It has been said that all Government is an evil. It would be more proper to say that the necessity of any Government is a misfortune. This necessity however exists; and the problem to be solved is, not what form of Government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect.
- James Madison, to an unidentified correspondent, 1833
------------------
Have others noticed that three of the four candidates for County Executive required strong encouragement from 'others' to commit to run for this important office, despite the incumbents decision to step aside?
I took note of that, and it is certainly is not unusual in our political system, because running for elected office is not something that comes easily to most people I know. [including yours truly] Of course, some do seem to actually enjoy political campaigns, but don't you have to wonder why, unless their ambition is to be popular and powerful enough to become career politicians?
But one candidate seems to have had sufficient internal encouragement from himself to willingly throw his hat into the ring, knowing the challenges that would certainly bring; first in campaigning and then, the task of actually serving the public in an honest and responsible manner.
Now, why would Tom Anderson be the only one to do that, you might ask? And, it is no surprise that Tom was the only one to declare his candidacy BEFORE the incumbent opted out of the race. [Jack Louws announced his candidacy the same day that incumbent Pete Kremen decided to opt out -coincidence?] That is because he has come to know that Whatcom County has needed better leadership for years, and simply decided to run himself, despite the odds of competing against an entrenched incumbent.
There is a big difference between running for office and actually serving in office!
If I had the choice, I would always pick the person who would serve us the best, never forgetting the public's expectations of trusting their competence, integrity, willingness to listen impartially, and the personal courage to take timely and necessary action.
But, I -and everyone else- don't get to have that happen without going through elections first. There's the rub; an ideal candidate remains just that until they actually garner the votes to be elected. If someone with lesser qualifications, visions and administrative skills gets elected, then we are stuck with our choice. Thing is, we don't want to waste our vote on charlatans, unelectable candidates or career political wannabes if we can do better!
And, in this election we can do no better than elect Tom Anderson.
------
So, with that conclusion in mind, here's a short summary of the important traits people have told me they prefer to see in their County Executive, in no particular order of significance:
• Credibility
• Good Listener
• Intelligent
• Sincerely Cares
• Selflessness/Self Effacing
• Leadership [Low Key]
• Thoughtful & Analytical
• Works for Common Interests
• Achiever through True Collaboration
• Puts Money Where Mouth Is
• Confident in Ability to Make A Difference
• Sees Job As Opportunity to Serve & Give Back to His Community
---------------
For comparison, this is a list of what I consider to be Tom's main strengths:
• He has authentic integrity. Can be trusted with managing public fiscal affairs, including budgets & funding methods.
• He is personally intelligent & competent & a registered P.E. [professional engineer].
• He has business experience, both as employee & owner.
• He has an informed grasp of a range of important local issues.
• He has seasoned/local life & administrative experience- both in public & private sector.
• He is independent-minded & innately bi-partisan - as is also required by the County Charter for this office.
• He has good health, energy, enthusiasm & courage.
• He is an excellent communicator.
• He has a pleasing, quiet, low-profile & unassuming manner.
• He is the type of service & family-oriented citizen that every community needs.
Based upon these desirable qualifications & characteristics, plus knowing and observing Tom fairly closely since my own elected public service began in 1999, and recently spending some time talking to him, I have decided to strongly support his candidacy.
-------
I hope other people will give this recommendation serious thought and also decide to support Tom Anderson.
You will be surprised to learn how many people in Whatcom know Tom and respect him a lot!
In my book, that's exactly the type of principled citizen we need to represent us in this important position.
But, remember, enough votes for Tom in the August primary elections will be necessary to ensure his inclusion in the November general election.
It is only after those two required hurdles that we will know whether the best candidate has been elected.
Now, its time to put all candidates to the test!
------------------
In Republics, the great danger is, that the majority may not sufficiently respect the rights of the minority. - James Madison
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Weathering a Climate of Ignorance
-----------------
Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. - John F. Kennedy
-----------------
This article caught my attention recently, and seems to have real merit in its suggestions. After all, there should be more ways than one to skin this particular cat.
It is always fascinating -and frustrating- in trying to communicate with folks who have decided that an issue is already settled, or that it can't be settled, or is a matter only of opinion, or -well, you probably get the idea of what I'm talking about. And, if you don't, you just may not be interested, at least, not yet.
From Wikipedia, the following excerpts:
• Climatology (from Greek κλίμα, klima, "region, zone"; and -λογία, -logia) is the study of climate, scientifically defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time, and is a branch of the atmospheric sciences.
• History: The earliest person to hypothesize the concept of climate change may have been the medieval Chinese scientist Shen Kuo (1031–95). Shen Kuo theorized that climates naturally shifted over an enormous span of time, after observing petrified bamboos found underground near Yanzhou (modern day Yan'an, Shaanxi province), a dry climate area unsuitable for the growth of bamboo.
Early climate researchers include Edmund Halley, who published a map of the trade winds in 1686, after a voyage to the southern hemisphere. Benjamin Franklin, in the 18th century, was the first to map the course of the Gulf Stream for use in sending mail overseas from the United States to Europe. Francis Galton invented the term anticyclone. Helmut Landsberg led to statistical analysis being used in climatology, which led to its evolution into a physical sciences.
Now I know I'm treading on thin ice, whenever TMI happens [too much information]
And, I know that popular sound bytes are often preferred, but sometimes that is just not possible, so I'm wading into this a little deeper;
Remember the distinction about astrology and astronomy? Here's a hint; one is a theory requiring belief without proof, and the other is one of the oldest sciences, which depends upon systematic truths that are proven.
Again, those risky excerpts:
• Astrology is a system of divination founded on the notion that the relative positions of celestial bodies are signs of or—more controversially among astrologers—causes of destiny, personality, human affairs, and natural events. The primary astrological bodies are the sun, moon, and planets; although astrology is commonly characterized as "reading the stars", the stars (other than the sun) actually play a minor role. The main focus is on the placement of the seven planets relative to each other and to the signs of the zodiac, though the system does allow reference to fixed stars, asteroids, comets, and various mathematical points of interest as well. As a craft, astrology is a combination of basic astronomy, numerology, and mysticism. In its modern form, it is a classic example of pseudoscience.
• Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe.
-----------------
The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. - John F. Kennedy
-----------------
It remains amazing to me, in this time of scientific know-how and our dependency upon it every day, that there are still those in denial of 'global warming' by any definition. But there are. And there are corporations and individuals who see this very idea as a threat to their profitability in the future, so much so that they actually pay consultants to question and undermine the actual science that we should consider valuable to us and our descendants! Imagine that if you can.
It might be interesting for folks to see the importance of The Economics and Social Benefits of NOAA Data and Products at this website.
Or, review the NCDC Frequently Asked Questions at this website to see for yourself.
The NOAA National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) is one of the world's premier centers for archiving, processing, and researching climate data. As such, NCDC fields hundreds of questions regarding the data: how it is processed, how it can be accessed, and what it means. If you have a question about NCDC, climate data, or climatology, an answer may reside in our "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) below. If not, please feel free to contact us. We're adding questions to this site all the time.
• Global Climate Change Questions
• The Greenhouse Effect
• Climate Change Data
• Climate Definitions
• Briefings on Climate Change
If the information found at the above references is still insufficient to convince one that there are newly discovered truths around that we ought to know, accept and act upon, then these words are truly wasted.
It might almost remind of the old Bill Cosby joke, where THE LORD says to Noah, 'How long can you tread water?'
Funny, if not so sad?
-----------------
Even if you aren't convinced Global Warming is real, here are 10 things you could do to fight it, just in case:
1. Recycle & buy minimally packed goods as much as possible
2. Wash cloths in cold or warm water, not hot.
3. Install low-flow shower heads to use less water.
4. Run the dishwasher only when full and don't use heat to dry dishes.
5. Replace standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
6. Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency.
7. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones.
8. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transit whenever possible.
9. Adjust your thermostat -lower in winter, higher in summer.
10. Share these simple steps with friends & family and increase awareness!
Notice that -even if global warming doesn't exist- these steps will save you money!
[compliments of EDF [ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND -www.edf.org]
-----------------
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. - John F. Kennedy
-----------------
Too often we... enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought. - John F. Kennedy
-----------------
This article caught my attention recently, and seems to have real merit in its suggestions. After all, there should be more ways than one to skin this particular cat.
It is always fascinating -and frustrating- in trying to communicate with folks who have decided that an issue is already settled, or that it can't be settled, or is a matter only of opinion, or -well, you probably get the idea of what I'm talking about. And, if you don't, you just may not be interested, at least, not yet.
From Wikipedia, the following excerpts:
• Climatology (from Greek κλίμα, klima, "region, zone"; and -λογία, -logia) is the study of climate, scientifically defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time, and is a branch of the atmospheric sciences.
• History: The earliest person to hypothesize the concept of climate change may have been the medieval Chinese scientist Shen Kuo (1031–95). Shen Kuo theorized that climates naturally shifted over an enormous span of time, after observing petrified bamboos found underground near Yanzhou (modern day Yan'an, Shaanxi province), a dry climate area unsuitable for the growth of bamboo.
Early climate researchers include Edmund Halley, who published a map of the trade winds in 1686, after a voyage to the southern hemisphere. Benjamin Franklin, in the 18th century, was the first to map the course of the Gulf Stream for use in sending mail overseas from the United States to Europe. Francis Galton invented the term anticyclone. Helmut Landsberg led to statistical analysis being used in climatology, which led to its evolution into a physical sciences.
Now I know I'm treading on thin ice, whenever TMI happens [too much information]
And, I know that popular sound bytes are often preferred, but sometimes that is just not possible, so I'm wading into this a little deeper;
Remember the distinction about astrology and astronomy? Here's a hint; one is a theory requiring belief without proof, and the other is one of the oldest sciences, which depends upon systematic truths that are proven.
Again, those risky excerpts:
• Astrology is a system of divination founded on the notion that the relative positions of celestial bodies are signs of or—more controversially among astrologers—causes of destiny, personality, human affairs, and natural events. The primary astrological bodies are the sun, moon, and planets; although astrology is commonly characterized as "reading the stars", the stars (other than the sun) actually play a minor role. The main focus is on the placement of the seven planets relative to each other and to the signs of the zodiac, though the system does allow reference to fixed stars, asteroids, comets, and various mathematical points of interest as well. As a craft, astrology is a combination of basic astronomy, numerology, and mysticism. In its modern form, it is a classic example of pseudoscience.
• Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, nebulae, star clusters and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe.
-----------------
The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie, deliberate, contrived and dishonest, but the myth, persistent, persuasive and unrealistic. - John F. Kennedy
-----------------
It remains amazing to me, in this time of scientific know-how and our dependency upon it every day, that there are still those in denial of 'global warming' by any definition. But there are. And there are corporations and individuals who see this very idea as a threat to their profitability in the future, so much so that they actually pay consultants to question and undermine the actual science that we should consider valuable to us and our descendants! Imagine that if you can.
It might be interesting for folks to see the importance of The Economics and Social Benefits of NOAA Data and Products at this website.
Or, review the NCDC Frequently Asked Questions at this website to see for yourself.
The NOAA National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) is one of the world's premier centers for archiving, processing, and researching climate data. As such, NCDC fields hundreds of questions regarding the data: how it is processed, how it can be accessed, and what it means. If you have a question about NCDC, climate data, or climatology, an answer may reside in our "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) below. If not, please feel free to contact us. We're adding questions to this site all the time.
• Global Climate Change Questions
• The Greenhouse Effect
• Climate Change Data
• Climate Definitions
• Briefings on Climate Change
If the information found at the above references is still insufficient to convince one that there are newly discovered truths around that we ought to know, accept and act upon, then these words are truly wasted.
It might almost remind of the old Bill Cosby joke, where THE LORD says to Noah, 'How long can you tread water?'
Funny, if not so sad?
-----------------
Even if you aren't convinced Global Warming is real, here are 10 things you could do to fight it, just in case:
1. Recycle & buy minimally packed goods as much as possible
2. Wash cloths in cold or warm water, not hot.
3. Install low-flow shower heads to use less water.
4. Run the dishwasher only when full and don't use heat to dry dishes.
5. Replace standard light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
6. Plug air leaks in windows and doors to increase energy efficiency.
7. Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones.
8. Walk, bike, carpool or use public transit whenever possible.
9. Adjust your thermostat -lower in winter, higher in summer.
10. Share these simple steps with friends & family and increase awareness!
Notice that -even if global warming doesn't exist- these steps will save you money!
[compliments of EDF [ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE FUND -www.edf.org]
-----------------
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. - John F. Kennedy
-----------------
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Bachelor's Stew; An Inspiration
---------------------
Here are on the evening of Saturday, June 19 -the day before Father's Day and 2 days after my 21st Anniversary to my dear wife who is enjoying a brief vacation in SF.
As sometimes happens in Bellingham, the sun is making its first real appearance just before sundown, below the picturesque clouds.
Hey, we've learned to call that particular 'sunny break', a sunny day!
And, coupled with catching the tail end of Casino Royale and the beginning of Quantum of Solace -both James Bond flicks on TV with Daniel Craig- the atmosphere seems just right to relate a secret, shared by Bachelors everywhere. Maybe Bachelorettes, too?
The secret is Bachelor Stew, a concoction of variable recipe that combines mostly ready-made ingredients, adds a few ad hoc foods that are conveniently at hand and melds the whole into a dish that tastes truly outstanding.
What's even better is that I also concocted a great sangria - containing all kinds of nutritious fruits - to go with my supper.
Want to share my secret? It's up to you:
The stew I prepared tonight consists of the following, combined and heated slowly on stovetop:
1 can Amy's Lentil Soup [organic, from Costco]
1 can Amy's Chile -Medium [also organic from Costco]
3 slices Black Forest Smoked ham - cut into small pieces [ Costco]
1/5 Red Onion [Costco or elsewhere]
Heat & Serve without excessive fanfare -which subtracts from the spontaneous ambiance.
Sangria -made in large pitcher with abundant ice cubes:
1 bottle Old Vine Zinfandel [I like Bogle -Fred Meyers]
1 bottle diet 7-Up
1/2 orange, sliced thin
1/2 apple, sliced thin
several strawberries, sliced thin
several blackberries, sliced
1/2 lime sliced thin & squeezed.
1 small banana, sliced
anything else that comes to mind.
Stir & serve in a fruit jar or other glass.
---------------
These 2 items go very well together!
Enjoy if you dare!
=====================
Here are on the evening of Saturday, June 19 -the day before Father's Day and 2 days after my 21st Anniversary to my dear wife who is enjoying a brief vacation in SF.
As sometimes happens in Bellingham, the sun is making its first real appearance just before sundown, below the picturesque clouds.
Hey, we've learned to call that particular 'sunny break', a sunny day!
And, coupled with catching the tail end of Casino Royale and the beginning of Quantum of Solace -both James Bond flicks on TV with Daniel Craig- the atmosphere seems just right to relate a secret, shared by Bachelors everywhere. Maybe Bachelorettes, too?
The secret is Bachelor Stew, a concoction of variable recipe that combines mostly ready-made ingredients, adds a few ad hoc foods that are conveniently at hand and melds the whole into a dish that tastes truly outstanding.
What's even better is that I also concocted a great sangria - containing all kinds of nutritious fruits - to go with my supper.
Want to share my secret? It's up to you:
The stew I prepared tonight consists of the following, combined and heated slowly on stovetop:
1 can Amy's Lentil Soup [organic, from Costco]
1 can Amy's Chile -Medium [also organic from Costco]
3 slices Black Forest Smoked ham - cut into small pieces [ Costco]
1/5 Red Onion [Costco or elsewhere]
Heat & Serve without excessive fanfare -which subtracts from the spontaneous ambiance.
Sangria -made in large pitcher with abundant ice cubes:
1 bottle Old Vine Zinfandel [I like Bogle -Fred Meyers]
1 bottle diet 7-Up
1/2 orange, sliced thin
1/2 apple, sliced thin
several strawberries, sliced thin
several blackberries, sliced
1/2 lime sliced thin & squeezed.
