Opinion Stories - South King County

Why were lotto tickets marketed to kids in the first place? | Rep. Dan Roach

The Washington State Problem Gambling Web site, www.notagame.org, highlights the seriousness of youth gambling. On the average, it says problem gamblers began gambling at about 10 years of age. It also notes that kids who gamble are twice as likely to use illegal drugs, three times more likely to drink alcohol and to be in a gang fight, and four times more likely to smoke cigarettes and to get in trouble with police.

Hey dude, here are some new laws that certainly will fly

The other day, I thought of a new law that ought to be enacted.

Look, no hands: Drivers need to make right call with cell phones

Hands-free calling while driving is here in our state. It could not have come soon enough.

Feeling patriotic: Take the July 4th quiz

How well do you, your family and friends know your country’s history? Take the following quiz and find out. Could make for some interesting conversations during the July 4th holiday weekend.

King County’s budget crisis – and what it means to all of us

The King County Executive, along with the Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney and judges from around the county, recently revealed that King County is facing a budget crisis of great magnitude.

Unforgettable birthday gift takes wing for woman

At 92 years young, Mary McKean remains part daring, part inquisitive.

With Fred, beauty definitely is more than skin deep

Among the sights I have yet to see is that of a protestor marching in front of the corporate headquarters of Raid, carrying a placard that says, “End the killing of spiders, fleas, houseflies, chiggers, mealworms and cockroaches!”

Recalling a vibrant downtown then, and what it could be now

Coincidence is a remarkable thing – it can lead to great memories and a future filled with hope.

What to do about high gas prices?

Every candidate for president and the U.S. Senate and Congress should be asked the following question this year: “Do you want the price of gasoline to come down?

King Co. council member: Biodiesel costly, risky

This may surprise you. King County Metro is buying a fuel that is significantly more expensive than diesel, may be worse for the environment, may increase local food prices, may lead to global hunger and potentially cost King County more as a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange. That fuel is canola-based biodiesel.

Customers will get what they want from PSE merger

And I thought the weather got people riled up. Going from meteorology to the energy industry put me in stormy seas. Puget Sound Energy, my new employer, is merging with some Canadian pension funds and New York and Australian investors. Until now, I would have thought Canadian pension funds were as alarming as Melba toast, and Crocodile Dundee seemed like a fun guy. New York is another story. But this merger is causing a ripple, mostly due to myths about what it means to you and me and everyone who pays a utility bill.

Forum

City’s tax gets you no matter where you live

Fourth’s weather and other queries

I ask the questions, you give the answers:

Unexpected and unwanted ‘bonus’ in Covington utility tax

The residents of Covington overturned the City Council the first time they passed the utility tax. Many of us were upset when they passed the tax again within a couple of short years. However, this time there was no initiative effort to overturn it. as us citizens probably realized the council was going to do whatever it wanted to one way or another.

Try to avoid boom and gloom on 4th

Fireworks are as much a part of the Fourth of July as Old Glory and Uncle Sam. The problem is they can also damage property and hurt people if used inattentively or through blatant disregard for safety.

Measuring and conserving your energy use is a snap

The great questions I get in my AskAndy@PSE.com e-mail box are one of the things I enjoy most about writing for the Reporter.

Teens put litter bugs to shame

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve seen someone throw litter from a car or truck, I could afford gas a lot easier for my own car.

King Co. councilwoman: Quality of life can continue amid budget crisis

This month, the King County executive, along with the sheriff, prosecuting attorney and judges from around the county revealed that King County is facing a budget crisis of great magnitude. This year alone, we may have to cut $20 million from the $660 million general fund. An additional deficit between $40 million and $70 million is predicted in 2009.

Fireworks show needs some help

Thumbs up to the organizers of the annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Lake Meridian for hanging in there with next month’s extravaganza.

Mattson middle school projects, Reporter issues headed to state archives

Here at the Reporter, we’re proud to say we have something in common with some local students who recently caught the eye of Washington’s secretary of state. Shannelle Cayetano and Alex Hastings can head into their summer break from Mattson Middle School with something extra to be proud of: Their joint history project was chosen from among entries statewide for display at the Washington State Archives in Olympia. Secretary of State Sam Reed, who oversees the archives, formally saluted the pupils and their work as part of 2008 History Day.

