Opinion - Renton Reporter

Voting is under way for key school measures | Our view

The countywide turnout for this February’s Special Election is estimated at about 38 percent. That’s not bad, but we would sure like to see many more voters sending back their ballots to show resounding support for Renton’s schools.

Take this chance to hear about how to use library building | Our view

We would like to highlight an important open house in Renton on Feb. 15. That’s when the public will have a second chance to offer its ideas about possible uses for the former city library over the Cedar River. It’s now known as the Liberty Park Library Building.

Don’t balance the budget on backs of tribal culture | Billy Frank Jr.

I’m starting to wonder if the state’s budget problems mean it will no longer be able to co-manage natural resources with the treaty tribes. Even President Obama has said recently that the state’s budget crisis is a “huge problem.”

Renton needs to take hard line in north Renton | Our view

Right now, Trophies Bar and Eatery in north Renton is under a magnifying glass. It’s a high priority for enforcement agents with the Washington state Liquor Control Board. And the Renton police officers have made dozens of calls there in the 18 months since it opened.

Renton schools deserve voters’ support Feb. 14 | Renton Reporter Editorial

Renton’s voters are being asked to help ensure their kid’s present and their future when they decide the fate of two levies and a bond measure Feb. 14. Renton residents have always been generous toward their schools and have been rewarded with remodeled elementary schools, improving graduation rates and some big-time awards.

Small Business Administration looking at new ways to improve its services

Every January, Americans look ahead with the desire to start the New Year with fresh ideas and hopes to improve. The U.S. Small Business Administration is doing the same thing – regularly meeting with lenders and resources partners to get feedback on ways to improve our loan programs and services. And, this past year the SBA engaged more than 150 community lenders in all 50 states to provide comments on ways that the SBA’s CAPLines Program could work more effectively for both SBA lenders and small businesses, as this program has been underutilized.

Are you doing anything special for The End? | Tish Gregory

I no sooner got my new 2012 calendar on the wall, when my brother asked me, “Are you prepared?” “Prepared for what?” I asked. He replied, “The end of the world on Dec. 21, 2012.” I checked my pre-printed calendar to see if it was marked as a special event for 2012 - for surely something of that magnitude would be mentioned. But it wasn’t.

Renton schools raise bar, deserve community support | John Galluzzo

As a local business owner and 2011 past chairman of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, I understand the importance that a quality education system has on the vitality of a community, its children and its importance in attracting and keeping businesses and families, as well as its positive impact on property values which benefits all of us. Without a doubt, the Renton School District has and continues to demonstrate a quality track record that makes Renton (and surrounding communities within the district) a place where business owners can look to relocate and tout as a perk to prospective employees.