1 small banana, sliced
anything else that comes to mind.
Stir & serve in a fruit jar or other glass.
---------------
These 2 items go very well together!
Enjoy if you dare!
=====================
Friday, June 10, 2011
Its all over, except the shouting, campaigning and voting.
---------------------
"A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power that knowledge gives." - James Madison---------------------
Promptly at 4:30 PM, the County Auditor closed the Declarations of Candidacy for our local elections, and there were a few surprises.
Now, there will certainly be all kinds of speculation about possible outcomes, despite the fact that no one really knows with absolute certainty.
But, there are degrees of certainty, some higher than others.
For example, those candidates with no opposition will likely win.
Another one is incumbents with name recognition, strong backers and money behind them are often strong favorites who enjoy distinct advantages at voting time -unless of course they have done something so egregiously bad that an unavoidable political 'BO' can be smelled.
It is a shame that the above is true, in several cases. The power of incumbency is strong, but not as strong as sheer apathy - on the part of many citizens and voters, who seem to always prefer that somebody else serves in public office.
Isn't that attitude convenient?
Whenever things don't go according to their expectations, they get to just bitch about it and be cheaply entertained as well.
Politics should not ever be considered as a mere spectator sport; it's a deadly serious business!
If you don't believe that just check out the casualties we experience every day, in terms of deaths, crimes committed, health crises, and all manner of economic sufferings and inequities.
I hate to put a damper on the party -political or otherwise- but addressing this elections situation always has to start at home.
If we can't do that here, where can we, and when?
OK, enough on that rant.
Here's a few personal choices that appeal to me, taking into account my track record for picking election winners isn't much to write home about. It seems I have this little problem of often voting with my heart, and not always with my head, and underdogs don't fare too well generally.
Reckon that's why they're called UNDER-dogs?
Anyway, here goes, for what it's worth:
[Hope no one gets too offended, but a few might. Anyway here's my current picks]
--------------
Port of Bellingham All (Whatcom)
Commissioner District 3 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Jim Jorgensen [incumbent]
Michael J. Murphy
My gut tells me that its time for another change at the Port, so Murphy's my initial choice.
The last change has worked pretty well with Mike McCauley replacing longtime incumbent Doug Smith.
But Scott Walker is still there, and continues influencing Jorgenson, as well as the new Director, Charlie Sheldon, in the old ways of thinking -not all of which are bad. A better relationship with the City remains a work in progress, and is essential if the Waterfront Redevelopment and improvements to the Airport are to meet public expectations.
--------------
Whatcom County (Whatcom)
Executive Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Jack Louws
Doug Ericksen
Tom Anderson
David Stalheim
Ah, a real horserace, with, alas, no incumbent! Stalheim's late, surprise entry really intrigues me, and he is likely my first choice, although most may consider him a distinct underdog. He is a consummate professional in the field of Planning - a major hot button in these parts! His ridiculous, contrived ouster as Director of Planning for the County means he was way too knowledgeable on the shenanigans that continue to plague us, financed by the powerful development interests that also have several elected officials under control. I believe him to have all the management tools & experience necessary to responsibly head the County government.
Tom Anderson also has the right tools and motivation to effectively manage this County's affairs competently. His main deficiency is his low profile and lack of a galvanizing organization. If he can attract the votes he deserves, he can affect the outcome of this race, but maybe not win it.
Jack Louws is qualified for this position, by training, experience and heredity. His father was the County's first Executive. Jack is a true fiscal conservative and a Christian in the finest sense of the word. I don't always agree with Jack's positions, but I do respect where he is coming from. And, he would certainly be an improvement over our last County Executive! Louws may be the ultimate favorite in this race.
Doug Erickson is my absolute least favorite candidate in this race! He is a career political opportunist with no track record worth reviewing outside of partisan political circles. If he is elected the County is in deeper trouble than with our latest Executive. If cronyism and political posturing are what you think are needed here, then you are probably going to vote for Erickson. I hope not! He was recently elected as our State Senator after multiple, undistinguished terms as our State Representative in Olympia. That's where he belongs, if anywhere. Sorry to be this negative about DUUG, but he's worked hard to deserve it.
--------------
Council District 1 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Tony Larson [incumbent]
Pete Kremen
This was the first big surprise of these elections for me, which was covered yesterday's blog. Larson richly deserves being booted off the Council early, which the only reason I would support Pete for any other elected office. As awful as Pete has been over the past 16 years as County Executive, Larson has shown an utter disregard for issues, established protocols and reasonable respect for the public in general. He is truly a dangerous misfit in elected office. So, Pete wins and marginally improves the County Council's focus and commitment to doing things that are right for the entire populace.
--------------
Council District 2 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Sam R. Crawford [incumbent]
Christina Maginnis
Christina is my clear choice, not despite, but because of her underdog status. She is committed to priorities that are essential to the future well-being of Whatcom County, not just things that the growth at all costs people want. Sam, the incumbent, is going for his 4th term, which is generally too long for almost anyone in my view. But, that is especially true for folks like Sam who cleverly cultivate a benign image while brazenly conniving to benefit their cronies. I'm sorry to feel this way, but I have observed Sam at fairly close range for several years ever since he was first elected in the year 2000, and come to the conclusion that he is bad news! Previous blogs have commented on his disingenuous rhetoric, which purports to support mainstream priorities, but really doesn't. That's basically dishonest, and for no other better reason renders him unsuitable for representing the public at large. Sorry Sam, but you should know by now how I -and many others- feel about your insincerity and your poorly hidden private agendas. Begone!
--------------
Council District 3 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Barbara Brenner [incumbent]
Alan Black
This is another bit of a surprise, and a welcome one at that. Black is a newcomer underdog to one of the longest serving political dilettantes on the Council. Brenner paints herself as a long suffering champion of the average citizen, but acts more like self-serving gadfly, off her meds, who constantly seeks headlines, attention to herself and befuddling her colleagues and constituents as to her rationale for voting on many, diverse issues. It is clearly way past time for BB Gun to go away and find something else to do, out of the public trough. Of course, if she did, we'd miss the entertainment value of her driving her colleagues -including Pete Kremen- to complete distraction with her antics! I'd give that up in a heartbeat. But, rather than all negatives on BB, Mr Black apparently has some very fine credentials for a job in trusted public service, which I'd personally like to have him demonstrate by being elected. AB over BB here.
--------------
Assessor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Keith M. Willnauer [incumbent]
No competition, nuff said. Guess he's doing an OK job.
--------------
Auditor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
J. Lynne Walker
Debbie Adelstein
Neither candidate is an incumbent, although Adelstein has been an assistant in the office after working for Pete Kremen's office.
J Lynne is my choice, since I've worked with her since she became the Legislative Assistant to the Bellingham City Council in 2004.
Walker is a reliable and dedicated worker who can be trusted with public responsibilities. She deals with the public regularly and is always courteous and discrete, both virtues for a public servant in a high visibility job.
--------------
Sheriff Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Bill Elfo [incumbent]
Bob Taylor
Steve Harris
Law enforcement is always a priority in government and Sheriff is an important function. Elfo is the incumbent, has legal training and has performed his job capably and professionally for about 3 terms. I know of no improprieties during this time, and am of the opinion that Sheriff's can't often be considered as interchangeable parts. Therefore, I'm inclined to support this incumbent, without questioning the qualifications or fitness for office of the other two candidates.
---------------
Treasurer Nonpartisan office (4-year term
Steven Oliver [incumbent]
Brian Smith
Despite the announced, relatively unknown competition, Oliver's doing an OK job.
--------------
City of Bellingham (Whatcom)
Mayor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Kelli Linville
Clayton Petree
Daniel V. Pike [incumbent]
Steve Moore
Now here's an interesting race, with two clear front-runners and two also rans.
Despite my strong support for Pike 4 years ago, this time I favor Linville, based upon her years of unusually productive service in the State Legislature representing the difficult 42nd District in northern Whatcom County. Kelli has much favorable history here and has a woman's light touch, which enables her to bring diverse views together and come up with reasonable resolutions to problems that most folks willingly accept. I like that, and I also like the numerous contacts she has developed on both sides of the political aisle throughout Washington, including our elected Federal officials. These relationships are increasingly important in these days of fiscal difficulty. I believe the Office of Mayor fits her well in this community, and wish her well.
Dan Pike, as a political newbie, has done a very credible job amid really hard budget times, and is to be commended for that. On the other hand, he's made far too many 'commitments' -or what folks thought sounded like commitments- than he has been able to deliver. His management style is forceful and sometimes ego-centric, which can invite opposition at times where it is not needed. The drastic budget cuts made during his administration have been as necessary as they were bold, but understandably have also caused pain. exacerbated somewhat by his sometimes aloof, detached behavior toward City staff. And, he has had some real difficulty in his relations with the City Council. One could chalk these impressions up to political naivete, but that may not be the entire explanation. Pike seems talkative, bright, ambitious and sometimes overly self-serving, all of which can spell trouble for politicians if they are not careful. Should Pike win again, the people will truly have spoken.
Petree has expressed some reasonable perspectives and should be given respect for running for elected office. Wouldn't be surprised if we didn't see him again sometime.
Moore is OK, but a bit of a hothead ideologue. He's been around the COC for years, mainly complaining about government at all levels. So, why does he now want to become part of it? Your guess is as good as mine.
--------------
Council Ward 1 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Jack Weiss [incumbent]
No competition, nuff said. Jack really cares, and he's doing a really good job!
--------------
Council Ward 3 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Cathy Lehman
Barry Buchanan [incumbent]
Here's another tough race, in which I'm again favoring the underdog newbie, Cathy Lehman, who's very competent and committed to two essential big issues; Growth Management and Environmental Conservation. Because these issues are so important, complicated and difficult, we need candidates who are willing and able to be advocates for them. New perspectives and ideas are always in demand, and are often evident in younger members of our community. But, Barry's done well in his one term, so if he wins reelection, that's OK too.
--------------
Council Ward 5 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Terry Bornemann [incumbent]
No competition, nuff said. Guess he's doing an OK job, though four terms ought to be the limit.
--------------
Council Ward At Large Nonpartisan office (2-year term)
Seth Fleetwood [incumbent]
Larry Farr
Yet another interesting race in which I'm liking the challenger, Farr, who has served the City well in appointed positions, including the former Traffic Commission. Larry has previously run -unsuccessfully- for office, which tells me he's more than a political opportunist. Seth is OK too, but seems now to be mostly biding his time on the City Council after two terms on the more contentious County Council. Of course, his candidacy for Mayor four years ago in a crowded field, may well have helped Dan Pike to victory.
--------------
"The people have the right, the indisputable, unalienable, indeafeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge, I mean the chracter and conduct of their rulers." - John Adams
--------------
"A people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power that knowledge gives." - James Madison---------------------
Promptly at 4:30 PM, the County Auditor closed the Declarations of Candidacy for our local elections, and there were a few surprises.
Now, there will certainly be all kinds of speculation about possible outcomes, despite the fact that no one really knows with absolute certainty.
But, there are degrees of certainty, some higher than others.
For example, those candidates with no opposition will likely win.
Another one is incumbents with name recognition, strong backers and money behind them are often strong favorites who enjoy distinct advantages at voting time -unless of course they have done something so egregiously bad that an unavoidable political 'BO' can be smelled.
It is a shame that the above is true, in several cases. The power of incumbency is strong, but not as strong as sheer apathy - on the part of many citizens and voters, who seem to always prefer that somebody else serves in public office.
Isn't that attitude convenient?
Whenever things don't go according to their expectations, they get to just bitch about it and be cheaply entertained as well.
Politics should not ever be considered as a mere spectator sport; it's a deadly serious business!
If you don't believe that just check out the casualties we experience every day, in terms of deaths, crimes committed, health crises, and all manner of economic sufferings and inequities.
I hate to put a damper on the party -political or otherwise- but addressing this elections situation always has to start at home.
If we can't do that here, where can we, and when?
OK, enough on that rant.
Here's a few personal choices that appeal to me, taking into account my track record for picking election winners isn't much to write home about. It seems I have this little problem of often voting with my heart, and not always with my head, and underdogs don't fare too well generally.
Reckon that's why they're called UNDER-dogs?
Anyway, here goes, for what it's worth:
[Hope no one gets too offended, but a few might. Anyway here's my current picks]
--------------
Port of Bellingham All (Whatcom)
Commissioner District 3 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Jim Jorgensen [incumbent]
Michael J. Murphy
My gut tells me that its time for another change at the Port, so Murphy's my initial choice.
The last change has worked pretty well with Mike McCauley replacing longtime incumbent Doug Smith.
But Scott Walker is still there, and continues influencing Jorgenson, as well as the new Director, Charlie Sheldon, in the old ways of thinking -not all of which are bad. A better relationship with the City remains a work in progress, and is essential if the Waterfront Redevelopment and improvements to the Airport are to meet public expectations.
--------------
Whatcom County (Whatcom)
Executive Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Jack Louws
Doug Ericksen
Tom Anderson
David Stalheim
Ah, a real horserace, with, alas, no incumbent! Stalheim's late, surprise entry really intrigues me, and he is likely my first choice, although most may consider him a distinct underdog. He is a consummate professional in the field of Planning - a major hot button in these parts! His ridiculous, contrived ouster as Director of Planning for the County means he was way too knowledgeable on the shenanigans that continue to plague us, financed by the powerful development interests that also have several elected officials under control. I believe him to have all the management tools & experience necessary to responsibly head the County government.
Tom Anderson also has the right tools and motivation to effectively manage this County's affairs competently. His main deficiency is his low profile and lack of a galvanizing organization. If he can attract the votes he deserves, he can affect the outcome of this race, but maybe not win it.
Jack Louws is qualified for this position, by training, experience and heredity. His father was the County's first Executive. Jack is a true fiscal conservative and a Christian in the finest sense of the word. I don't always agree with Jack's positions, but I do respect where he is coming from. And, he would certainly be an improvement over our last County Executive! Louws may be the ultimate favorite in this race.
Doug Erickson is my absolute least favorite candidate in this race! He is a career political opportunist with no track record worth reviewing outside of partisan political circles. If he is elected the County is in deeper trouble than with our latest Executive. If cronyism and political posturing are what you think are needed here, then you are probably going to vote for Erickson. I hope not! He was recently elected as our State Senator after multiple, undistinguished terms as our State Representative in Olympia. That's where he belongs, if anywhere. Sorry to be this negative about DUUG, but he's worked hard to deserve it.
--------------
Council District 1 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Tony Larson [incumbent]
Pete Kremen
This was the first big surprise of these elections for me, which was covered yesterday's blog. Larson richly deserves being booted off the Council early, which the only reason I would support Pete for any other elected office. As awful as Pete has been over the past 16 years as County Executive, Larson has shown an utter disregard for issues, established protocols and reasonable respect for the public in general. He is truly a dangerous misfit in elected office. So, Pete wins and marginally improves the County Council's focus and commitment to doing things that are right for the entire populace.
--------------
Council District 2 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Sam R. Crawford [incumbent]
Christina Maginnis
Christina is my clear choice, not despite, but because of her underdog status. She is committed to priorities that are essential to the future well-being of Whatcom County, not just things that the growth at all costs people want. Sam, the incumbent, is going for his 4th term, which is generally too long for almost anyone in my view. But, that is especially true for folks like Sam who cleverly cultivate a benign image while brazenly conniving to benefit their cronies. I'm sorry to feel this way, but I have observed Sam at fairly close range for several years ever since he was first elected in the year 2000, and come to the conclusion that he is bad news! Previous blogs have commented on his disingenuous rhetoric, which purports to support mainstream priorities, but really doesn't. That's basically dishonest, and for no other better reason renders him unsuitable for representing the public at large. Sorry Sam, but you should know by now how I -and many others- feel about your insincerity and your poorly hidden private agendas. Begone!
