I need to reply to a couple of letters in the June 29 issue, about the library.
I am writing to express my support for Steve Bergquist’s campaign for the 11th District’s state representative. Steve’s campaign needs no more acclaim with the huge turnout of support he’s received but I want to explain why my former high school teacher’s bid for office has me so excited.
Join me in voting for the new downtown library located west of the Piazza.
There is no argument from me that the building over the Cedar River is unique and special to the City of Renton. It is a very special building with many needs and possibilities. This building should be repurposed for the City of Renton residents.
The other morning I was awaken by a call from the alarm company servicing our business property. I was told the alarm had been tripped and did I want the police notified. Since our business has been broken into previously, I said yes.
As a longtime Renton, resident I find the arguments against the relocation of the library a continuation of the same old tired themes that have restricted Renton’s development for the past 40 years.
I live in the 11th Legislative District and my son attends Lindbergh High School and was positively impacted by Steve Bergquist. I am supporting Steve Bergquist for the state House of Representatives. Bergquist is a great teacher and coach. He has mentored and motivated hundreds of students to “do their best.” Bergquist had an impact on my son and now he has a great job and a good future ahead of him.
In last week’s paper, Phyllis Forister complained about Renton’s lack of protection for the tress on Rainier Avenue. This is not the first time Renton officials have turned the other way when it comes to protecting large trees. All you have to do is take a look at developments on the East Renton Plateau. Renton is heaven for developers.
I’m very saddened and wondering if business along Rainier Avenue had any input into removing the beautiful mature trees within the last few weeks. I can only guess business would appreciate the tree removal, i.e. gaining improved visibility.
In looking at the plans for the Rainier Avenue project, I don’t see pulloffs for buses to load/unload passengers. This is one of the main problems for traffic problems along Rainier Avenue and just about every bus stop in Renton. Bus loading/unloading pulloffs should be part of every street project. This only makes sense when the streets are all torn up anyway.
I read, with some consternation, a letter by Christina Condelles in the April 6 edition. It would seem that her issue is the relocation of the Renton Library. I believe she has every right to state her opinion as to the location. I am disturbed by her claims and insistence that the downtown area is a hell hole full of crime and shootings.
For several years in the busiest section of the finest park in Renton, the only bathroom is securely closed, all the time year around?
Mothers with small children, seniors who rarely have the time to go look for another toilet, all the dozens of children at the skateboard park, right beside this closed stone structure. On any warm sunny day there easily can be hundreds of people in that corner of the Liberty Park.
I would like to respond to the April 6 letter regarding safety issues at the new library site (“Keep library in a safe place”).
I’m a 30-year resident of Renton. I work in an office that is one block from the transit center next to Renton High School; we can hear the daily announcements from inside the building. My husband and I also live in a very nice neighborhood in Kennydale.
I am writing this letter to encourage everyone to vote yes on the Renton School Bond. You probably received your ballots in the mail this past week for the April 17 vote. The approval of this bond will do a couple of great things for our schools.
What hasn’t been said in all this talk about a new library is the effect it will have on families. I am a mother of two toddlers. Each week we attend library storytime, watch the Cedar River from the bridge and play in the Liberty Park playground. All without crossing a single street.
Last night was the most emotionally charged meeting (Renton City Council meeting, April 2) in which I have ever taken part. From the heartfelt public testimonies to the remarks from my council colleagues – both for and against. As many know, I am a man of few words. After my colleagues had spoken, I had nothing additional to add that hadn’t already been said, so I didn’t comment. I had no idea my silence would be experienced as disregard, and I do apologize to anyone who felt slighted.
Last night was the most emotionally charged meeting in which I have ever taken part. From the heartfelt public testimonies to the remarks from my council colleagues – both for and against. As many know, I am a man of few words. After my colleagues had spoken I had nothing additional to add that hadn’t already been said, so I didn’t comment. I had no idea my silence would be experienced as disregard, and I do apologize to anyone who felt slighted.
I am writing this letter to encourage everyone to vote yes on the Renton School Bond. You probably received your ballots in the mail this past week for the April 17 vote.
The initiative and referenda petitioning process is the publics only tool when elected representatives stray from their responsibilities of accounting for and listening to public opinion.
It is ironic to read that Mayor Law (Renton Reporter, March 23, 2012, State of the City address) is contemplating a tax increase, while the city is still going forward with the library project.
I read Mr. Parker’s commentary (Renton Reporter, March 16, 2012) about the new library being in its new location and want to write and say it was in my opinion an excellently written explanation about this decision.
