Thumbs up to Jeremiah Laufasa as the Juanita High School senior and future Husky took second at the state wrestling meet recently.

Thumbs up to all the Kirkland athletes that competed at state in various winter sports.

Thumbs up to the State DOT for offering $10 in toll credits for drivers wishing to buy the Good To Go! pass for the 520 bridge early.

Thumbs up to state Rep. Roger Goodman for spearheading a bill that could prevent sex-crime defendants who represent themselves from directly questioning their accusers in court.

Thumbs up to the completion of the downtown Kirkland Transit Center and having bus service back to its regular schedule.

Thumbs up to Sharon Rodman, who the Kirkland Council recently recognized for receiving the “2010 Outstanding Professional Award” from the Washington Native Plant Society.

Thumbs up to the new development on Lake Street, including Milagro Cantina.

Thumbs up to the Lake Washington Technical College students who helped provide $45,000 in free dental services to the area’s low-income children.

Thumbs down

Thumbs down to the State DOT for the difficulties with the sign up section of its Web site for the Good To Go! passes. Many people reported problems with the security question and password section this past week.

Thumbs down to the geo-technical firm for not notifying residents before crews took soil samples in Big Finn Hill Park last week. The Kirkland Fire Department, Fire District 41 and King County should keep the community better informed as it moves forward with plans for a potential fire station at the park.

Thumbs down to the school busses that park in front of the Kirkland Performance Center and block drivers’ views. It is great to have local students visit the center, but buses should park in the parking lot and out of the way.

Thumbs down to those who follow lock step the talking points of one political party and do not take time to research their subject. The Republican Party is simply trying to extend the current tax rates for everyone. That is no tax cut; it is not taking any money from the federal government. It is only maintaining current rates.