--------------
Council District 3 Position B Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Barbara Brenner [incumbent]
Alan Black
This is another bit of a surprise, and a welcome one at that. Black is a newcomer underdog to one of the longest serving political dilettantes on the Council. Brenner paints herself as a long suffering champion of the average citizen, but acts more like self-serving gadfly, off her meds, who constantly seeks headlines, attention to herself and befuddling her colleagues and constituents as to her rationale for voting on many, diverse issues. It is clearly way past time for BB Gun to go away and find something else to do, out of the public trough. Of course, if she did, we'd miss the entertainment value of her driving her colleagues -including Pete Kremen- to complete distraction with her antics! I'd give that up in a heartbeat. But, rather than all negatives on BB, Mr Black apparently has some very fine credentials for a job in trusted public service, which I'd personally like to have him demonstrate by being elected. AB over BB here.
--------------
Assessor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Keith M. Willnauer [incumbent]
No competition, nuff said. Guess he's doing an OK job.
--------------
Auditor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
J. Lynne Walker
Debbie Adelstein
Neither candidate is an incumbent, although Adelstein has been an assistant in the office after working for Pete Kremen's office.
J Lynne is my choice, since I've worked with her since she became the Legislative Assistant to the Bellingham City Council in 2004.
Walker is a reliable and dedicated worker who can be trusted with public responsibilities. She deals with the public regularly and is always courteous and discrete, both virtues for a public servant in a high visibility job.
--------------
Sheriff Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Bill Elfo [incumbent]
Bob Taylor
Steve Harris
Law enforcement is always a priority in government and Sheriff is an important function. Elfo is the incumbent, has legal training and has performed his job capably and professionally for about 3 terms. I know of no improprieties during this time, and am of the opinion that Sheriff's can't often be considered as interchangeable parts. Therefore, I'm inclined to support this incumbent, without questioning the qualifications or fitness for office of the other two candidates.
---------------
Treasurer Nonpartisan office (4-year term
Steven Oliver [incumbent]
Brian Smith
Despite the announced, relatively unknown competition, Oliver's doing an OK job.
--------------
City of Bellingham (Whatcom)
Mayor Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Kelli Linville
Clayton Petree
Daniel V. Pike [incumbent]
Steve Moore
Now here's an interesting race, with two clear front-runners and two also rans.
Despite my strong support for Pike 4 years ago, this time I favor Linville, based upon her years of unusually productive service in the State Legislature representing the difficult 42nd District in northern Whatcom County. Kelli has much favorable history here and has a woman's light touch, which enables her to bring diverse views together and come up with reasonable resolutions to problems that most folks willingly accept. I like that, and I also like the numerous contacts she has developed on both sides of the political aisle throughout Washington, including our elected Federal officials. These relationships are increasingly important in these days of fiscal difficulty. I believe the Office of Mayor fits her well in this community, and wish her well.
Dan Pike, as a political newbie, has done a very credible job amid really hard budget times, and is to be commended for that. On the other hand, he's made far too many 'commitments' -or what folks thought sounded like commitments- than he has been able to deliver. His management style is forceful and sometimes ego-centric, which can invite opposition at times where it is not needed. The drastic budget cuts made during his administration have been as necessary as they were bold, but understandably have also caused pain. exacerbated somewhat by his sometimes aloof, detached behavior toward City staff. And, he has had some real difficulty in his relations with the City Council. One could chalk these impressions up to political naivete, but that may not be the entire explanation. Pike seems talkative, bright, ambitious and sometimes overly self-serving, all of which can spell trouble for politicians if they are not careful. Should Pike win again, the people will truly have spoken.
Petree has expressed some reasonable perspectives and should be given respect for running for elected office. Wouldn't be surprised if we didn't see him again sometime.
Moore is OK, but a bit of a hothead ideologue. He's been around the COC for years, mainly complaining about government at all levels. So, why does he now want to become part of it? Your guess is as good as mine.
--------------
Council Ward 1 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Jack Weiss [incumbent]
No competition, nuff said. Jack really cares, and he's doing a really good job!
--------------
Council Ward 3 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Cathy Lehman
Barry Buchanan [incumbent]
Here's another tough race, in which I'm again favoring the underdog newbie, Cathy Lehman, who's very competent and committed to two essential big issues; Growth Management and Environmental Conservation. Because these issues are so important, complicated and difficult, we need candidates who are willing and able to be advocates for them. New perspectives and ideas are always in demand, and are often evident in younger members of our community. But, Barry's done well in his one term, so if he wins reelection, that's OK too.
--------------
Council Ward 5 Nonpartisan office (4-year term)
Terry Bornemann [incumbent]
No competition, nuff said. Guess he's doing an OK job, though four terms ought to be the limit.
--------------
Council Ward At Large Nonpartisan office (2-year term)
Seth Fleetwood [incumbent]
Larry Farr
Yet another interesting race in which I'm liking the challenger, Farr, who has served the City well in appointed positions, including the former Traffic Commission. Larry has previously run -unsuccessfully- for office, which tells me he's more than a political opportunist. Seth is OK too, but seems now to be mostly biding his time on the City Council after two terms on the more contentious County Council. Of course, his candidacy for Mayor four years ago in a crowded field, may well have helped Dan Pike to victory.
--------------
"The people have the right, the indisputable, unalienable, indeafeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge, I mean the chracter and conduct of their rulers." - John Adams
--------------
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Elections: Our Own Local Laugh-in
-----------------------
With one day remaining to file for office, have you seen the latest filings?
You can decide to laugh or cry over the weird turn of events that now has Pete Kremen running for County Council against Tony Larson!
Then, help us decide what in heck is going on here, please!
More to follow, maybe...
------------------------
1:15 AM June 10:
OK, I couldn't resist a couple of educated guesses about why Pete might have acted as he has so far:
• Could it be that strong competition from Jack Louws may have triggered his 'hypertension'? Pete doesn't like working too hard on anything, much less against credible rivals. Also, Doug Ericksen's entry probably further exacerbated this problem.
• Larson likely irritated him in questioning the wisdom of the Reconveyance scheme; an idea Pete would like to consider his legacy.
• This Council -including Larson- has been a real problem for Pete and the County Administration. Just too many strange, individual agendas motivated by fixed ideas, cronyism, ignorance and arrogance.
• Pete probably could use a few more years under the County's health plan due to his personal health issues, as well as the State's retirement system -which is based on years of service- at least until he reaches the age of 62 to 65.
• County politics is the only 'job' he knows, so it is hard for him to walk away from the public attention and the public dole so suddenly/
You think local politics might have hit a new low here in Whatcom County?
I do.
But that's just my opinion.
As bad a representative as Tony Larson has been -and shows promise to become- it's really hard to stomach Pete in office again, although his presence on this Council may actually help it do its job more competently.
Wouldn't it be fun to be a fly on the wall in certain places?
But, maybe the public, know how to use a fly swatter!
Time will tell I suppose; besides, there's another whole left day to file for office...
--------------------------------
With one day remaining to file for office, have you seen the latest filings?
You can decide to laugh or cry over the weird turn of events that now has Pete Kremen running for County Council against Tony Larson!
Then, help us decide what in heck is going on here, please!
More to follow, maybe...
------------------------
1:15 AM June 10:
OK, I couldn't resist a couple of educated guesses about why Pete might have acted as he has so far:
• Could it be that strong competition from Jack Louws may have triggered his 'hypertension'? Pete doesn't like working too hard on anything, much less against credible rivals. Also, Doug Ericksen's entry probably further exacerbated this problem.
• Larson likely irritated him in questioning the wisdom of the Reconveyance scheme; an idea Pete would like to consider his legacy.
• This Council -including Larson- has been a real problem for Pete and the County Administration. Just too many strange, individual agendas motivated by fixed ideas, cronyism, ignorance and arrogance.
• Pete probably could use a few more years under the County's health plan due to his personal health issues, as well as the State's retirement system -which is based on years of service- at least until he reaches the age of 62 to 65.
• County politics is the only 'job' he knows, so it is hard for him to walk away from the public attention and the public dole so suddenly/
You think local politics might have hit a new low here in Whatcom County?
I do.
But that's just my opinion.
As bad a representative as Tony Larson has been -and shows promise to become- it's really hard to stomach Pete in office again, although his presence on this Council may actually help it do its job more competently.
Wouldn't it be fun to be a fly on the wall in certain places?
But, maybe the public, know how to use a fly swatter!
Time will tell I suppose; besides, there's another whole left day to file for office...
--------------------------------
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Good Mornin' America, How Are Ya?
---------------------
Old Willie Nelson's familiar words occurred to me about 4AM this AM when a [relatively quiet] train tootled its way through the Ham. I wondered briefly if it had a name, like 'The City of New Orleans' or someplace else. Most likely it had no name, like most trains; just efficient, impersonal numbers. That would seem to fit better with the style -or lack of it- of BNSF Railroad, now owned & operated by Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway, in Omaha, NE, or wherever it wants to be.
Hey, how about 'The City of Omaha?
I actually like the kindly, smiling Mr Buffet, who seems to epitomize competency, caring and good business sense. Just the kind of investment steward that is desired, actually preferred, for retirement security and growth. And, at my age, I can't afford too many gambles, at least of the financial type.
But, you know, such things aren't that simple now. Maybe they never were, but certainly not now.
Railroads helped build this nation and secure business opportunities, jobs and critical supplies so necessary for growth.
In return, they were rewarded handsomely, by large land grants, relatively few restrictions and the resulting success that was bound to follow. And that was good, essentially, but maybe not as good as it might have been had the foresight for future needs been built into the equation; like providing reliable, efficient transportation for people along established routes - like, well, in Europe.
Over time, railroads have become more like necessary evils, not very responsive to anything other than their own short term wishes and profitability. That seems evidenced by the current push to create more rail traffic by hauling steam coal from huge deposits in Montana & Wyoming to a suitable export terminal somewhere on the US West Coast.
Where, do you imagine might this facility be located?
Are any of the several major seaports eligible? Strangely, it would seem not! From south to north, San Diego, Los Angeles/Long Beach, San Francisco/Oakland, Portland, Longview, Seattle/Tacoma, Everett all were not selected for this purpose, for various reasons related to ownership of RR rights of way, excessive distance/cost of shipping, lack of space, or simply not wanted by the port in question.
Why do you imagine that might be?
Not to worry, that explanation isn't really necessary, because all those places/ports have been rejected by the erstwhile proponents, in favor of Cherry Point in northern Whatcom County -a place crying out for development?
Some may be crying out in favor of it, but most seem to be shedding real tears at the prospect of the enormous blot envisioned to be created by forcing an undesirable facility, with its attendant invasive side effects, into our community.
I certainly hope this blitzkrieg proposal does not succeed, despite the nice Mr Buffett and all the local political rhetoric that panders to the prospect of 'free' new taxes, plus several dozen new jobs to swell the coffers and clout of a few union bosses.
Does that seem like a fair trade to you?
Is the kindly Mr Buffett likely to care?
Somehow, it all just seems a little too opportunistic to me, what with using all that inherited set of entitlements bestowed by our well-meaning government 150 years or so ago.
And, the timing is also suspect; trying to take advantage of economic hard times; almost reminds of the evil villain tying Miss Lizzie to the tracks...
But, enough of this; why not actually name this/these proposed train/s? After all, they're all part of the same dysfunctional family. Any suggestions? Keep it clean!
How about the City/Cities of [fill in the blank], China?
Sorry, but Willie Nelson might give up singing this song with those lyrics.
----------------
The trip I just completed furnished some interesting information regarding coal companies, trains & terminals, so I'll share some of it:
The two shipping terminals in the Hampton Roads/Norfolk, VA area have been there for quite a while. Sufficient trackage and marshaling areas are already in place to allow loading of large ships -colliers- on the waterfronts of Norfolk and Newport News.
Coal from West Virginia, Kentucky and western Virginia is hauled by C&O and other railway carriers to these facilities in long, unit trains. Dockside loading facilities are enormous, but easily accommodated in a large seaport area like Hampton Roads.
Here's a picture of the Norfolk coal loading facility taken at a distance from a boat. One ship is being loaded in the picture, but more can be handled at one time depending upon stockpile available.
The Newport News facility is several miles away across Hampton Roads, up the James River.
One concern noted is the fact that several empty colliers seem always at anchor off Lynnhaven -just east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel- awaiting their turn to travel via the Thimble Shoals Channel into Hampton Roads. This photo taken from a VA Beach park shows such vessels lying at anchor offshore.
On that day, 10 ships lay at anchor, down from the more usual 20 or so, according to local people. Note that Thimble Shoals Channel is the primary access route to/from Hampton Roads for major vessels; probably about 1000 yards wide and 50 feet deep. It is also used by US Navy vessels, cruise ships and other seafaring vessels.
I wonder what is visualized at Cherry Point regarding the queuing up of vessels awaiting loading? Our local waters do not have the space for many multiple anchorages of very large vessels, although crude oil vessels do anchor near Anacortes and sometimes further north. Channels are also constricted and the danger of spills, ballast dumping, crowding and collisions seem relatively high. Competition from fishing and pleasure craft is another real concern, since the San Juan & Gulf Islands are prime locations sought out by boaters for there beauty and serenity -a not inconsequential reason for the popularity of our area!
---------------
Further west, I had the opportunity to talk with a person from eastern Montana who is very familiar with both the Powder River Basin mining area and railroad operations, in particular the BNSF Railroad.
Coal deposits in Montana are larger than those in Wyoming, and coal mining companies are typically indiscriminate about what they sell or to whom.
They are also typically very secretive about plans and reluctant to spend money for necessary or desirable track improvements. Often, they will front a local sponsor as project advocate to take advantage of local knowledge and shield themselves from direct scrutiny.
Once a new loading facility is built, they will ship whatever product{s} they can sell on an interchangeable basis, despite any stated purposes. It seems established rules allow this type of activity.
The picture painted of coal mining companies is not pretty; they are international opportunists, pure and simple, with no conscience of unintended consequences.
If their immediate goals cannot be readily achieved by a specific proposal, they will shift to another. They also wield powerful lobbying clout which they use often.
The BNSF also operates opportunistically. The potential Mr Buffett saw in acquiring his controlling interest is unused capacity, plus desirable track routes.
The BNSF Railroad route from eastern Montana essentially parallels US Highway #2, which was used to build/maintain it.
The maximum grade railroads can negotiate is about 2%, one third of what highways can design for.
Marias Pass [5575 feet elevation] in Glacier National Park is the highest elevation BNSF crosses along this route. Extra engines are needed routinely for this service.
One can follow this route through a series of towns and crossings, including East & West Glacier MT, Whitefish MT, Libby MT, Bonner's Ferry ID, Sand Point ID, Spokane WA, Wenatchee WA to Everett WA.
From there, BNSF can go north or south, but for the moment prefers north through Bellingham to the proposed terminal at Cherry Point.
You know, just like the Olympic Pipe Line, the BNSF Railroad traverses many communities, all of which will be impacted by higher levels of train traffic. That is a point that should not be lost of us; this is not just about us!
That is why severely limiting the EIS scope is not a good idea; impacts will be felt other places too, but with the big difference that a huge, hungry terminal may be in OUR back yard.
What about the unsuspecting people all along this route who will not be notified that their lives are about to change in ways they don't expect, and can do little to mitigate? You know, little things like waiting 10 to 15 minutes or more at a crossing that used to be no problem.
Annoying and maybe dangerous things will happen all across the Highway #2 corridor, but most won't even know about it until too late to matter. Sorry, but that ain't OK.
Good mornin' America, how are ya? indeed.
--------------------
One final comment about those 'Robber Baron' folks who aren't happy with the Mayor of Bellingham and his recent 'come to Jesus' moment; he's finally realized -in the brilliant light of election season- the overwhelming wishes of his constituency!
Those disappointed by this turn of events will need to come up with better arguments than 'we need to wait for the EIS' before expressing opinions.
Get serious!
No competent party ever goes into a negotiation without having a clear idea of what the desired outcome could/should be.
The same is true here, and thank goodness the community has made its voice heard early in this process.
