From Oct. 15

Election 2005

Vote no on I-912

I have studied the extensive report the Washington State Department of Transportation has issued and it has confirmed my conviction to vote against Initiative 912, repealing the increase in gasoline tax the state Legislature was brave enough to enact. Many personnel hours went into this meticulous report only to be ignored by too many anti-tax people who make it difficult for goverment to solve problems.

Contrary to frequent statements, Washington is not the highest taxed state in the nation. After the 3-cent increase on gasoline we tie for No. 8 with Rhode Island.

Population growth has its price. Since 1980 our state’s population has increased by 45 percent, there are 58 percent more licensed drivers, any doubt that massive funds are needed to catch up and keep up?

The 2005 funding package provides $327 million for projects in Kitsap County to make highways safer and traffic moving. A detailed list for new construction is given and frequent questions answered.

Statewide at-risk structures will be funded. Hurricane Katrina should have taught us that funds denied to repair crumbling infrastructure are negligliby small compared to the damage in untold billions, not to mention the heart break. Who knows when the long predicted big earthquake might hit us?

Worried about money wasted? The Department of Transportation is audited regularly by four agencies, among them the state auditor and the federal highway administration.

Please join me in my vote to keep us safe when we are on the road.

ELISABETH BONDY

Silverdale

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CAO

Officials making power grab

Kitsap Alliance of Property Owners speaks up for property owners wishing to use and enjoy their property without causing environmental degradation. It speaks for those who are largely or totally unaware of government regulations already in place that severely limit freedom of choice. KAPO members read and make a careful analysis of proposals. They consult with recognized, educated, qualified experts and rely on facts proving that “best available science” is not “best” or “scientific.” KAPO members do make a concentrated effort to inform government commissions and officials of those facts.

However, neither Alliance’s membership nor its major financial support comes from developers whose only desire is to make the quick buck and get out. We are neighbors. We live here now and intend to be living here in the future. Our children live here. Their children may one day wish to live here. Our properties may be large or small, inherited or purchased but using it according to our preferences is as important to us as it should be to each of you. Join such hotheads as Thomas Jefferson in believing the right to own private property is an important aspect of our way of life.

Washington state asked its counties to review existing Critical Areas Ordinances; it did not issue a mandate to totally rewrite a major document.

You should ask why Kitsap County, with its overworked and understaffed Department of Community Development, with no indication that current regulations were failing to provide sufficient protection, embraces so whole heartedly this opportunity to expand their control.

NADEAN ROSS

Silverdale

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