Letters to the editor

No endorsement

Stay positive and things might improve

Editor, The Times:

Due to the recent negative literature I have received, as well as the negative television spots viewed, I feel it is very important to remind those who have not yet cast their vote that it was ruled by the judiciary this past year that it is not illegal to lie about an opponent or an issue on campaign literature or advertisements in the media.

I will not vote for anyone who issues these negative statements, and am disregarding the ads and literature received. I urge others to do the same.

— Laurel Redecker, Issaquah

Your recommendations

Footing City Hall: What we get in return for our vote

Nice article about Mayor Greg Nickels running for re-election ["Nickels says recession put his focus on creating jobs" Times, News, Nov. 3].

It's too bad Nickels remains steadfast in his insistence that a tunnel replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct — despite the outrageous cost and lack of a financial plan — but not in fulfilling the voters' wishes to build a monorail line in Seattle.

It's too bad Nickels remained squarely behind Sound Transit's light-rail project through tough times — when its finances imploded while he was serving as finance chair — but isn't willing to do the same when the Seattle Monorail Project goes through some rough times.

Well, I see the mayor in the brand-new City Hall building, so where's my monorail?

— Michael Taylor-Judd, Seattle

Not executive material

The Times has drawn its line in the sand ["Ron Sims for King County executive" endorsement, Oct. 30], but could have saved time and 400-plus words by simply saying, "We're happy with the status quo, vote Ron," since you've never held Sims' feet to the fire over last year's election fraud or his [stiffing] rural residents on their property rights. Mentioning "slips" now does not make up for that fact.

I think you will find the residents of King County are ready for a change. Sims' capacity is best suited to that of a career bureaucrat where he can effect change through utter inaction, possibly achieving that elusive "accuracy any bank would envy."

— Eric Fisher, Bothell

Irons' flexibility

It's about time King County residents hear about David Irons as a husband, father and community leader, because like it or not, voter decisions are often made from the personal impressions of a candidate.

We've been married for 22-plus years now and I continue to see David as one of the most compassionate people I know. He is the first to volunteer to help a friend or to step up when something needs doing.

I remember when his best friend was missing in the mountains; he organized teams to search Mount Colchuck in the Agate Pass area when the mountain rescue teams needed more assistance.

In another situation, David and a co-worker successfully performed CPR on a man at a public meeting when the man suddenly was stricken by a heart attack.

David also has been closely involved with Habitat for Humanity, both on its board of directors and as a house builder, pounding a hammer himself. He's always the first to roll up his sleeves and help.

Through his work with Rotary, David has done everything from sort food for First Harvest, help special-needs kids race in the annual Soap Box Derby, and organize a cooperative effort to send a truckload of tarps to storm-torn Jamaica.

King County voters need to know that David is a caring husband and father who is striving to make sure we have the best life possible. No one works more tirelessly or passionately than my husband. The county would be lucky to have him as King County executive, and we are willing to share him.

— Debbie Noble-Irons, Sammamish

Landing Gentry

Sometimes I'm ashamed to admit I live in the same state as Seattle, what with its dictatorial government, nazi police and other odds and ends; but seeing this guy, Green Party candidate Gentry Lange, running for King County executive, and actually making headway makes me think there is hope!

— Robert Tice, Vancouver

Depriving that train

It's time for change on the Seattle City Council, which is why I'm voting for Casey Corr.

Council member Jan Drago lost me over the monorail. As City Council president, Drago has used her considerable influence to promote and defend this project at every turn, remaining silent when she should have been first in line raising the tough questions; or worse, advocating on its behalf when all the warning signs were right in front of her.

I'm supporting Corr with no hesitation. Why? Because I know this about Corr: He is thoughtful. He listens. He is honest. He has ideas that will improve transit, education and public safety in our city. He will work hard to find real solutions — affordable solutions — to the challenges in front of us.

Corr worked for years as a journalist in this town, proving that he is a fair, intelligent watchdog for everyday people. He will bring this dedication to work for us at City Hall.

Above all, I know Corr will protect our collective pocketbook, which, in the wake of the monorail mess, is the leadership we need today more then ever.

— Ellen Smith, Seattle

Woman at the wheel

"Port race hits home, really" [Local News, Oct. 30] refers to Pat Davis as the status quo. A Port Commission comprised entirely of white males is the definition of "status quo."

The King County Women's Political Caucus has endorsed Davis because of her capable leadership, including her support for apprenticeship programs that serve women and underrepresented minorities, and her ability to build coalitions.