To wait for 'others' to perform the EIS without our clear concerns and desired outcomes is lunacy of the first order.
And, it is stupid and self-serving to suggest otherwise. That's simply imposing some personal will upon the community, which doesn't fit too well with a real democracy.
The Mayor gets credit for hearing the public's concerns; but that was only possible if he actually listened.
Out.
---------------------
Old Willie Nelson's familiar words occurred to me about 4AM this AM when a [relatively quiet] train tootled its way through the Ham. I wondered briefly if it had a name, like 'The City of New Orleans' or someplace else. Most likely it had no name, like most trains; just efficient, impersonal numbers. That would seem to fit better with the style -or lack of it- of BNSF Railroad, now owned & operated by Warren Buffet's Berkshire Hathaway, in Omaha, NE, or wherever it wants to be.
Hey, how about 'The City of Omaha?
I actually like the kindly, smiling Mr Buffet, who seems to epitomize competency, caring and good business sense. Just the kind of investment steward that is desired, actually preferred, for retirement security and growth. And, at my age, I can't afford too many gambles, at least of the financial type.
But, you know, such things aren't that simple now. Maybe they never were, but certainly not now.
Railroads helped build this nation and secure business opportunities, jobs and critical supplies so necessary for growth.
In return, they were rewarded handsomely, by large land grants, relatively few restrictions and the resulting success that was bound to follow. And that was good, essentially, but maybe not as good as it might have been had the foresight for future needs been built into the equation; like providing reliable, efficient transportation for people along established routes - like, well, in Europe.
Over time, railroads have become more like necessary evils, not very responsive to anything other than their own short term wishes and profitability. That seems evidenced by the current push to create more rail traffic by hauling steam coal from huge deposits in Montana & Wyoming to a suitable export terminal somewhere on the US West Coast.
Where, do you imagine might this facility be located?
Are any of the several major seaports eligible? Strangely, it would seem not! From south to north, San Diego, Los Angeles/Long Beach, San Francisco/Oakland, Portland, Longview, Seattle/Tacoma, Everett all were not selected for this purpose, for various reasons related to ownership of RR rights of way, excessive distance/cost of shipping, lack of space, or simply not wanted by the port in question.
Why do you imagine that might be?
Not to worry, that explanation isn't really necessary, because all those places/ports have been rejected by the erstwhile proponents, in favor of Cherry Point in northern Whatcom County -a place crying out for development?
Some may be crying out in favor of it, but most seem to be shedding real tears at the prospect of the enormous blot envisioned to be created by forcing an undesirable facility, with its attendant invasive side effects, into our community.
I certainly hope this blitzkrieg proposal does not succeed, despite the nice Mr Buffett and all the local political rhetoric that panders to the prospect of 'free' new taxes, plus several dozen new jobs to swell the coffers and clout of a few union bosses.
Does that seem like a fair trade to you?
Is the kindly Mr Buffett likely to care?
Somehow, it all just seems a little too opportunistic to me, what with using all that inherited set of entitlements bestowed by our well-meaning government 150 years or so ago.
And, the timing is also suspect; trying to take advantage of economic hard times; almost reminds of the evil villain tying Miss Lizzie to the tracks...
But, enough of this; why not actually name this/these proposed train/s? After all, they're all part of the same dysfunctional family. Any suggestions? Keep it clean!
How about the City/Cities of [fill in the blank], China?
Sorry, but Willie Nelson might give up singing this song with those lyrics.
----------------
The trip I just completed furnished some interesting information regarding coal companies, trains & terminals, so I'll share some of it:
The two shipping terminals in the Hampton Roads/Norfolk, VA area have been there for quite a while. Sufficient trackage and marshaling areas are already in place to allow loading of large ships -colliers- on the waterfronts of Norfolk and Newport News.
Coal from West Virginia, Kentucky and western Virginia is hauled by C&O and other railway carriers to these facilities in long, unit trains. Dockside loading facilities are enormous, but easily accommodated in a large seaport area like Hampton Roads.
Here's a picture of the Norfolk coal loading facility taken at a distance from a boat. One ship is being loaded in the picture, but more can be handled at one time depending upon stockpile available.
The Newport News facility is several miles away across Hampton Roads, up the James River.
One concern noted is the fact that several empty colliers seem always at anchor off Lynnhaven -just east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel- awaiting their turn to travel via the Thimble Shoals Channel into Hampton Roads. This photo taken from a VA Beach park shows such vessels lying at anchor offshore.
On that day, 10 ships lay at anchor, down from the more usual 20 or so, according to local people. Note that Thimble Shoals Channel is the primary access route to/from Hampton Roads for major vessels; probably about 1000 yards wide and 50 feet deep. It is also used by US Navy vessels, cruise ships and other seafaring vessels.
I wonder what is visualized at Cherry Point regarding the queuing up of vessels awaiting loading? Our local waters do not have the space for many multiple anchorages of very large vessels, although crude oil vessels do anchor near Anacortes and sometimes further north. Channels are also constricted and the danger of spills, ballast dumping, crowding and collisions seem relatively high. Competition from fishing and pleasure craft is another real concern, since the San Juan & Gulf Islands are prime locations sought out by boaters for there beauty and serenity -a not inconsequential reason for the popularity of our area!
---------------
Further west, I had the opportunity to talk with a person from eastern Montana who is very familiar with both the Powder River Basin mining area and railroad operations, in particular the BNSF Railroad.
Coal deposits in Montana are larger than those in Wyoming, and coal mining companies are typically indiscriminate about what they sell or to whom.
They are also typically very secretive about plans and reluctant to spend money for necessary or desirable track improvements. Often, they will front a local sponsor as project advocate to take advantage of local knowledge and shield themselves from direct scrutiny.
Once a new loading facility is built, they will ship whatever product{s} they can sell on an interchangeable basis, despite any stated purposes. It seems established rules allow this type of activity.
The picture painted of coal mining companies is not pretty; they are international opportunists, pure and simple, with no conscience of unintended consequences.
If their immediate goals cannot be readily achieved by a specific proposal, they will shift to another. They also wield powerful lobbying clout which they use often.
The BNSF also operates opportunistically. The potential Mr Buffett saw in acquiring his controlling interest is unused capacity, plus desirable track routes.
The BNSF Railroad route from eastern Montana essentially parallels US Highway #2, which was used to build/maintain it.
The maximum grade railroads can negotiate is about 2%, one third of what highways can design for.
Marias Pass [5575 feet elevation] in Glacier National Park is the highest elevation BNSF crosses along this route. Extra engines are needed routinely for this service.
One can follow this route through a series of towns and crossings, including East & West Glacier MT, Whitefish MT, Libby MT, Bonner's Ferry ID, Sand Point ID, Spokane WA, Wenatchee WA to Everett WA.
From there, BNSF can go north or south, but for the moment prefers north through Bellingham to the proposed terminal at Cherry Point.
You know, just like the Olympic Pipe Line, the BNSF Railroad traverses many communities, all of which will be impacted by higher levels of train traffic. That is a point that should not be lost of us; this is not just about us!
That is why severely limiting the EIS scope is not a good idea; impacts will be felt other places too, but with the big difference that a huge, hungry terminal may be in OUR back yard.
What about the unsuspecting people all along this route who will not be notified that their lives are about to change in ways they don't expect, and can do little to mitigate? You know, little things like waiting 10 to 15 minutes or more at a crossing that used to be no problem.
Annoying and maybe dangerous things will happen all across the Highway #2 corridor, but most won't even know about it until too late to matter. Sorry, but that ain't OK.
Good mornin' America, how are ya? indeed.
--------------------
One final comment about those 'Robber Baron' folks who aren't happy with the Mayor of Bellingham and his recent 'come to Jesus' moment; he's finally realized -in the brilliant light of election season- the overwhelming wishes of his constituency!
Those disappointed by this turn of events will need to come up with better arguments than 'we need to wait for the EIS' before expressing opinions.
Get serious!
No competent party ever goes into a negotiation without having a clear idea of what the desired outcome could/should be.
The same is true here, and thank goodness the community has made its voice heard early in this process.
To wait for 'others' to perform the EIS without our clear concerns and desired outcomes is lunacy of the first order.
And, it is stupid and self-serving to suggest otherwise. That's simply imposing some personal will upon the community, which doesn't fit too well with a real democracy.
The Mayor gets credit for hearing the public's concerns; but that was only possible if he actually listened.
Out.
---------------------
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Coal Terminal: Mayor's Listening Session
----------------------
For those interested, here is a summary of the brief remarks I gave earlier at tonight's meeting:
Two broad points pertain, which touch on several of the elements of EIS impact categories listed for reference on the screen.
First, this proposal should NOT be framed as either JOBS or QUALITY OF LIFE.
It is a much more complex decision than that simplistic characterization.
As Ben Franklin actually put it; 'Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.'
[I substituted the words prosperity for safety, and environment for liberty.
But, essentially the same point is made]
Second, SAFETY is the real issue, just like it was 12 years ago, with the Olympic Pipe Line disaster.
Then, people spoke, and government listened, despite the City of Bellingham's lack of specific 'jurisdiction'.
Many necessary changes were effected afterwards -in Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.
Unfortunately, the OPL disaster had to actually happen before concerned citizens were heard.
The Coal Terminal proposal carries with it the distinct possibility -maybe even the probability- that a similar disaster could occur.
That makes this EIS drafting time critical to the prevention of future catastrophes, whether a cataclysmic single event, or a series of cumulatively harmful events, either of which will be impossible to mitigate after-the-fact -like Bhopal.
Aspects of SAFETY which ought to be carefully considered include these:
• SAFETY for humans and wildlife along the rail lines, at crossings and/or near habitats and sensitive areas
• SAFETY of our precious waters from shipping traffic [Note that the 2 coal terminals in Norfolk and Newport News, VA require thousands of acres for marshaling and loading operations, plus deep water anchorages for between 10 and 20 large coal carrying ships.
• SAFETY of investments in both public and private properties near the routes in question
• SAFETY of public expectations in waterfront redevelopment visioning, plans and potential job-producing development
• SAFETY of our shared, global environs from multiple, unnecessary degradations and depletion of natural resources
At a minimum, a comprehensive and careful proposal that addresses these legitimate concerns needs to be submitted by the proponents, outlining those mitigation modifications reasonably required.
Not until this type of proposal is available for additional public review and comment, should any go/no go decision for action be made.
After all, the principles of triple bottom line need to be respected and followed as is reasonably possible.
Trust does require verification!
----------------------
For those interested, here is a summary of the brief remarks I gave earlier at tonight's meeting:
Two broad points pertain, which touch on several of the elements of EIS impact categories listed for reference on the screen.
First, this proposal should NOT be framed as either JOBS or QUALITY OF LIFE.
It is a much more complex decision than that simplistic characterization.
As Ben Franklin actually put it; 'Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.'
[I substituted the words prosperity for safety, and environment for liberty.
But, essentially the same point is made]
Second, SAFETY is the real issue, just like it was 12 years ago, with the Olympic Pipe Line disaster.
Then, people spoke, and government listened, despite the City of Bellingham's lack of specific 'jurisdiction'.
Many necessary changes were effected afterwards -in Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.
Unfortunately, the OPL disaster had to actually happen before concerned citizens were heard.
The Coal Terminal proposal carries with it the distinct possibility -maybe even the probability- that a similar disaster could occur.
That makes this EIS drafting time critical to the prevention of future catastrophes, whether a cataclysmic single event, or a series of cumulatively harmful events, either of which will be impossible to mitigate after-the-fact -like Bhopal.
Aspects of SAFETY which ought to be carefully considered include these:
• SAFETY for humans and wildlife along the rail lines, at crossings and/or near habitats and sensitive areas
• SAFETY of our precious waters from shipping traffic [Note that the 2 coal terminals in Norfolk and Newport News, VA require thousands of acres for marshaling and loading operations, plus deep water anchorages for between 10 and 20 large coal carrying ships.
• SAFETY of investments in both public and private properties near the routes in question
• SAFETY of public expectations in waterfront redevelopment visioning, plans and potential job-producing development
• SAFETY of our shared, global environs from multiple, unnecessary degradations and depletion of natural resources
At a minimum, a comprehensive and careful proposal that addresses these legitimate concerns needs to be submitted by the proponents, outlining those mitigation modifications reasonably required.
Not until this type of proposal is available for additional public review and comment, should any go/no go decision for action be made.
After all, the principles of triple bottom line need to be respected and followed as is reasonably possible.
Trust does require verification!
----------------------
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Reunion Time
Soon, I will attend the 50th reunion of my college class of 1961 an event I'm looking forward to.
While not a native Virginian, many of my genealogical 'cousins' were, as were several of our nation's founding fathers; Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Washington among them.
Hmmm, ever wonder what they might think about how we've evolved?
But I digress; maybe that's another blog...
One thing that would likely be pleasing is the quality of education now available at places like the University of Virginia, where I was very fortunate to matriculate with the assistance of a Navy ROTC scholarship.
That school has also reflected the steady, but often difficult progress of history through changes in issues such as diversity, civil rights and sustainable funding.
A few reflections:
At the time I attended, UVA was essentially an all-white men's school of about 5000, with 200 or so women nursing and graduate students who were called 'Guests of Mr Jefferson's University'. Can you believe that?
Also, not many 'people of color' were in evidence.
Although classified as a 'State University', UVA only received about 30% of its funding from the State of Virginia, a situation that has consistently worsened until now, when the % has declined into single digits. [sound familiar?]
UVA was losing out on funding from competition with VA Tech and other schools, so it launched an aggressive -and thankfully successful- campaign to provide a large endowment fund from donors. Now, this endowment -in the billions- ranks very high among public universities; over $120,000 per student.
Hide-bound traditions are something else.
So-called 'Ivy League drop-outs' liked to continue 'traditions' for their own sake, sometimes at the expense of normalcy.
Such artificial standards had the effect of idolizing past myths and perceptions, rather than of establishing more rational and inclusive ideas as the 'raison d'entre' for a college.
While there is some appeal to such tradition, it's past time to 'get real'.
Fortunately, that has occurred.
After 50 years, what really counts for me are these:
• gaining an excellent education
• retaining an appreciation for what it takes for consistently delivering values deserving of higher education
• a sense of honor, truth-based knowledge and fair judgement
• a sense of belonging to alma mater, traditions of excellence and lasting friendships
• an amazing head-start in life, career and citizenship
---------------------
This writing, penned in 1903 by James Hay, Jr, pretty much sums it up:
THE HONOR MEN
The University of Virginia writes her highest degree on the souls of her sons.
The parchment page of scholarship -the colored ribbon a society- the jeweled emblem of a fraternity- the orange symbol of athletic prowess- all these, a year hence, will be at the best the mementoes of happy hours- like the withered flower a woman presses between the pages of a book for sentiment's sake.
BUT...
If you live a long, long time, and hold honesty of conscience above honesty of purse;
And, turn aside without ostentation to aid the weak;
And treasure ideals more than raw ambition;
And track no man to his underserved hurt;
And pursue no woman to her tears;
And love the beauty of noble music and mist-veiled mountains and blossoming valley and great monuments-
If you live a long time, and keeping the faith in all these things hour by hour, still see that the sun gilds your path with real gold and that the moon floats in dream silver;
THEN...
Remembering the purple shadows of the lawn, the majesty of the colonnades, and the dream of your youth, you may say in your reverence and thankfulness:
"I have won the honors of Honor. I graduated from Virginia."
-----------------------
"The Good Old Song" was written in 1893. Sung to the familiar tune of "Auld Lang Syne," it has since served as UVa's unofficial alma mater. Although the words to the song are attributed to the late Edward H. Craighill, Jr., of Lynchburg, Va., Craighill wrote in the October 1922 issue of the University of Virginia Magazine that "no one man should be credited with the authorship" of the first stanza. He said it was a byproduct of a welcoming home of a victorious football team and was the joint production of several students. The cheer "Wah-hoo-wah" was in vogue with the student body and was incorporated into the song.
