Sequim could use updated library
Regarding last week’s letter on the Sequim Library expansion (“Library expansion seems too costly,” Sequim Gazette, page A-8):
Unless the author knows a wealthy benefactor, taxes are the way communities come together and build community resources. We join together to improve the life of our local area.
Libraries are more than space for computer terminals, which the current facility is maxed out on, not allowing needed additional workstations. The modern library is a community hub for obtaining information, attending public meetings (presently the meeting room is too small) and introducing children to books and learning resources — a “third place” after home and office, available to all.
The Sequim Library lacks the space to accomplish this in an efficient and effective manner.
In addition, the writer raises the question of a new building versus remodeling the old facility. The problem with major remodeling projects are unknown issues that arise during the construction which increase the cost. The finished, remodeled building does not function as well as a newly designed library that works to answer today’s and future needs.
The Sequim community deserves a new library.
Robert Baer
Sequim
A recipe for invasive green crab
Back in 1999 my wife and I moved to Sequim from San Diego. At that time we were told that the invasive species in Sequim were Californians. I understand that we have been replaced by the green crab (“Hunt for invasive green crab in Dungeness area claims 16 specimens in first month,” Sequim Gazette, May 9, page A-1); that’s nice to know.
A little surfing on the Internet has yielded a myriad green crab recipes. The answer to the green crab problem (if indeed there is one) is catch ‘em and eat ‘em.
Every time mankind attempts to manage an environment bad things happen, one is reminded of Yellowstone National Park.
Ethan Harris
Sequim
Enforcement is answer, not roadway changes
The problem with the Woodcock/Sequim-Dungeness Way is intersection isn’t with the roadway — but with the human condition (“Roundabout considered for busy Sequim intersection,” Sequim Gazette, page A-1). The main cause for the accidents is too much inattention and disregard of traffic laws, in addition to the lack of enforcement.
On a daily basis, I have watched numerous cars traveling through this intersection never coming to a complete stop at the very Large stops signs at Sequim-Dungeness. Unfortunately, without some sort of enforcement this activity will continue.
A good example of driver involvement can be seen just over a quarter mile up the road as Sequim-Dungeness curves west, in a 50-miles-per-hour zone with an intersection that dozens of cars use daily — yet to my knowledge in the past 17 years no serious accidents have occurred here because drivers are paying attention.
A change at Woodcock would only be a band-aid approach, I believe that enforcement is the answer.
Bob Lampert
Sequim
Democrats have this vote
A postcard arrived recently that blew me away. It was from a Republican precinct officer in my precinct asking if I wanted to take over GOP precinct duties for the next 23 months.
Did the writer think I am a smooth talker who can defend even the lousiest candidate?
Then I discovered that this person had sent out identical cards to all our neighbors with the same request.
What would my duties be if I accepted the offer? Go door to door explaining Donald Trump to my neighbors? What about the hush money paid to porn queen Stormy Daniels? The mutual admiration of Trump and Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin? The millions paid to Trump’s “fixer” Michael Cohen by AT&T and Novartis, suggesting a “pay-to-play” scheme to give these billionaires access to the president’s ear?
The swamp is getting deeper. I understand why Republicans want to foist the task of defending these demagogues. GOP precinct officers in Washington State are not alone. House Speaker Paul Ryan is one of more than two dozen GOP lawmakers who have decided to retire.
I am a Democrat and will knock on doors asking voters to reelect State Representatives Steve Tharinger and Mike Chapman, U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell and other Democrats. None of these candidates need a “fixer.” We are part of the “Blue Wave” in the 2018 mid-term elections to flip the U.S. House and U.S. Senate from Republican to Democrat.
So to my Republican neighbor the answer is: thanks, but no thanks.
Tim Wheeler
Sequim
