Letters to the editor, Dec. 31, 2008

A win-win for veterans, the economy and the environment

I suggest the following, or something similar, be a part of a stimulus: Give a voucher of 100 percent for the purchase of an electric auto from one of the three U.S. auto manufacturers to all wounded veterans and to all killed veterans' families of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars; 75-percent voucher to veterans who served in one of these war areas; 50-percent voucher to all other veterans who were in the military service during these wars and 25-percent to all other veterans.
This would show our appreciation to all veterans, expedite the production of electric autos, help our auto manufacturers to make a profit and pay back government loans, reduce our dependence on imported oil, simulate the economy and improve the environment.
If the veterans prefer cash, the vouchers could be sold to the highest bidder, which would ensure all vouchers would be used to purchase an electric auto.

Norman and Ione Melos
Sequim


Harmony for the greater good

As the executive director of a not-for-profit professional association, I faced a similar situation as the current Sequim City Council. A minority of a seven-member board wanting the association to go in a different direction was hindering the board from functioning effectively. None of the members had a background in governance.
The situation reach a point where I realized that we needed outside guidance. The board agreed to hire a facilitator for a day. So much  progress was made the board decided to do it annually, since new board members joined the group on alternate years.
There was a great deal of stress during the sessions, but the facilitator taught techniques on how to understand each other as individuals and work together for the greater good of the organization. Maybe most importantly, how to understand the reasoning process of different personalities.
This took place in the early 1990s and cost $350 plus expenses for a full day's session. It was the best $350 the association ever spent; the quality of governance improved dramatically after each session and the social interaction of the members became pleasant experiences.
You probably have figured out that I am in favor of the Sequim City Council engaging in professionally guided governance facilitation. It is to the council's benefit that all members are able to work together in a harmonious manner for the greater good of the city.
The council needs to learn how to respect their colleagues and that diverse opinions are desirable. All opinions should be considered and discussed in a respectful manner. The language used during discussions must be professional dialogues that enable mutual decisions.
The agenda should be issued early enough for each council member to research the topics well before meeting time. This is very important. It is much easier for an individual to agree to a course of action when the discussion has been professional, than when thoughtless statements have been made because of lack of preparation.
Five hundred dollars an hour seems like a high price for a facilitator for only four hours and actually a full-day session would give them better guidance. Perhaps research of this service should be undertaken to determine the going rate. If this is an average rate for the service, they should pay it.
Sequim needs professional and respectable governance and, frankly, we have not been receiving it.

Chris Coleman
Sequim


Orange County look-alike?

This year, 2009, I would like to see our community balance both development and its delightful rural lifestyle. It would mean commitment from our leaders and elected county and city officials to adhere to the county planning commission's plans and ensure that the peninsula continues with a sustainable environment.
It also means commitment from us the citizens to make sure our environment keeps its image of a pleasing, laid-back and positive lifestyle for all to enjoy.
Let's resolve to preserve farmlands for our future and to be selective about development rather than letting our part of the peninsula look like Orange County in California.

Dorothea Hover-Kramer
Port Angeles