The song is most frequently heard during home football games as Cavalier fans stand and sway, arm-in-arm, singing "The Good Old Song" after each Virginia score and at the end of the game. The song is also sung at numerous other UVa athletic events and University- related functions.
That good old song of Wah-hoo-wah,
We 'll sing it o 'er and o 'er.
It cheers our hearts and warms our blood
To hear them shout and roar.
We come from Old Virginia,
Where all is bright and gay.
Let's all join hands and give a yell,
For the dear old UVa.
Wah-hoo-wah,
Wah-hoo-wah.
Uni-v, Virginia,
Hoo-rah-ray,
Hoo-rah-ray,
Ray! Ray! U-V-A!
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
Friday, April 22, 2011
Good Friday & Earth Day
-------------------------
Ever heard someone try to disparage the term 'environmentalist'?
Did that sound ignorant, intolerant and silly to you?
But, there are also others who would disdain the observation of any type of religious faith, whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist or others.
I sometimes wonder how much overlap exists between these two groups?
Maybe more than I wish to know, which would be a real shame.
-------------------------
Did it ever occur to you that today was the first time these two special days were coincident?
Good Friday Calendar:
2011 = April 22
2012 = April 6
2013 = March 29
2014 = April 18
2015 = April 3
Of course, Earth Day is a much more recent special day, as Wikipedia again records.
-----------------------------
Remember this POGO poster by Walt Kelly?
Think Pogo was right?
-----------------------------
Ever heard someone try to disparage the term 'environmentalist'?
Did that sound ignorant, intolerant and silly to you?
But, there are also others who would disdain the observation of any type of religious faith, whether Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist or others.
I sometimes wonder how much overlap exists between these two groups?
Maybe more than I wish to know, which would be a real shame.
-------------------------
Did it ever occur to you that today was the first time these two special days were coincident?
Per Wikipedia, Good Friday is the Friday before Easter, which is calculated differently in Eastern Christianity and Western Christianity (see Computus for details). Easter falls on the first Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon, the full moon on or after 21 March, taken to be the date of the vernal equinox. The Western calculation uses the Gregorian calendar, while the Eastern calculation uses the Julian calendar, whose 21 March now corresponds to the Gregorian calendar's 3 April. The calculations for identifying the date of the full moon also differ. See Easter Dating Method (Astronomical Society of South Australia).
In Eastern Christianity, Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25 on Julian Calendar (thus between April 4 and May 8 in terms of the Gregorian calendar, during the period 1900 and 2099), so Good Friday can fall between March 20 and April 23, inclusive (or between April 2 and May 6 in terms of the Gregorian calendar). (See Easter.)
Good Friday Calendar:
2011 = April 22
2012 = April 6
2013 = March 29
2014 = April 18
2015 = April 3
Of course, Earth Day is a much more recent special day, as Wikipedia again records.
-----------------------------
Remember this POGO poster by Walt Kelly?
Think Pogo was right?
-----------------------------
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Blog Index
--------------------------------
Today's posts brings the total published to 366, one for every day of a leap year.
Maybe enough to keep some sleeping pills in their bottles.
When I started blogging it seemed something of a mission; to document issues, facts, opinions, perspectives, ideas, problems & public processes, and to file all this in one place -where I, and interested others, can find the stuff.
The labels and search function really do help.
Some posts are dated, but most have some lasting meaning.
It has been mostly fun -and still is- so I'll keep at it, but maybe without too many self-imposed deadlines.
--------------------------------
Date
Title
Labels
Blog No.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
My First Blog Posting: GMA & Comprehensive Plan Update
PlanningGrowth
1
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
2nd Posting - The UGA Land Supply Debate
PlanningGrowth
2
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Mea Culpa and Apologies
Elections
3
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Straight Talk About Lake Whatcom
Lake
4
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Candidate Questionnaire & Decision Making
Elections
5
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Annexation: Asset or Liability?
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
6
Monday, July 30, 2007
BTV10: Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants
Sunshine
7
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Is Charter Review Important?
Charter
8
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Last Night's Forum:Mayoral Candidates Opening Statements
Elections
9
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Mayoral Candidate Forum Responses
Elections, Waterfront
10
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Solar Power Case Study: An Old Idea With New Economics
Environment
11
Friday, August 3, 2007
On Integrity and Competence
Elections
12
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Pooh Bear's Easter Party
Greenways
13
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Politics for Dummies?
Elections
14
Monday, August 6, 2007
Parking Is Not Free
Library, Parking
15
Monday, August 6, 2007
Either Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!
Elections
16
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance - Citizens Task Force Recommendations
Lake, PlanningGrowth
17
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Public Water Supply Management 101: A Short Primer and Call to Action for Newcomers and the Newly Involved
Lake
18
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Feeling Smart? Test Your Watershed IQ
Lake
19
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Water Source Protection Plan: Shelf Art or Management Tool?
Lake
20
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Water Source Protection Plan: Comments & Questions
21
Monday, August 13, 2007
Surface & Storm Water Utility: Rates & Rationale Revisited
Lake, Stormwater
22
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Between Iraq & A Hard Place
War
23
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Growth Management & The Art Of Pedantry
PlanningGrowth
24
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Growth Management 102: Dealing With Uncertainty -And Fantasy!
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
25
Friday, August 17, 2007
A Tale of Two Cities: Watershed Protection Law Case Studies
Lake
26
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Benzene in Lake Whatcom: Some Questions & Answers
Lake
27
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Bellingham & Whatcom County Public Facilities District: Redux
Government, PFD
28
Monday, August 20, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Incorporating Waterfront Futures Group Recommendations
Waterfront
29
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Growth Management: Ahwahnee Principles for Resource-Efficient and Livable Communities
Lake
30
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Lake Whatcom: BLOG Feedback & Lake Tahoe Ideas
Lake
31
Friday, August 24, 2007
Lake Whatcom Storm Water Management: Entranco Report Redux
Lake, Stormwater
32
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Valuable Real Estate for Whom?
Lake
33
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Cost of Growth: Impact Fees & Feelings
PlanningGrowth, Taxes
34
Monday, August 27, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Clean & Green or In-Between?
Environment, Waterfront
35
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Accentuating the Positive: Qualities to Reflect in Library Design
Library
36
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lake Whatcom: A Lilliputian Response to a Gulliver Proposal
Lake
37
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Goal Statements & Methodology Aren't Enough!
Lake
38
Friday, August 31, 2007
Lord of the Rings - Bellingham Style
Annexation, Charter, Elections
39
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Public Trust or Public Trough?
Budgets, Taxes
40
Sunday, September 2, 2007
On Baking a Cake: A Generic Wish
Elections, Government
41
Monday, September 3, 2007
Civic Field Sports Complex: A Bellingham Success Story
Parks
42
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Big Box Theory: Attacking Mall-Wart
Annexation, PlanningGrowth, Taxes, WAL-MART
43
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
People for Lake Whatcom Questionnaire: REDUX for the General Elections
Lake
44
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: BEYOND LEED to a Triple Bottom Line
Environment, Waterfront
45
Friday, September 7, 2007
"To Err is Human, to Forgive, Canine"
Parks
46
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Navigating Charbydis & Scylla
Waterfront
47
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Mother Goose & the Doctors of Spin Revisited -PART 1
Waterfront
48
Monday, September 10, 2007
Mayoral Elections: I Like Pike!
Elections
49
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Lake Whatcom: An October Surprise?
Lake, Parks
50
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Reconveyance Feedback
Lake, Reconveyance
51
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Growth Management: Meaningfully Involving Neighborhoods -Part 1
PlanningGrowth
52
Friday, September 14, 2007
More Reconveyance Feedback: No Secrets or Surprises
Lake, Reconveyance
53
Sunday, September 16, 2007
"You can't teach what you don't know, and you can't lead where you won't go"
Personal
54
Monday, September 17, 2007
Kathryn's SWAN SONG: A Tribute
Personal
55
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Dan Pike: An Unabashed Endorsement for Mayor
Elections
56
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Follow the Money!
Budgets
57
Friday, September 21, 2007
Reconveyance: RCWs to Read & Questions to Ask
Lake, Reconveyance
58
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Budgets 101: An Introduction to the Public Purse
Budgets
59
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Pork Barrel Heaven: Reflections on the City’s "Living Wage" Ordinance
LivingWage
60
Monday, September 24, 2007
The 10th Street Parking 'issue': A Tempest in a Teapot
Parking, Parks
61
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Reconveyance: No September Surprises
Lake, Reconveyance
62
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Economic Development: 2003 versus 2007 - What has Changed?
Annexation, EconomicDevelopment, PlanningGrowth
63
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Growth Debate Revisited: BIA versus Eben Fodor
PlanningGrowth
64
Friday, September 28, 2007
Ever Heard of LIDAR?
PlanningGrowth
65
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Economic Development on Steroids
EconomicDevelopment PlanningGrowth, Waterfront
66
Sunday, September 30, 2007
WRIA-1: Whatcom County's Unfinished Water Business
Lake, WRIA-1
67
Monday, October 1, 2007
Turn! Turn! Turn!: (To Everything There Is a Season)
Personal
68
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Water District Fiefdom or Community Treasure?
Lake
69
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
WLV Forum: Ad Libs, Glibs & Fibs
Elections
70
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Mitch's Kool-Aid: Special FISHY Flavor for Election Time
Elections, Reconveyance
71
Friday, October 5, 2007
Thoughts: All Politics Really Are Local!
Elections
72
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Mayor: A Living Wage Job In A Fishbowl
Elections
73
Sunday, October 7, 2007
IT'S BUDGET TIME AGAIN! -A $200 Million Exercise
Budgets
74
Monday, October 8, 2007
Lake Whatcom Reservoir: A Necessary Restructuring
Lake
75
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Lake Whatcom: City's Stormwater Plan - Phocusing on Fosphorus
Lake, PlanningGrowth
76
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A Political Rant: It's Not the Cream of the Crop, It's the Pick of the Lot!
Elections
77
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Operation Overlord & Landlord Accountability
Landlords
78
Friday, October 12, 2007
Silver Beach Neighborhood: Wading Into Uncharted Waters - Again
Lake, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
79
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Growth Management: Neighborhood Planning - Whose Job Is It?
Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
80
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Growth Management: Neighborhood Unrest Means People Aren't Happy!
Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
81
Monday, October 15, 2007
What is Consensus Decision-Making?
Neighborhoods
82
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Mayoral Elections: Which Dan and Why?
Elections
83
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Campaign Rhetoric Versus Institutional Memory: A Litany of Concerns - Part 1
Elections
84
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Campaign Rhetoric Versus Institutional Memory: A Litany of Concerns - Part 2
Elections
85
Friday, October 19, 2007
Whatcom County Park, Recreation, & Open Space Plan: Draft or Daft?
Lake, Parks, Reconveyance
86
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Campaign Rhetoric Versus Institutional Memory: A Litany of Concerns - Part 3
Elections
87
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Campaign Rhetoric Versus Institutional Memory: A Litany of Concerns - Part 4
Elections
88
Monday, October 22, 2007
Politics Without Principle? We Can Do Much Better Than That!
Elections
89
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
South Hill Neighborhood: Views Become Vision
Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
90
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Library Planning Update: Citizen Input Wanted!
Library
91
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
My Goodness! Should Today's Weakly be Considered An In-Kind Campaign Donation?
Elections
92
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Library Planning Update 2: Working Hard or Playing Games?
Library
93
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Nightmare Before Elections
Elections
94
Sunday, October 28, 2007
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS: Mark Twain on Written Interviews
Elections
95
Monday, October 29, 2007
HALLOWE'EN
Elections
96
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Truth or Consequences: Not Just A Town In New Mexico
Elections
97
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tricking & Treating: Reflections on Elections
Elections
98
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Today's Headlines: It's Come to This!
Politics
99
Friday, November 2, 2007
Lake Whatcom Mis-Management Non-Program: It's Time To Get Serious!
Lake
100
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Some Comments & A Review of Green Principles
LEED
101
Sunday, November 4, 2007
DNR Land Swap: What Would Rev. Spooner & The Capitol Steps Say?
Humor, Reconveyance
102
Monday, November 5, 2007
City Council: New Tools for 2008 & Beyond
Annexation, Budgets, PlanningGrowth, Sunshine
103
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Gutter Politics & Political Gutterballs
Elections, Water/Sewer
104
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Death & Taxes: Two of Life's Certainties
Taxes
105
Friday, November 9, 2007
All Elections Are Important: Some More Than Others
Elections
106
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Is It Time to Consolidate Water & Sewer Services?
Lake, Water/Sewer
107
Friday, November 16, 2007
Growth Management: Options for Closing the 'Gap' on UGA Boundaries
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
108
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Photos: A Few Favorite Places
Personal
109
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Municipal Budgeting: Care & Feeding of the Fiscal Monster
Annexation, Budgets, Taxes
110
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Growth: Are You Ready For Some Bootfall?
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
111
Monday, November 26, 2007
Is The Only Thing Constant, Change?
Personal
112
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The 'News': Breaking or Broken?
NEWS
113
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
"The News Business: changes, challenges.....and do we care?"
NEWS
114
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Breaking Good News About NOAA
PlanningGrowth, Waterfront
115
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
116
Friday, November 30, 2007
Growth: Following A Predetermined Path to A Foregone Conclusion
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
117
Saturday, December 1, 2007
B&O Tax News: The Missing Headline
Budgets, Taxes
118
Sunday, December 2, 2007
'Making Plays': Exercises in Frustration
Humor, Politics, Sports
119
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 1st Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
120
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 2nd Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
121
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 3rd Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
122
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 4th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
123
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 5th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
124
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 6th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
125
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 7th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
126
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 8th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
127
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance - Citizens Task Force Recommendations
Lake, PlanningGrowth
128
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Watershed Land Acquisition Program -Rationale & History
Annexation, Environment, Lake, PlanningGrowth
129
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Landlord Accountability: Defining the PROBLEM & What to do about it?
Landlords
130
Thursday, December 6, 2007
District Only Voting: Are You Kidding Me?
Elections
131
Friday, December 7, 2007
District Only Voting: No Rotten Boroughs!
Elections
132
Saturday, December 8, 2007
District Only Voting: Constituencies & Voting Systems
Elections
133
Sunday, December 9, 2007
On Taxes in the State of Washington
Taxes
134
Monday, December 10, 2007
Farewell Comments & More on District Voting
Elections, Personal
135
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Something's Gotta Give
Personal
136
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Olympic Pipe Line Disaster: Reflections
OlympicPipeLine
137
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Growth Management Act: A Refresher & Rant with Local Footnotes
PlanningGrowth
138
Monday, December 17, 2007
Modern Sports Scene: Rooting or Ranting ?
Sports
139
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Today was the first day of the rest of my life.
Personal
140
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Growth Management: Deer Creek Water Association
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
141
Saturday, December 22, 2007
La Dolce Vita... e Il Dolce Far Niente
Humor
142
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 1
Humor
143
Monday, December 24, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 2
Humor
144
Monday, December 24, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 3
Humor
145
Monday, December 24, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 4
Humor
146
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 5
Humor
147
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 6
Humor
148
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 7
Humor
149
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 8 ~FIN~
Humor
150
Friday, December 28, 2007
More On Green Design: Principles, Future & Practical Advice
LEED
151
Saturday, December 29, 2007
On City Finances & Direction
Budgets, Government
152
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The Future of Architecture: 2005-2015
LEED
153
Monday, December 31, 2007
The Future of Architecture: 2015-2025
LEED
154
Monday, December 31, 2007
The Future of Architecture: 2050-2100
LEED
155
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
Personal
156
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sustainability & Buddhist Economics
Buddhist, Budgets
157
Thursday, January 3, 2008
ANNOYANCES...
Humor
158
Friday, January 4, 2008
Driving our KARMA & Curbing our DOGMA
Buddhist
159
Saturday, January 12, 2008
On City Government, Football & Other Contact Sports
Government, Lake, Library, PlanningGrowth, Waterfront
160
Sunday, January 13, 2008
On Libraries & Football
Library
161
Saturday, January 19, 2008
On Libraries, Hiking & A Bobcat!