The Caucus is one of more than 600 contributors to Davis' campaign, while I note that her opponent has funded his campaign $95,000 from his personal wealth.

Davis is a voice for representation and inclusiveness. The loss of this voice and perspective on our Port Commission would be a giant step backward for the city of Seattle.

— Linda Mitchell, chair, National Women's Political Caucus of Washington, Seattle

The salutary effect

Regarding "Vote "no" on Prop. 1 property-tax increase" [endorsement, Oct. 28]: Clearly, The Times was so caught up in a dispute between two council members that it didn't even look into the merits of the levy. But I did, and this is what I can tell voters, who care more about moving the county forward than infighting among elected officials.

The Veterans and Human Services Levy will generate more than $13 million a year to shelter domestic-violence victims and their children, provide at-home care for seniors, treat and support our returning veterans and those who have served in prior conflicts, fund after-school and mentor programs for kids, and more.

Some of the best legislation comes out of compromise, and this is no exception. It marries veterans services with human services, recognizing the natural connection and cost-savings when the two work together.

King County residents care about each other. Anyone who reads the voters guide knows that voting Yes on Prop. 1 is the right thing to do.

— Mayor John Wise, Enumclaw

Gasoline ally

This newspaper has urged careful consideration of Initiative 912. A closer look proves I-912 is bad for Bellevue. It would cancel several projects already slated to improve the flow of traffic in our city.

Downtown Bellevue needs the new interchange funded by the Legislature at Northeast 10th Street and I-405 to connect an expanding Overlake Hospital with the rest of the community. We must add new lanes to I-405, including a fix to the choke point at Highway 520.

Investing in these projects is the smartest way to get us where we need to be today — not to mention 10 or 20 years out.

Thousands of people depend on access to and through downtown Bellevue as it continues to evolve as a vibrant and livable urban center. A vote for I-912 is a vote for the status quo: congested and unsafe highways — and higher costs down the road.

Voting no on I-912 is the right move for the future of Bellevue and the Eastside. We've done enough planning. It's time to start building our future.

— Leslie Lloyd, president, Bellevue Downtown Association

The road to permission

Let us now consider the recent history of interactions between the voters and the Legislature: The voters voted against a tax package to build a workplace for millionaires. That vote was overridden by the Legislature. Millionaires can now play lucrative games on the taxpayers' nickel. Voters overwhelmingly voted against gas-tax increases. We are now subject to higher gas taxes.

Voters, the Legislature might impose higher gas taxes even if Initiative 912 is approved, but we should test the thesis that it will do again what it has done in the past. Vote yes on Initiative 912, and see your governor and Legislature come up with ways of dissing you once more.

Or encourage them to ignore what you say again. You can do that by voting no.

— Eric Tronsen, Seattle

Hulks' downfall

Turning ugly green

Regarding Editorial Page Editor James Vesely's "Trash talk II: moving the mountain" [editorial column, Oct. 3]: The number of people who are willing to litter along roadways and the amount of litter are both disturbing.

What also disturbs me here within the Seattle city limits is the number of people who keep old cars with expired plates and park them on their property just to sit there as deteriorating hulks. These give our neighborhoods a Tobacco Road look, which is depressing to those of us who keep our properties in good order.

I am relatively new here (seven years) and just don't understand why the heck the city of Seattle allows such eyesores (and potential fire and other environmental hazards) to exist.

— Carl Tuttle, Seattle

Scooter options

The base model

Just wait. Lewis "Scooter" Libby will get a presidential pardon. No time will be spent in jail for his lies.

He probably already has a job lined up with Halliburton, with a great signing bonus for taking a fall.

It's a great presidential administration.

— Stefan Feller, Auburn

Stripes included

I bet Scooter Libby will be found guilty [in the Valerie Plame disclosure], either through a plea bargain or a trial. He will be sentenced and go to jail. Then in the great tradition of Watergate, Iran-contra and other government scandals, George Bush will pardon him as he leaves office.

Isn't it grand to be a friend of the prez?

— Dick Swenson, Issaquah

The upgraded line

Sometimes the answers are so easy, we just have to be sure to look.

White House deputy chief of staff Karl Rove becomes Supreme Court Justice Rove.

Scooter Libby becomes President Bush's personal lawyer.

Harriet Miers takes charge of the war in Iraq.

Rep. Tom Delay is assigned duties to clean up the federal government.

What's not to love?

— Jim Innes, Mercer Island

Available only in reverse

Holy cow! Suddenly our friends on the left are fans of perjury indictments and CIA secrecy.

What next, Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., switches parties?

— Roger Trepanier, Redmond