Differences between Goodman, Nixon
(In response to the Oct. 15 article “Goodman and Nixon tackle character, issues,”) Reporter Kendall Watson should have asked about underlying political philosophy. He would’ve found a huge difference between Rep.Goodman and former Rep. Nixon, instead of appearing to cherry pick issues and answers to enable himself to write “In one of the few differences identified between the two candidates…”.
Good government should be like good parents: they both serve best when they foster growth into independence, by leading their respective charges –- voters, children -– to make their own choices and take their own action toward those choices, rather than making decisions for them.
Nixon, as well as Kevin Haistings and Dino Rossi, all have successfully raised teenagers to adulthood, so they know that promoting growth and enablement instead of dependency is the best service to society. They know that a government that does too much for the citizens cripples and insults the citizens and gives the government harmful power over the voter. Goodman has not shown independence from his party’s habit of doing this. Nixon, Haistings, and Rossi hold a principle and a record of empowering people rather than stealing decision making away from people. They know their job is to tilt the balance of power back to you and me, the people, not hogging it for themselves. Nixon and Haistings will be truly representatives and advocates, not micromanagers or worse.
They also know the other ingredients of good parenting and good governance, in priority: the primacy of creating public safety as the basis for our lives (especially policeman Haistings); being principled, honest, transparent and accountable to us the people; and living within means and budgets, and saving, instead of draining the piggy bank to buy every “good” idea that comes along.
Watson’s article did not ask about the impending deficit and Goodman’s role in it, an inexplicable omission.
When your children’s adulthood is at stake, you know which principles work and which don’t. Vote with maturity and independence for those same successful principles on this year’s ballot: Toby Nixon, Kevin Haistings, Dino Rossi.
~K-Y Su, Kirkland
Goodman cares for environment
I’m a landscape designer, an avid gardener, a Master Gardner emeritus and an environmentalist. Working with plants and the land has given me the chance to know and appreciate the fragility of our environment at a very fundamental level. I know that maintaining the quality of our environment will always require the stewardship of people who “get it.”
When looking for candidates to vote for, I look for leaders who have an understanding of the complex environmental issues facing our communities. State Rep. Roger Goodman is endorsed by Washington Conservation Voters for his 100 percent lifetime voting record in support of environmental issues. From energy efficiency to greenhouse gas reductions to alternative fuels to Maury Island protection, Goodman gets that we must safeguard the environment for the next generation — including my grand-daughter and Goodman’s own young children.
~Sue Moss, Kirkland
I-985 would congest 520
Metro bus ridership is at an all-time high. The attractiveness of this mass-transit option (Initiative 985) is dependant, to some extent, on free-flowing HOV lanes.
The prospect of opening up the 520 HOV lane to additional traffic is worrisome. I-985 will reduce the requirement for HOV use from three to two passengers per vehicle and allow all traffic to use the lanes between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and again after 6 p.m. These hours and minimum passenger requirements will be mandated for all HOV lanes, state-wide.
Putting more traffic in the 520 HOV lanes will make riding Metro and Sound Transit buses less attractive, which will result in more cars on the road. In addition, the idea of a single, state-wide definition of “commute hours” makes little sense. Traffic management should remain flexible by region and be tuned for the specifics of a given roadway.
Please read the bill summary carefully and vote “No” in I-985 to keep HOV traffic flowing on the 520 corridor.
~Ira Worden, Kirkland
I-1029 would discourage caregivers
As the owner of Visiting Angels, an in home care agency, I am keenly aware of the extreme shortage of caregivers. I-1029 will exacerbate this problem significantly. Many of the best caregivers available are those who have limited hours, but a passion to care for the elderly and disabled in our communities.
Our non-medical services include housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, companionship and many other duties that these caregivers are very capable of performing. I-1029 would require these people to obtain 75 hours of training. This is an unnecessary expenditure of time and money. It will discourage many, many people from stepping into an already labor shortage pool. Unfortunately, this reduced supply of caregivers will increase the cost and availability to the elderly and hurt the very ones we are trying to help. Please vote no on I-1029.
Fred C. Bengen
Owner, Visiting Angels