Library, Personal
162
Monday, January 21, 2008
A Few Belated Responses on MLK Day:
Library, PlanningGrowth
163
Monday, January 28, 2008
A New Bellingham Public Library: A Real Need
Library
164
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Cost Effective Watershed Protection
Lake, PlanningGrowth
165
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Politics
166
Friday, May 9, 2008
Lake Whatcom: Reconveyance & Park Plan -A Few Unanswered Questions
Lake, Reconveyance
167
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Lake Whatcom: A Convergence of 3 Issues
Lake, PlanningGrowth, Water/Sewer
168
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Important County Water Programs Funding: Decision Alert!
Lake, Stormwater, WRIA-1
169
Friday, May 16, 2008
Lake Whatcom: People For Lake Whatcom Meeting & Some Reconveyance Answers
Lake, Reconveyance
170
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Myanmar: Remind You of Anything?
Politics
171
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Lake Whatcom: Bellingham's Moratorium
Lake, PlanningGrowth
172
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Lake Whatcom: Potential Moratorium Actions
Lake, PlanningGrowth
173
Monday, May 26, 2008
Lake Whatcom: DNR Reconveyance & Park Plan Questions
Lake, Reconveyance
174
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Reconveyance & Park Plan: More Feedback & Other Thoughts
Lake, Reconveyance
175
Friday, May 30, 2008
Integrity Versus Loyalty
Politics
176
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
On Impermanence & What Counts
Personal
177
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Real Life Reality: Grandma & the Chicken
Personal
178
Monday, June 30, 2008
Funnies?
Humor
179
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Word Games: Taxes versus Fees
Budgets, Politics, Stormwater, Taxes
180
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Reassessing this Blog
Blog, Personal
181
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What Makes a Headline?
Politics
182
Saturday, July 26, 2008
In the Valley of Elah
War
183
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Adapting Woodstock Farm: Home of Inspiration Point
Parks
184
Thursday, July 31, 2008
On Gaps & Gundecking
Budgets, Government
185
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Dilemma or Fallacy?
Parks, PlanningGrowth
186
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
On Student Housing
Landlords
187
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Giddy Gato: The Passing of a Dear Little Being
Personal
188
Friday, August 8, 2008
Reconveyance & Park Plan: City Council Presentation by Tom Pratum
Lake, Reconveyance
189
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Chuckanut Ridge: Land Supply Implications
Greenways, PlanningGrowth
190
Thursday, August 14, 2008
More on Land Use Efficiency: Chuckanut Ridge, Birch Street & Otherwise
Annexation, Greenways, PlanningGrowth
191
Monday, August 18, 2008
On Decision Making: Remembering a Colleague
Personal
192
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Waterfront Redevelopment: A Rant About Election Games
Elections, Waterfront
193
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Lake Whatcom: Possible City Club Questions
Lake
194
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thoughts & Impressions: Sarah Palin as VP?
Politics
195
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Politics & Entropy: What's in a Name?
Politics
196
Monday, September 8, 2008
She Whose Name Should Not Be Spoken Would Ban These Books
Politics
197
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Lipstick: Asset or Distraction?
Politics
198
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Maverick is His Name: Gambling is His Game
Politics
199
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fall Hiking at Mt Baker: Chain Lakes Loop
Personal
200
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Got Lipstick?
Humor
201
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Crying Wolf
Politics
202
Monday, September 22, 2008
Not so fast Mr Bush!
Politics
203
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Who's Leading & Who's Following?
Politics
204
Monday, October 6, 2008
Bailing Out: Preferable to Sinking?
Politics
205
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Dismal Science & 15 Minutes of Fame
Politics
206
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Looking Out The Window
Personal
207
Friday, October 10, 2008
Large Doses of Realism
Politics
208
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
This & That
Politics
209
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Letter from a former Lt Governor of Alaska
Politics
210
Friday, October 24, 2008
Term Limits: Great Taste or Less Filling?
Charter, Politics
211
Sunday, October 26, 2008
On Warriors & War
War
212
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
More Sun Tzu: The Healing Arts
War
213
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
America Awakes!
Politics
214
Monday, November 10, 2008
Property Taxes: Bellingham's Dilemma
Budgets, Taxes
215
Monday, November 10, 2008
Waterfront Redevelopment: Impasse or Opportunity?
Waterfront
216
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Do We Really Want 'Ready, Fire, Aim' Approaches To National Problems?
Politics
217
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Lovely Letter from Alice Walker to Barack Obama
Politics
218
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Wild Wordsmith of Wasilla
Politics
219
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Freedom or Free Dumb?
Politics
220
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Time for Big Changes at the Port of Bellingham!
Waterfront
221
Monday, November 17, 2008
Auto Rescue: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Politics
222
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Waterfront Redevelopment: Can We Get On With It Now?
Waterfront
223
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Taxes: A Parallel Universe?
Annexation, Budgets, Taxes
224
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Beggars Banquet: A Lesson for Bellingham?
Budgets
225
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Lake Whatcom: A Thanksgiving Blessing
Lake
226
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Triaging Detroit
Politics
227
Thursday, December 18, 2008
On Becoming a Septuagenarian
Personal
228
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve Reflections & Aspirations
Personal
229
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Ringing in the New
Politics
230
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Global Warming: Is This Really A 'Debate'?
Environment
231
Friday, January 9, 2009
Are You Ready For Some Football?
Sports
232
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Football Blues
Sports
233
Friday, January 16, 2009
Greenways: Keeping the Process Honest, Equitable & Public
Greenways, Politics, Sunshine
234
Monday, January 19, 2009
Lake Whatcom: Questions about Proposed Private Road
Lake, PlanningGrowth
235
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Inauguration: A Few Thoughts
Politics
236
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Greenways: Are We A Unified Community Or A League of Single Interests?
Greenways
237
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Greenways: Wishing Does Not 'Make It So'
Greenways
238
Friday, January 30, 2009
Serious Business in Seattle
Personal
239
Sunday, February 1, 2009
America: A Fair to Middling Place
Politics
240
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Jim Webb's Great New Book
Personal
241
Monday, February 16, 2009
Presidents Day Observations
Politics
242
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Obama's Home Foreclosure Plan
Politics
243
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Stimulus: Show Us The Money
Politics
244
Friday, February 20, 2009
Gristle: Excellent GMA Article
PlanningGrowth
245
Sunday, February 22, 2009
America: A Place You Can Rant!
Personal
246
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Greenways: Lies, Damn Lies & Plain Levy Language
Greenways, Politics, Sunshine
247
Friday, February 27, 2009
A Remarkable Week
Politics
248
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Eschewing Obfuscation & Espousing Elucidation
Annexation, Greenways, Politics, Sunshine
249
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Part I
Budgets, Taxes
250
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Part II
Annexation, PlanningGrowth, Taxes, Water/Sewer
251
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Part III
PlanningGrowth, Taxes
252
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Parks: Their Care & Feeding
Lake, Parks
253
Monday, March 9, 2009
Lake Whatcom: Reservoir or High Rent District?
Lake, PlanningGrowth
254
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March Madness & Gladness
Humor, Sports
255
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Picking The Top Teams
Sports
256
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer: Want Fries With That?
Lake, Water/Sewer
257
Sunday, April 12, 2009
T-Party or P-Party?
Politics
258
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Whatcom County Planning: An Oxymoron
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
259
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Local Politics: One Tough Profession!
Government
260
Thursday, April 16, 2009
On Piracy
Government
261
Friday, April 17, 2009
Census 2010: Honest Count Or Partisan Issue?
Census, Government
262
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Polarization: What Does It Mean & Who Decides?
Government
263
Monday, April 20, 2009
Pirate Economics & Social Contracts
Government
264
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Making Government More Effective & Less Costly
Government
265
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Executive Sessions: Necessary Secrets Or Inconvenient Law?
Sunshine
266
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Waterfront Redevelopment: A Grecian Flat Earth Day Theory?
Waterfront
267
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Library: Contingent on Waterfront Redevelopment?
Library, Waterfront
268
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Calling A Charade A Charade
Environment
269
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Waterfront Redevelopment: Are Circadian Rhythms To Blame?
Waterfront
270
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Whatcom County Budget Deficit: Surprise?
Budgets
271
Thursday, April 30, 2009
How Swine Flu Is Transmitted -OR- How Lipstick Gets On A Pig
Humor
272
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A Name Tag That Says 'SURVIVOR'
Personal
273
Monday, May 4, 2009
Library: Facts or Attacks?
Library
274
Sunday, May 10, 2009
It's Local Election Time Again
Elections
275
Monday, May 11, 2009
HamsterTalk: Labels
Blog
276
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Olympic Pipe Line 'Incident': Personal Reflections
OlympicPipeLine
277
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
'Politics Without Principle'
Elections, Politics
278
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Politics: What Kind of Science?
Government, Politics
279
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
California: Terminal or Just Normal?
Budgets, Government, Politics, Taxes
280
Saturday, May 23, 2009
WRIA-1: Wasted Resources or Important Asset?
Environment, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics, WRIA-1
281
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Budget: FAST or Famine?
Budgets, Government, Politics
282
Monday, May 25, 2009
Citizenship: Pen Versus Sword
Citizenship, Government, Landlords, Neighborhoods, Politics, Sunshine
283
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Waterfront Redevelopment: Changes in the Wind?
Budgets, EconomicDevelopment, Elections, Environment, Government, LEED, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Taxes, Waterfront
284
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Leopold: Barbers of B-Ville
Humor, Personal
285
Thursday, June 4, 2009
WAL-MART: Hate to Say 'I Told You So', but....
Budgets, PlanningGrowth, Taxes, WAL-MART
286
Friday, June 5, 2009
Growth Management: Choosing Our Sprawl & How To Pay For It
Budgets, Elections, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Taxes, WRIA-1
287
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Economic Development: Why Not Combine City & Port?
Annexation, EconomicDevelopment, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Waterfront
288
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Olympic Pipe Line -Versus- Lake Whatcom Reservoir
Elections, Lake, OlympicPipeLine, Politics
289
Sunday, June 14, 2009
More Library Volleys
Government, Library, Taxes
290
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Center For Watershed Protection: Helpful Articles
Environment, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Water/Sewer
291
Monday, June 15, 2009
Local Labor Boss Issues 11th Hour 'Warning'
Budgets, EconomicDevelopment, Government, LivingWage, PlanningGrowth, Sunshine, Taxes, WAL-MART
292
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS: Can They Work?
Environment, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, TDRs
293
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Draft Sewer Plan: Perpetually Unfinished Business
Annexation, Budgets, PlanningGrowth, Water/Sewer
294
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Population Forecasts: Numerology or Just Mind-Numbing?
EconomicDevelopment, Government, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
295
Saturday, June 27, 2009
On Kings & Things
NEWS
296
Monday, June 29, 2009
A Tale of Two Cities: Role Models for Bellingham?
Citizenship, Government, LEED, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
297
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Cheap Versus Free
Citizenship, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics
298
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Toolkit Complaint
Citizenship, Government, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
299
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Healthcare & Walmart
Citizenship, Government, Healthcare, Politics, WAL-MART
300
Monday, July 6, 2009
Triple Bottom Line: What Does TBL Mean?
EconomicDevelopment, Elections, Environment, Government, LEED, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Waterfront
301
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Politics: Paleontology & Palintology
Elections, Government, Politics
302
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Budget Reporting: Whatcom County's Home Charter Mystique
Budgets, Elections, Government, Politics, Sunshine
303
Friday, July 10, 2009
Climate: Global Warming, Local Anomaly or Normal?
Environment, LEED, Sunshine
304
Saturday, July 11, 2009
On Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
305
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Healthcare: Simple or Complicated?
Government, Healthcare, Politics
306
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Gloom, Despair & Agony on Me...
Humor, Personal, Politics
307
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
“The Ship the Nazis Had to Get”
Personal
308
Friday, July 17, 2009
Under Promising & Over Delivering
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics, Sunshine
309
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Blue Dogs & 'No Hogs'
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Healthcare, Politics
310
Friday, July 24, 2009
More on Healthcare: Knowledge as Truth
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Healthcare, Politics
311
Friday, July 24, 2009
Port: Populist Instrument or Bete Noir?
EconomicDevelopment, Elections, Environment, Government, Politics
312
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Lake Whatcom: Is TMDL a Waste of Time?
Citizenship, Elections, Environment, Government, Lake, Politics
313
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Water Meters: It's About Time
Government, Politics, Water/Sewer
314
Monday, July 27, 2009
HamsterTalk's 2nd Birthday
Blog, Government, Politics, Sunshine
315
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Gorilla
Humor
316
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Famous Pig
Humor
317
Thursday, July 30, 2009
On 'Town & Gown' Issues
Government, Landlords, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
318
Friday, July 31, 2009
Lake Whatcom: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Citizenship, Environment, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Water/Sewer
319
Saturday, August 1, 2009
August: Getting Started on the Right Foot
Citizenship, Environment, Government, Lake, Personal, PlanningGrowth, Water/Sewer
320
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
N.O.A.A: Crying In Our Beer?
Elections, Government, Politics, Waterfront
321
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Healthcare: The Status Quo Has Got To Go!
Healthcare
322
Friday, August 14, 2009
Entertainment: Pulp Fiction & Port Sport
EconomicDevelopment, Elections, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Sunshine, Waterfront
323
Monday, August 17, 2009
Healthcare: More Heat Than Light?
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Healthcare, Politics
324
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Potpourri Of News: Port Primary & County Growth Management
Elections, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Waterfront
325
Friday, August 21, 2009
Healthcare: More Perspectives
Government, Healthcare, Politics
326
Friday, August 21, 2009
Humor: Genealogical Convolutions
Humor
327
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Parks: Woodstock Farm & Inspiration Point
Greenways, Parks
328
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Three Topics: Healthcare, Climate, NOAA
Environment, Healthcare, Waterfront
329
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Growth Management: An Exercise In Futility?
Annexation, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Waterfront
330
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Waterfront Redevelopment: How Long Can You Tread Water?
Waterfront
331
Monday, August 31, 2009
Library: From Top Priority To Something Less
EconomicDevelopment, Government, Library, PFD, Taxes
332
Monday, September 7, 2009
More on Cake Baking
Government, Healthcare, Personal, Politics
333
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Library: Consolidation Via Deus Ex Machina?
Government, Library, NEWS, Politics
334
Friday, September 11, 2009
On Peak Oil
Energy, Environment, Government, Politics
335
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Local Politics: 25 Reasons?
Elections, Government, Politics, Stormwater, Water/Sewer, WRIA-1
336
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Bellingham's New Transportation Commission
PlanningGrowth, Transportation
337
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fairhaven Highlands: Entertainment for Silly Season
Government, Greenways, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
338
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fairhaven Highlands: DEIS Summary Findings
Government, Greenways, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Sunshine, Transportation
339
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Chartreuse?
340
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Healthcare: Trick or Treat Time
Government, Healthcare, Politics
341
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Endurance & Politics
Elections, Government, Politics
342
Saturday, December 12, 2009
County Council: Who Would You Appoint?
Elections, Government, Politics
343
Monday, December 14, 2009
Affordable Housing Toolkit: Inclusionary Zoning
Government, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
344
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
US Healthcare: Big Tent or Big Top?
Government, Healthcare, Politics
345
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Hallelujah, Halleluyah and Alleluia!
Healthcare
346
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
County Council: Appointment or Disappointment?
Elections, Government, Politics
347
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Welcoming 2010
Personal
348
Friday, January 8, 2010
Lake Whatcom: Little Ducky Duddle's Fault?
Elections, Environment, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Reconveyance
349
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Lake Whatcom: Fiddling with Phosphorus
Environment, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Politics
350
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Healthcare & March Madness
Healthcare, Politics, Sports
351
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Cycles & Recycles
Blog, Government, Lake, Landlords, Parks, Politics, Waterfront
352
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
BP's Deja Vu Squared
Energy, Environment, Government, OlympicPipeLine, Politics
353
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
What A Difference 238 Years Make
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics
354
Friday, August 20, 2010
History: A Zero Sum Game?
