In case you don’t recognize her name, it’s Sherril Huff who is running the King County Elections Division. Her charge?…
These are tough times for governments, especially local ones that provide the types of services that touch the everyday lives…
It seems rather fitting somehow that I wrote my first column of 2008 in the middle of a record 14-inch…
Some people we rely on a lot for our well-being. Police officers and firefighters come to mind. They’re here to…
I like the snow just as well as the next kid. But as I age, I find my patience is wearing thin. Enough already.
Merry Christmas!!
2008 has been an eventful year for the Renton Reporter and for the City of Renton. Both are working hard to withstand these tough economic times and both have bright futures.
Renton is at the center of the Puget Sound region and, I like to think, the Renton Reporter is at the heart of telling the story of Renton and its people.
I was heartened to see that Sherril Huff has decided to run for her current job as head of the county Elections Division.
From the old classic, “White Christmas”: “When I’m worried and I can’t sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep. And I fall asleep counting my blessings. When my bankroll is getting small, I think of when I had none at all. And I fall asleep counting my blessings…”
The King County Council recently adopted the 2009 budget. It was the toughest budget in recent memory. A $93 million hole was filled by making tough choices, but the worst is yet to come. On top of these historic cuts, the King County executive estimates that 2010 will bring another very large deficit. King County leaders must start working on reducing expenses now to have an impact on the 2010 budget. The budget was balanced using the executive’s proposed “life boat” strategy. Executive Sims proposed to fund some programs for six months, while he lobbies the Legislature for a new tax increase to fund general government services.
What a mess.
RTC swimming pool important to health
Democracy happens when people vote. It’s a sacred duty and those who watch over our elections need to do so with a deep commitment to keeping the process pure.
Recently there has been some concern raised by businesses about the Renton Reporter’s impending change from a twice-weekly publication to once a week. Let me assure you that this in no way minimizes our ability to reach our targeted audience. Combined with our Web site, which is gaining in popularity, we will be able to provide another media choice.
Let’s see.
Renton Technical College plans to close its swimming pool on Jan. 1, ending the water aerobics fitness program. I am one of more than 80 individuals who use the pool at least twice weekly and rely on this activity as an important tool for my health and wellness. It has specifically lowered by cholesterol levels, aided in weight loss, reduced work-related stress, provided muscle toning and is a social activity as well.
I’ve written before about how I want my state legislators and Gov. Christine Gregoire to use some common sense when it comes to navigating our way out of this economic “Bermuda Triangle.”
I have to say I have some very mixed opinions of all the new Renton school-zone, red-light cameras. I definitely agree that speeding through school zones during school hours is a very dangerous and irresponsible act. Matt Cottum, a childhood friend of mine, was killed when we were in third grade back in the 1980s. Unfortunately, Renton is not using these new speed zones near schools, such a Talbot Elementary and McKnight Middle schools, to save such incidents.
Each day seems to bring another grim report about the nation’s economy and Main Street’s ability to cope with the greatest financial upheaval since the Great Depression.
Change is inevitable. In fact we are hard-wired to adapt to changing conditions in our environment. If not, well, we…