Thumbs up, thumbs down

Editor's Notebook
Mary Powell

There is, to be sure, much to talk about these days. Most is good news, especially in our neck of the woods, but there also are some not so great events occurring at the state level that affect us here on the North Olympic Peninsula.
So, let's use the thumbs up, thumbs down method of chatting about the activities that have us talking.

• Thumbs up: To the Clallam County PUD for its purchase of the Costco property in Carlsborg. The former Costco store, which has been vacant for more than a year and has been the site of vandalism and piles of dumped trash, is the perfect spot for the PUD. As Hugh Haffner, PUD board president points out, with more than 29,000 customers scattered around the county, a consolidation of services in a centralized location is nothing but good news. The former Costco building is ready for immediate move-in and large enough to house all facets of the PUD. The PUD has been looking for some time for new quarters. By moving into an already established building, there are no additional costs for purchasing land and building new. Very green of you, PUD.

• Thumbs down: To the failure of Washington Mutual, purchased last week by JPMorgan Chase & Co. While WaMu is a Seattle flagship, its collapse is a blow to everyone in Washington state. As pointed out in several state newspapers, WaMu was a huge contributor of people, ideas and money on civic projects, not only in Seattle but in the communities where a WaMu branch was located as well. This is particularly bad news for the bank's 43,200 employees, some of whom work at the Sequim branch. JPMorgan promises little change in banking procedures, but cuts in personnel are surely in the offing.

• Thumbs up: To Arby's restaurant, which finally opened its doors yesterday. After promising to be open by the July Lavender Festival, folks were beginning to wonder if the chain really was moving to Sequim. But, here they are, serving up their famous roast beef sandwiches and whatnot. Make sure to give the owner and employees a big Sequim welcome.

• Thumbs up or down: Depending on your perspective, this is either really good news or not so good news. Money magazine recently named Sequim as one of the six best towns to retire to on the water. The article claims Sequim - pronounced "skwim" - offers a lower cost of living and an easy pace of life. Although they say the Pacific is a "tad nippy for a swim," the pros of living in Sequim are the water, mountains, culture and a small town all at once. Get ready for the onslaught.

• Thumbs up: To the Sequim City Council for its consideration of a municipal court in Sequim, thus relieving an already overloaded court docket. According to Interim City Manager Bob Spinks, a municipal court in Sequim would make it easier for domestic violence victims to get restraining orders, as those seeking such orders have to travel to Port Angeles. Having a court in Sequim eventually would bring in additional revenues to the city as well. The city must make a decision one way or the other by January 2010, and the decision should be yes.

• Another thumbs up: To the city of Sequim for the installation of traffic cones at the left-turn lanes on Washington Street and Sequim Avenue. The cones prevent traffic from traveling down the middle lane far before it's necessary to turn off Washington onto Sequim Avenue. It's also much safer to pedestrians crossing Washington Street.

• Thumbs up: To United Way of Clallam County for bringing new programs to this year's campaign. The VOICES project, which begins this month, is all about listening to the needs of those in this county. What better way to learn how best to serve those in our own backyard? The second project, Coins For Change, begins in November and is a call for the young people in our community to donate their spare change in order to reach United Way's $1 million goal this year. Watch future issues of the Gazette to learn more about the Coins for Change program.

• Thumbs down: To the gubernatorial election race in this state. The negative ads, both in print and on television, coupled with deceit from both candidates, are not what voters want to hear. Future goals, ways in which taxes won't be raised, as both candidates claim, and plans for improved health care and education packages are issues voters care about and want to hear about.

• Thumbs up: To the new and improved bus service offered by the Dungeness Line, which will make it easier to get to Seattle, the airport and train station. Fares are reasonable and the schedules are flexible. Having smart transportation on and off the peninsula is a relief for those who don't want to pay high gas prices or cannot or do not want to drive.

• Thumbs down: To drivers who insist on making U.S. Highway 101 a speedway or a road with passing lanes where there are none. There are far too many accidents on 101, most caused by inattention or unsafe driving practices.

• Thumbs up: To the Sequim Senior Activity Center for securing a grant to buy a new bus. Thumbs up, also, for those who donated money to buy the bus. Goes to show, grants are out there for a lot of stuff.

• Thumbs up and down: Thumbs up to the Washington State Department of Transportation for its preparation of the Hood Canal bridge closure in May 2009. DOT personnel have been conducting meetings for those who will be most affected by the bridge closure, which is pretty much everyone on the North Olympic Peninsula. Being prepared is half the battle. But a thumbs down for the closure itself, even though it can't be helped and in the long run will make for a safer crossing of the Hood Canal. It will be an inconvenience, to be sure. Again, watch for future articles in the Gazette regarding the bridge closure.

• One more thumbs up and here's what is: Thumbs up to Sequim drivers who have mastered driving a roundabout. Most of you now get it. Remember, the bricks in the inner circle are not for driving or passing. The construction across from The Home Depot is going to be a Schucks Auto Parts store. Lots of you have been asking.

Mary Powell can be reached at editor@sequimgazette.com or at 683-3311.