Citizenship, Government, Politics
355
Monday, August 30, 2010
Individual Rights & 'Right Things To Do' Aren't The Same.
Citizenship, Government, Politics
356
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Caveat Lector & Voter!
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics
357
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Elite Or Effete?
Government, Politics
358
Monday, November 1, 2010
For Whom Will The Polls Toll?
Elections, Politics
359
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Trouble With Liberty?
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics
360
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Politics, Popularity & Priorities
Budgets, Government, Politics, Taxes
361
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year's Jabberwocky
Government, Politics
362
Monday, February 28, 2011
Ill Fares The Land
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics
363
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear...
Coal, EconomicDevelopment, Energy, Environment, PlanningGrowth
364
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Budgets & Policy: Tomorrow's Just Your Future Yesterday
Budgets, Government, Politics, Taxes
365
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
BLOG INDEX
Blog
366
================================
Today's posts brings the total published to 366, one for every day of a leap year.
Maybe enough to keep some sleeping pills in their bottles.
When I started blogging it seemed something of a mission; to document issues, facts, opinions, perspectives, ideas, problems & public processes, and to file all this in one place -where I, and interested others, can find the stuff.
The labels and search function really do help.
Some posts are dated, but most have some lasting meaning.
It has been mostly fun -and still is- so I'll keep at it, but maybe without too many self-imposed deadlines.
--------------------------------
Date
Title
Labels
Blog No.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
My First Blog Posting: GMA & Comprehensive Plan Update
PlanningGrowth
1
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
2nd Posting - The UGA Land Supply Debate
PlanningGrowth
2
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Mea Culpa and Apologies
Elections
3
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Straight Talk About Lake Whatcom
Lake
4
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Candidate Questionnaire & Decision Making
Elections
5
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Annexation: Asset or Liability?
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
6
Monday, July 30, 2007
BTV10: Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants
Sunshine
7
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Is Charter Review Important?
Charter
8
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Last Night's Forum:Mayoral Candidates Opening Statements
Elections
9
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Mayoral Candidate Forum Responses
Elections, Waterfront
10
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Solar Power Case Study: An Old Idea With New Economics
Environment
11
Friday, August 3, 2007
On Integrity and Competence
Elections
12
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Pooh Bear's Easter Party
Greenways
13
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Politics for Dummies?
Elections
14
Monday, August 6, 2007
Parking Is Not Free
Library, Parking
15
Monday, August 6, 2007
Either Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!
Elections
16
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance - Citizens Task Force Recommendations
Lake, PlanningGrowth
17
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Public Water Supply Management 101: A Short Primer and Call to Action for Newcomers and the Newly Involved
Lake
18
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Feeling Smart? Test Your Watershed IQ
Lake
19
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Water Source Protection Plan: Shelf Art or Management Tool?
Lake
20
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Water Source Protection Plan: Comments & Questions
21
Monday, August 13, 2007
Surface & Storm Water Utility: Rates & Rationale Revisited
Lake, Stormwater
22
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Between Iraq & A Hard Place
War
23
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Growth Management & The Art Of Pedantry
PlanningGrowth
24
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Growth Management 102: Dealing With Uncertainty -And Fantasy!
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
25
Friday, August 17, 2007
A Tale of Two Cities: Watershed Protection Law Case Studies
Lake
26
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Benzene in Lake Whatcom: Some Questions & Answers
Lake
27
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Bellingham & Whatcom County Public Facilities District: Redux
Government, PFD
28
Monday, August 20, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Incorporating Waterfront Futures Group Recommendations
Waterfront
29
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Growth Management: Ahwahnee Principles for Resource-Efficient and Livable Communities
Lake
30
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Lake Whatcom: BLOG Feedback & Lake Tahoe Ideas
Lake
31
Friday, August 24, 2007
Lake Whatcom Storm Water Management: Entranco Report Redux
Lake, Stormwater
32
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Valuable Real Estate for Whom?
Lake
33
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Cost of Growth: Impact Fees & Feelings
PlanningGrowth, Taxes
34
Monday, August 27, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Clean & Green or In-Between?
Environment, Waterfront
35
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Accentuating the Positive: Qualities to Reflect in Library Design
Library
36
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Lake Whatcom: A Lilliputian Response to a Gulliver Proposal
Lake
37
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Goal Statements & Methodology Aren't Enough!
Lake
38
Friday, August 31, 2007
Lord of the Rings - Bellingham Style
Annexation, Charter, Elections
39
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Public Trust or Public Trough?
Budgets, Taxes
40
Sunday, September 2, 2007
On Baking a Cake: A Generic Wish
Elections, Government
41
Monday, September 3, 2007
Civic Field Sports Complex: A Bellingham Success Story
Parks
42
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Big Box Theory: Attacking Mall-Wart
Annexation, PlanningGrowth, Taxes, WAL-MART
43
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
People for Lake Whatcom Questionnaire: REDUX for the General Elections
Lake
44
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: BEYOND LEED to a Triple Bottom Line
Environment, Waterfront
45
Friday, September 7, 2007
"To Err is Human, to Forgive, Canine"
Parks
46
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Navigating Charbydis & Scylla
Waterfront
47
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Mother Goose & the Doctors of Spin Revisited -PART 1
Waterfront
48
Monday, September 10, 2007
Mayoral Elections: I Like Pike!
Elections
49
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Lake Whatcom: An October Surprise?
Lake, Parks
50
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Reconveyance Feedback
Lake, Reconveyance
51
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Growth Management: Meaningfully Involving Neighborhoods -Part 1
PlanningGrowth
52
Friday, September 14, 2007
More Reconveyance Feedback: No Secrets or Surprises
Lake, Reconveyance
53
Sunday, September 16, 2007
"You can't teach what you don't know, and you can't lead where you won't go"
Personal
54
Monday, September 17, 2007
Kathryn's SWAN SONG: A Tribute
Personal
55
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Dan Pike: An Unabashed Endorsement for Mayor
Elections
56
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Follow the Money!
Budgets
57
Friday, September 21, 2007
Reconveyance: RCWs to Read & Questions to Ask
Lake, Reconveyance
58
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Budgets 101: An Introduction to the Public Purse
Budgets
59
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Pork Barrel Heaven: Reflections on the City’s "Living Wage" Ordinance
LivingWage
60
Monday, September 24, 2007
The 10th Street Parking 'issue': A Tempest in a Teapot
Parking, Parks
61
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Reconveyance: No September Surprises
Lake, Reconveyance
62
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Economic Development: 2003 versus 2007 - What has Changed?
Annexation, EconomicDevelopment, PlanningGrowth
63
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Growth Debate Revisited: BIA versus Eben Fodor
PlanningGrowth
64
Friday, September 28, 2007
Ever Heard of LIDAR?
PlanningGrowth
65
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Waterfront Redevelopment: Economic Development on Steroids
EconomicDevelopment PlanningGrowth, Waterfront
66
Sunday, September 30, 2007
WRIA-1: Whatcom County's Unfinished Water Business
Lake, WRIA-1
67
Monday, October 1, 2007
Turn! Turn! Turn!: (To Everything There Is a Season)
Personal
68
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Water District Fiefdom or Community Treasure?
Lake
69
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
WLV Forum: Ad Libs, Glibs & Fibs
Elections
70
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Mitch's Kool-Aid: Special FISHY Flavor for Election Time
Elections, Reconveyance
71
Friday, October 5, 2007
Thoughts: All Politics Really Are Local!
Elections
72
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Mayor: A Living Wage Job In A Fishbowl
Elections
73
Sunday, October 7, 2007
IT'S BUDGET TIME AGAIN! -A $200 Million Exercise
Budgets
74
Monday, October 8, 2007
Lake Whatcom Reservoir: A Necessary Restructuring
Lake
75
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Lake Whatcom: City's Stormwater Plan - Phocusing on Fosphorus
Lake, PlanningGrowth
76
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A Political Rant: It's Not the Cream of the Crop, It's the Pick of the Lot!
Elections
77
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Operation Overlord & Landlord Accountability
Landlords
78
Friday, October 12, 2007
Silver Beach Neighborhood: Wading Into Uncharted Waters - Again
Lake, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
79
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Growth Management: Neighborhood Planning - Whose Job Is It?
Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
80
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Growth Management: Neighborhood Unrest Means People Aren't Happy!
Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
81
Monday, October 15, 2007
What is Consensus Decision-Making?
Neighborhoods
82
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Mayoral Elections: Which Dan and Why?
Elections
83
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Campaign Rhetoric Versus Institutional Memory: A Litany of Concerns - Part 1
Elections
84
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Campaign Rhetoric Versus Institutional Memory: A Litany of Concerns - Part 2
Elections
85
Friday, October 19, 2007
Whatcom County Park, Recreation, & Open Space Plan: Draft or Daft?
Lake, Parks, Reconveyance
86
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Campaign Rhetoric Versus Institutional Memory: A Litany of Concerns - Part 3
Elections
87
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Campaign Rhetoric Versus Institutional Memory: A Litany of Concerns - Part 4
Elections
88
Monday, October 22, 2007
Politics Without Principle? We Can Do Much Better Than That!
Elections
89
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
South Hill Neighborhood: Views Become Vision
Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
90
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Library Planning Update: Citizen Input Wanted!
Library
91
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
My Goodness! Should Today's Weakly be Considered An In-Kind Campaign Donation?
Elections
92
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Library Planning Update 2: Working Hard or Playing Games?
Library
93
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Nightmare Before Elections
Elections
94
Sunday, October 28, 2007
FREEDOM OF THE PRESS: Mark Twain on Written Interviews
Elections
95
Monday, October 29, 2007
HALLOWE'EN
Elections
96
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Truth or Consequences: Not Just A Town In New Mexico
Elections
97
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tricking & Treating: Reflections on Elections
Elections
98
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Today's Headlines: It's Come to This!
Politics
99
Friday, November 2, 2007
Lake Whatcom Mis-Management Non-Program: It's Time To Get Serious!
Lake
100
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Some Comments & A Review of Green Principles
LEED
101
Sunday, November 4, 2007
DNR Land Swap: What Would Rev. Spooner & The Capitol Steps Say?
Humor, Reconveyance
102
Monday, November 5, 2007
City Council: New Tools for 2008 & Beyond
Annexation, Budgets, PlanningGrowth, Sunshine
103
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Gutter Politics & Political Gutterballs
Elections, Water/Sewer
104
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Death & Taxes: Two of Life's Certainties
Taxes
105
Friday, November 9, 2007
All Elections Are Important: Some More Than Others
Elections
106
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Is It Time to Consolidate Water & Sewer Services?
Lake, Water/Sewer
107
Friday, November 16, 2007
Growth Management: Options for Closing the 'Gap' on UGA Boundaries
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
108
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Photos: A Few Favorite Places
Personal
109
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Municipal Budgeting: Care & Feeding of the Fiscal Monster
Annexation, Budgets, Taxes
110
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Growth: Are You Ready For Some Bootfall?
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
111
Monday, November 26, 2007
Is The Only Thing Constant, Change?
Personal
112
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
The 'News': Breaking or Broken?
NEWS
113
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
"The News Business: changes, challenges.....and do we care?"
NEWS
114
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Breaking Good News About NOAA
PlanningGrowth, Waterfront
115
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome.
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
116
Friday, November 30, 2007
Growth: Following A Predetermined Path to A Foregone Conclusion
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
117
Saturday, December 1, 2007
B&O Tax News: The Missing Headline
Budgets, Taxes
118
Sunday, December 2, 2007
'Making Plays': Exercises in Frustration
Humor, Politics, Sports
119
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 1st Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
120
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 2nd Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
121
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 3rd Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
122
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 4th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
123
Monday, December 3, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 5th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
124
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 6th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
125
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 7th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
126
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance Redux: 8th Meeting Citizens Task Force
Lake, PlanningGrowth
127
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Silver Beach Ordinance - Citizens Task Force Recommendations
Lake, PlanningGrowth
128
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Lake Whatcom: Watershed Land Acquisition Program -Rationale & History
Annexation, Environment, Lake, PlanningGrowth
129
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Landlord Accountability: Defining the PROBLEM & What to do about it?
Landlords
130
Thursday, December 6, 2007
District Only Voting: Are You Kidding Me?
Elections
131
Friday, December 7, 2007
District Only Voting: No Rotten Boroughs!
Elections
132
Saturday, December 8, 2007
District Only Voting: Constituencies & Voting Systems
Elections
133
Sunday, December 9, 2007
On Taxes in the State of Washington
Taxes
134
Monday, December 10, 2007
Farewell Comments & More on District Voting
Elections, Personal
135
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Something's Gotta Give
Personal
136
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Olympic Pipe Line Disaster: Reflections
OlympicPipeLine
137
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Growth Management Act: A Refresher & Rant with Local Footnotes
PlanningGrowth
138
Monday, December 17, 2007
Modern Sports Scene: Rooting or Ranting ?
Sports
139
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Today was the first day of the rest of my life.
Personal
140
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Growth Management: Deer Creek Water Association
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
141
Saturday, December 22, 2007
La Dolce Vita... e Il Dolce Far Niente
Humor
142
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 1
Humor
143
Monday, December 24, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 2
Humor
144
Monday, December 24, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 3
Humor
145
Monday, December 24, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 4
Humor
146
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 5
Humor
147
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 6
Humor
148
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 7
Humor
149
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Flame Warrior Archetypes: Part 8 ~FIN~
Humor
150
Friday, December 28, 2007
More On Green Design: Principles, Future & Practical Advice
LEED
151
Saturday, December 29, 2007
On City Finances & Direction
Budgets, Government
152
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The Future of Architecture: 2005-2015
LEED
153
Monday, December 31, 2007
The Future of Architecture: 2015-2025
LEED
154
Monday, December 31, 2007
The Future of Architecture: 2050-2100
LEED
155
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
Personal
156
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sustainability & Buddhist Economics
Buddhist, Budgets
157
Thursday, January 3, 2008
ANNOYANCES...
Humor
158
Friday, January 4, 2008
Driving our KARMA & Curbing our DOGMA
Buddhist
159
Saturday, January 12, 2008
On City Government, Football & Other Contact Sports
Government, Lake, Library, PlanningGrowth, Waterfront
160
Sunday, January 13, 2008
On Libraries & Football
Library
161
Saturday, January 19, 2008
On Libraries, Hiking & A Bobcat!
Library, Personal
162
Monday, January 21, 2008
A Few Belated Responses on MLK Day:
Library, PlanningGrowth
163
Monday, January 28, 2008
A New Bellingham Public Library: A Real Need
Library
164
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Cost Effective Watershed Protection
Lake, PlanningGrowth
165
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Politics
166
Friday, May 9, 2008
Lake Whatcom: Reconveyance & Park Plan -A Few Unanswered Questions
Lake, Reconveyance
167
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Lake Whatcom: A Convergence of 3 Issues
Lake, PlanningGrowth, Water/Sewer
168
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Important County Water Programs Funding: Decision Alert!
Lake, Stormwater, WRIA-1
169
Friday, May 16, 2008
Lake Whatcom: People For Lake Whatcom Meeting & Some Reconveyance Answers
Lake, Reconveyance
170
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Myanmar: Remind You of Anything?
Politics
171
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Lake Whatcom: Bellingham's Moratorium
Lake, PlanningGrowth
172
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Lake Whatcom: Potential Moratorium Actions
Lake, PlanningGrowth
173
Monday, May 26, 2008
Lake Whatcom: DNR Reconveyance & Park Plan Questions
Lake, Reconveyance
174
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Reconveyance & Park Plan: More Feedback & Other Thoughts
Lake, Reconveyance
175
Friday, May 30, 2008
Integrity Versus Loyalty
Politics
176
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
On Impermanence & What Counts
Personal
177
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Real Life Reality: Grandma & the Chicken
Personal
178
Monday, June 30, 2008
Funnies?
