |
| ITEM With news that famed actor Marlon Brando had died at 80, Washington Indian tribes recalled his 1964 visit here, when he illegally fished with them in their battle over fishing rights and was arrested for it. They remembered him as “a caring person, a very conscientious person. Marlon Brando had a loving heart,” said Suzan Satiacum. “We’ll always be grateful to him... (Full Article) |
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Counterfeiting is costing Americans jobs
By Don C. Brunell, President
Association of Washington Business |
| Most of us think of counterfeiters as enterprising crooks who print phony $100 bills and pass them at the local grocery store or gas station. But those traditional thieves are just the tip of the iceberg compared to the pirates who “knock off” products and sell them... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Jan Angel |
Commissioner Angel’s recent article was very saddening.
To hear her tell it, Ms. Angel finds the county’s problems overwhelming, posing dozens of questions for which she seems to have no answer, even after a full term as commissioner. That’s sad... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Jan Angel |
| Certain pundits writing in our blatantly leftist local daily rag have already begun their smear campaign against Commissioner Jan Angel in hopes of electing either of the two Democrats running against her... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Oke Responds |
In reference to Randy Boss’ letter printed July, 2004:
There he goes again — more wrong information from a man who was a leader in the delaying tactics that doubled the cost of a new bridge we could be driving on today... (Full Article)
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MY TURN
The sad demise of the Kitsap Music Festival
By Bill Bambrick |
| Remember Frank Sinatra’s song about the ant and the rubber tree plant? Me too. I had high hopes I could motivate certain of the Kitsap gentry to help me promote a youth music festival here in Kitsap. The idea was to have been a three-day affair, with marching bands on Friday, jazz ensembles on Saturday, and vocal groups on Sunday. I hoped it might be a world-class event, with competitions, workshops, and a chance to see and hear invited professional groups who would come and put on shows in the evenings... (Full Article) |
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POLITICS
Remembering Ronald Reagan
By Adele Fergusen |
My first exposure to Ronald Reagan was at governors’ conferences in the 1970s.
Hard as it may be to believe, he was not popular with his peers. He arrived late for everything and was regarded by other governors as a scene-stealer, because the minute he’d enter a room, the press would rush to his side, he being the most colorful and quotable of the bunch. He was always surrounded by a phalanx of bodyguards who made sure strangers didn’t get too close... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Transportation |
Well. Well. Well.
The people of Gig Harbor have been telling their elected officials and the Department of Transportation for ten years that their little scheme to extort toll money from us to build a new bridge that will only add one new HOV lane in each direction wouldn’t solve the traffic problems and we’re seeing the tip of the iceberg right now. Wait until they add those new tollbooths to the mix. You think you’ve got problems now.... Just wait... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Workforce Report |
| The Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (Workforce Board) recently released a report which found that, “even in the midst of a recession, among Washington state employers attempting to hire, 45 percent had difficulty finding qualified job applicants in 2003... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Reagan |
| With the passing Of President Reagan, America has lost one its true patriots. It may be the last time in our history that we had a President who was able to unite America, bypass the media, and speak to the hearts and visions of the majority of Americans... (Full Article) |
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POLITICS
You have admire WEA’s gall
By Adele Fergusen |
“This whole topic of salary increases at a time when they failed so completely in their responsibilities toward students and schools is drenched in irony.”
Who said that? Some irate parent or legislator over the incessant push for more money from the educational establishment... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Blind Partisanship |
| Recently, there were emails sent en masse by MoveOn.org, an organization which prides itself on its objectivity and non-partisan diligence towards accountable government. In the message, it urged its supporters to oppose the new FEC effort, and characterized it as a Bush and Cheney initiative to curtail civil rights. Some of the fallout landed in The Sun, with a letter to the editor espousing an effort to shut down free speech... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Budget Choices |
| Thanks to increased economic activity in the private sector that exceeded the county commissioners’ and finance department’s expectations, the county has announced the collection of an additional $5 million in general fund revenues (taxes, fees, and assessments). The announcement came after the commission voted to increase surface and stormwater fees and institute a noxious weed education program assessment on property owners... (Full Article) |
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Kidney Dialysis |
I read with interest and considerable surprise the announcement by a hospital from Tacoma that kidney dialysis was now available on this side of the Narrows (May 2004, page 33).
In fact, state of the art dialysis has been available to our neighbors in Kitsap, North Mason, East Jefferson, and Clallam Counties since the early 1980’s... (Full Article)
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dino Rossi |
| Regarding Dino Rossi’s article (Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, May 2004) on promises of what he intends to do, as governor, to reduce unemployment and promote jobs in our state, may I add one more item to his intentions; stop the state from outsourcing technical and dot.com jobs overseas.
Muriel M. Williams
Poulsbo
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