Humor
179
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Word Games: Taxes versus Fees
Budgets, Politics, Stormwater, Taxes
180
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Reassessing this Blog
Blog, Personal
181
Saturday, July 26, 2008
What Makes a Headline?
Politics
182
Saturday, July 26, 2008
In the Valley of Elah
War
183
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Adapting Woodstock Farm: Home of Inspiration Point
Parks
184
Thursday, July 31, 2008
On Gaps & Gundecking
Budgets, Government
185
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Dilemma or Fallacy?
Parks, PlanningGrowth
186
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
On Student Housing
Landlords
187
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Giddy Gato: The Passing of a Dear Little Being
Personal
188
Friday, August 8, 2008
Reconveyance & Park Plan: City Council Presentation by Tom Pratum
Lake, Reconveyance
189
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Chuckanut Ridge: Land Supply Implications
Greenways, PlanningGrowth
190
Thursday, August 14, 2008
More on Land Use Efficiency: Chuckanut Ridge, Birch Street & Otherwise
Annexation, Greenways, PlanningGrowth
191
Monday, August 18, 2008
On Decision Making: Remembering a Colleague
Personal
192
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Waterfront Redevelopment: A Rant About Election Games
Elections, Waterfront
193
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Lake Whatcom: Possible City Club Questions
Lake
194
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thoughts & Impressions: Sarah Palin as VP?
Politics
195
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Politics & Entropy: What's in a Name?
Politics
196
Monday, September 8, 2008
She Whose Name Should Not Be Spoken Would Ban These Books
Politics
197
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Lipstick: Asset or Distraction?
Politics
198
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Maverick is His Name: Gambling is His Game
Politics
199
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Fall Hiking at Mt Baker: Chain Lakes Loop
Personal
200
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Got Lipstick?
Humor
201
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Crying Wolf
Politics
202
Monday, September 22, 2008
Not so fast Mr Bush!
Politics
203
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Who's Leading & Who's Following?
Politics
204
Monday, October 6, 2008
Bailing Out: Preferable to Sinking?
Politics
205
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Dismal Science & 15 Minutes of Fame
Politics
206
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Looking Out The Window
Personal
207
Friday, October 10, 2008
Large Doses of Realism
Politics
208
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
This & That
Politics
209
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Letter from a former Lt Governor of Alaska
Politics
210
Friday, October 24, 2008
Term Limits: Great Taste or Less Filling?
Charter, Politics
211
Sunday, October 26, 2008
On Warriors & War
War
212
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
More Sun Tzu: The Healing Arts
War
213
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
America Awakes!
Politics
214
Monday, November 10, 2008
Property Taxes: Bellingham's Dilemma
Budgets, Taxes
215
Monday, November 10, 2008
Waterfront Redevelopment: Impasse or Opportunity?
Waterfront
216
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Do We Really Want 'Ready, Fire, Aim' Approaches To National Problems?
Politics
217
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Lovely Letter from Alice Walker to Barack Obama
Politics
218
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Wild Wordsmith of Wasilla
Politics
219
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Freedom or Free Dumb?
Politics
220
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Time for Big Changes at the Port of Bellingham!
Waterfront
221
Monday, November 17, 2008
Auto Rescue: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?
Politics
222
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Waterfront Redevelopment: Can We Get On With It Now?
Waterfront
223
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Taxes: A Parallel Universe?
Annexation, Budgets, Taxes
224
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Beggars Banquet: A Lesson for Bellingham?
Budgets
225
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Lake Whatcom: A Thanksgiving Blessing
Lake
226
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Triaging Detroit
Politics
227
Thursday, December 18, 2008
On Becoming a Septuagenarian
Personal
228
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve Reflections & Aspirations
Personal
229
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Ringing in the New
Politics
230
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Global Warming: Is This Really A 'Debate'?
Environment
231
Friday, January 9, 2009
Are You Ready For Some Football?
Sports
232
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Football Blues
Sports
233
Friday, January 16, 2009
Greenways: Keeping the Process Honest, Equitable & Public
Greenways, Politics, Sunshine
234
Monday, January 19, 2009
Lake Whatcom: Questions about Proposed Private Road
Lake, PlanningGrowth
235
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Inauguration: A Few Thoughts
Politics
236
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Greenways: Are We A Unified Community Or A League of Single Interests?
Greenways
237
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Greenways: Wishing Does Not 'Make It So'
Greenways
238
Friday, January 30, 2009
Serious Business in Seattle
Personal
239
Sunday, February 1, 2009
America: A Fair to Middling Place
Politics
240
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Jim Webb's Great New Book
Personal
241
Monday, February 16, 2009
Presidents Day Observations
Politics
242
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Obama's Home Foreclosure Plan
Politics
243
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Stimulus: Show Us The Money
Politics
244
Friday, February 20, 2009
Gristle: Excellent GMA Article
PlanningGrowth
245
Sunday, February 22, 2009
America: A Place You Can Rant!
Personal
246
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Greenways: Lies, Damn Lies & Plain Levy Language
Greenways, Politics, Sunshine
247
Friday, February 27, 2009
A Remarkable Week
Politics
248
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Eschewing Obfuscation & Espousing Elucidation
Annexation, Greenways, Politics, Sunshine
249
Monday, March 2, 2009
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Part I
Budgets, Taxes
250
Friday, March 6, 2009
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Part II
Annexation, PlanningGrowth, Taxes, Water/Sewer
251
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Part III
PlanningGrowth, Taxes
252
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Parks: Their Care & Feeding
Lake, Parks
253
Monday, March 9, 2009
Lake Whatcom: Reservoir or High Rent District?
Lake, PlanningGrowth
254
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March Madness & Gladness
Humor, Sports
255
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Picking The Top Teams
Sports
256
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Lake Whatcom Water & Sewer: Want Fries With That?
Lake, Water/Sewer
257
Sunday, April 12, 2009
T-Party or P-Party?
Politics
258
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Whatcom County Planning: An Oxymoron
Annexation, PlanningGrowth
259
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Local Politics: One Tough Profession!
Government
260
Thursday, April 16, 2009
On Piracy
Government
261
Friday, April 17, 2009
Census 2010: Honest Count Or Partisan Issue?
Census, Government
262
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Polarization: What Does It Mean & Who Decides?
Government
263
Monday, April 20, 2009
Pirate Economics & Social Contracts
Government
264
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Making Government More Effective & Less Costly
Government
265
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Executive Sessions: Necessary Secrets Or Inconvenient Law?
Sunshine
266
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Waterfront Redevelopment: A Grecian Flat Earth Day Theory?
Waterfront
267
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Library: Contingent on Waterfront Redevelopment?
Library, Waterfront
268
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Calling A Charade A Charade
Environment
269
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Waterfront Redevelopment: Are Circadian Rhythms To Blame?
Waterfront
270
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Whatcom County Budget Deficit: Surprise?
Budgets
271
Thursday, April 30, 2009
How Swine Flu Is Transmitted -OR- How Lipstick Gets On A Pig
Humor
272
Sunday, May 3, 2009
A Name Tag That Says 'SURVIVOR'
Personal
273
Monday, May 4, 2009
Library: Facts or Attacks?
Library
274
Sunday, May 10, 2009
It's Local Election Time Again
Elections
275
Monday, May 11, 2009
HamsterTalk: Labels
Blog
276
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Olympic Pipe Line 'Incident': Personal Reflections
OlympicPipeLine
277
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
'Politics Without Principle'
Elections, Politics
278
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Politics: What Kind of Science?
Government, Politics
279
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
California: Terminal or Just Normal?
Budgets, Government, Politics, Taxes
280
Saturday, May 23, 2009
WRIA-1: Wasted Resources or Important Asset?
Environment, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics, WRIA-1
281
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Budget: FAST or Famine?
Budgets, Government, Politics
282
Monday, May 25, 2009
Citizenship: Pen Versus Sword
Citizenship, Government, Landlords, Neighborhoods, Politics, Sunshine
283
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Waterfront Redevelopment: Changes in the Wind?
Budgets, EconomicDevelopment, Elections, Environment, Government, LEED, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Taxes, Waterfront
284
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Leopold: Barbers of B-Ville
Humor, Personal
285
Thursday, June 4, 2009
WAL-MART: Hate to Say 'I Told You So', but....
Budgets, PlanningGrowth, Taxes, WAL-MART
286
Friday, June 5, 2009
Growth Management: Choosing Our Sprawl & How To Pay For It
Budgets, Elections, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Taxes, WRIA-1
287
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Economic Development: Why Not Combine City & Port?
Annexation, EconomicDevelopment, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Waterfront
288
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Olympic Pipe Line -Versus- Lake Whatcom Reservoir
Elections, Lake, OlympicPipeLine, Politics
289
Sunday, June 14, 2009
More Library Volleys
Government, Library, Taxes
290
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Center For Watershed Protection: Helpful Articles
Environment, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Water/Sewer
291
Monday, June 15, 2009
Local Labor Boss Issues 11th Hour 'Warning'
Budgets, EconomicDevelopment, Government, LivingWage, PlanningGrowth, Sunshine, Taxes, WAL-MART
292
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
TRANSFER OF DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS: Can They Work?
Environment, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, TDRs
293
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Draft Sewer Plan: Perpetually Unfinished Business
Annexation, Budgets, PlanningGrowth, Water/Sewer
294
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Population Forecasts: Numerology or Just Mind-Numbing?
EconomicDevelopment, Government, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
295
Saturday, June 27, 2009
On Kings & Things
NEWS
296
Monday, June 29, 2009
A Tale of Two Cities: Role Models for Bellingham?
Citizenship, Government, LEED, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
297
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Cheap Versus Free
Citizenship, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics
298
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Toolkit Complaint
Citizenship, Government, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
299
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Healthcare & Walmart
Citizenship, Government, Healthcare, Politics, WAL-MART
300
Monday, July 6, 2009
Triple Bottom Line: What Does TBL Mean?
EconomicDevelopment, Elections, Environment, Government, LEED, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Waterfront
301
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Politics: Paleontology & Palintology
Elections, Government, Politics
302
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Budget Reporting: Whatcom County's Home Charter Mystique
Budgets, Elections, Government, Politics, Sunshine
303
Friday, July 10, 2009
Climate: Global Warming, Local Anomaly or Normal?
Environment, LEED, Sunshine
304
Saturday, July 11, 2009
On Neighborhoods
Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth
305
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Healthcare: Simple or Complicated?
Government, Healthcare, Politics
306
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Gloom, Despair & Agony on Me...
Humor, Personal, Politics
307
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
“The Ship the Nazis Had to Get”
Personal
308
Friday, July 17, 2009
Under Promising & Over Delivering
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics, Sunshine
309
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Blue Dogs & 'No Hogs'
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Healthcare, Politics
310
Friday, July 24, 2009
More on Healthcare: Knowledge as Truth
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Healthcare, Politics
311
Friday, July 24, 2009
Port: Populist Instrument or Bete Noir?
EconomicDevelopment, Elections, Environment, Government, Politics
312
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Lake Whatcom: Is TMDL a Waste of Time?
Citizenship, Elections, Environment, Government, Lake, Politics
313
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Water Meters: It's About Time
Government, Politics, Water/Sewer
314
Monday, July 27, 2009
HamsterTalk's 2nd Birthday
Blog, Government, Politics, Sunshine
315
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
The Gorilla
Humor
316
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Famous Pig
Humor
317
Thursday, July 30, 2009
On 'Town & Gown' Issues
Government, Landlords, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
318
Friday, July 31, 2009
Lake Whatcom: How Does Your Garden Grow?
Citizenship, Environment, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Water/Sewer
319
Saturday, August 1, 2009
August: Getting Started on the Right Foot
Citizenship, Environment, Government, Lake, Personal, PlanningGrowth, Water/Sewer
320
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
N.O.A.A: Crying In Our Beer?
Elections, Government, Politics, Waterfront
321
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Healthcare: The Status Quo Has Got To Go!
Healthcare
322
Friday, August 14, 2009
Entertainment: Pulp Fiction & Port Sport
EconomicDevelopment, Elections, Government, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Sunshine, Waterfront
323
Monday, August 17, 2009
Healthcare: More Heat Than Light?
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Healthcare, Politics
324
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Potpourri Of News: Port Primary & County Growth Management
Elections, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Waterfront
325
Friday, August 21, 2009
Healthcare: More Perspectives
Government, Healthcare, Politics
326
Friday, August 21, 2009
Humor: Genealogical Convolutions
Humor
327
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Parks: Woodstock Farm & Inspiration Point
Greenways, Parks
328
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Three Topics: Healthcare, Climate, NOAA
Environment, Healthcare, Waterfront
329
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Growth Management: An Exercise In Futility?
Annexation, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Waterfront
330
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Waterfront Redevelopment: How Long Can You Tread Water?
Waterfront
331
Monday, August 31, 2009
Library: From Top Priority To Something Less
EconomicDevelopment, Government, Library, PFD, Taxes
332
Monday, September 7, 2009
More on Cake Baking
Government, Healthcare, Personal, Politics
333
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Library: Consolidation Via Deus Ex Machina?
Government, Library, NEWS, Politics
334
Friday, September 11, 2009
On Peak Oil
Energy, Environment, Government, Politics
335
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Local Politics: 25 Reasons?
Elections, Government, Politics, Stormwater, Water/Sewer, WRIA-1
336
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Bellingham's New Transportation Commission
PlanningGrowth, Transportation
337
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fairhaven Highlands: Entertainment for Silly Season
Government, Greenways, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
338
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fairhaven Highlands: DEIS Summary Findings
Government, Greenways, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Sunshine, Transportation
339
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Chartreuse?
340
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Healthcare: Trick or Treat Time
Government, Healthcare, Politics
341
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Endurance & Politics
Elections, Government, Politics
342
Saturday, December 12, 2009
County Council: Who Would You Appoint?
Elections, Government, Politics
343
Monday, December 14, 2009
Affordable Housing Toolkit: Inclusionary Zoning
Government, Neighborhoods, PlanningGrowth, Politics
344
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
US Healthcare: Big Tent or Big Top?
Government, Healthcare, Politics
345
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Hallelujah, Halleluyah and Alleluia!
Healthcare
346
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
County Council: Appointment or Disappointment?
Elections, Government, Politics
347
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Welcoming 2010
Personal
348
Friday, January 8, 2010
Lake Whatcom: Little Ducky Duddle's Fault?
Elections, Environment, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Politics, Reconveyance
349
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Lake Whatcom: Fiddling with Phosphorus
Environment, Government, Lake, PlanningGrowth, Politics
350
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Healthcare & March Madness
Healthcare, Politics, Sports
351
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Cycles & Recycles
Blog, Government, Lake, Landlords, Parks, Politics, Waterfront
352
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
BP's Deja Vu Squared
Energy, Environment, Government, OlympicPipeLine, Politics
353
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
What A Difference 238 Years Make
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics
354
Friday, August 20, 2010
History: A Zero Sum Game?
Citizenship, Government, Politics
355
Monday, August 30, 2010
Individual Rights & 'Right Things To Do' Aren't The Same.
Citizenship, Government, Politics
356
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Caveat Lector & Voter!
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics
357
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Elite Or Effete?
Government, Politics
358
Monday, November 1, 2010
For Whom Will The Polls Toll?
Elections, Politics
359
Thursday, December 30, 2010
The Trouble With Liberty?
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics
360
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Politics, Popularity & Priorities
Budgets, Government, Politics, Taxes
361
Saturday, January 1, 2011
New Year's Jabberwocky
Government, Politics
362
Monday, February 28, 2011
Ill Fares The Land
Citizenship, Elections, Government, Politics
363
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Those Thrilling Days of Yesteryear...
Coal, EconomicDevelopment, Energy, Environment, PlanningGrowth
364
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Budgets & Policy: Tomorrow's Just Your Future Yesterday
Budgets, Government, Politics, Taxes
365
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
BLOG INDEX
Blog
366
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