Don’t blow off your fingers on July 4

In the classic movie “A Christmas Story,” young Ralphie’s mother warns him about the dangers of BB guns: “You’ll shoot your eye out.”

King County charter: Good ideas vs. naive ideas

For those of you who missed it, the King County Council was in town recently. The council is holding a series of public hearings to gather input as council members consider the recommendations of the Charter Review Commission. The King County charter, which is like a constitution, is reviewed by a group of knowledgeable citizens every 10 years. The King County Council can then decide if it wants to put any of the items on the ballot for public consideration.

Supreme Court's 2nd Amendment ruling is bad news for crows | Angie Vogt

So there’s this funny story that makes the regular repeat rounds among my friends regarding guns, crows and me. First you need to know that I hate crows. They are the spawn of Satan, little more than rats with wings. Their prevalence in the Northwest gave me some pause when we first moved here 15 years ago, as it seemed to be a certain sign of a dark force over the region.

Take a pop quiz on Fourth of July facts

How well do you, your family and friends know your country’s history?

Washington state Democrats hope to ride the blue wave in 2008

Most of the public generally believes the state Legislature can probably do better. However, most of the public also tends to believe their legislators are doing a good job. It’s those legislators from other areas that are the problem. Therein rests the likely outcome for this year’s legislative races. When the votes are tabulated, most incumbents will probably be re-elected and the Democrats will retain comfortable margins in both the House and the Senate.

‘Third places’ enrich life in Federal Way

Where are your third places?

Tasty animals leave blood on humanity’s hands and plates

One sober night in college, a group of us saw a possum scamper in the shadows by our house.

Black conservative invites you to an honest discussion about race

I am a “true conservative.”

White liberal guilt clashes with good policy | Angie Vogt

Some people might be surprised that in the early 1990s, I took a political turn into liberalism. Some interesting conditions were in play that led to my slow and steady adoption of “government is the answer to all our ills” ideology.

Challenge for Federal Way folks: Buy local

Recently, the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce completed its annual membership survey.

Another explosive day is upon us

Many of us will be waking on the Fourth to the opening salvo of gunpowder.

Gearing up for the party of patriotism

Can you spot the sentence that is not contained within our nation’s Declaration of Independence?

State government is micromanaging our rights

Do you see any problem with our state’s ban on smoking in public places? What about Seattle’s prohibition on restaurants using trans fats? These laws may make us feel more comfortable or healthy, but is it the role of government to micro-manage our personal health choices?

What does county budget crisis mean?

Earlier this month, the King County executive, along with the sheriff, prosecuting attorney and judges from around the county, revealed that King County is facing a budget crisis of great magnitude. This year alone, we may have to cut $20 million from the $660 million general fund. An additional deficit between $40 million and $70 million is predicted in 2009.

The budget and Kent schools

The Kent School District Board of Directors, administration, and staff are committed to providing the best educational experience possible to successfully prepare our children for their future.

Kent initiative aims to promote health in city

So what does it really mean to be healthy? Most of us would probably think of a fitness program, or a diet – something that involves losing weight and getting stronger. That, of course, is part of the deal. But if you stop and think, good health is a bigger equation than subtracting inches from your waistline. And if you take one more step back, you can see it involves your whole community.

Why we have Miranda rights

Whenever you watch a crime show on TV or in the movies there is almost inevitably that portion of the program where one of the detectives says, “you have the right to remain silent…” It means the cops have got the goods. It creates dramatic finality and seems to suggest that the bad guy is headed for the Graybar Hilton for a long, long time.

Dog was ugly to the bone, but a sweetheart | Pat Cashman

Is foreign ownership of Puget Sound Energy good or bad for consumers?

And I thought the weather got people riled up. Going from meteorology to the energy industry put me in stormy seas.

Covington utility tax hits non-Covington residents | Public Forum

I share Gary Wigle’s frustration with the new utility tax (June 26, “Unexpected and unwanted ‘bonus’ in city’s utility tax”). I, too, was surprised to find an added surcharge in my Verizon bill for the Covington city tax. I am even more angry and frustrated because I don’t live in Covington. I live in unincoporated King County, but since I have a 98042 zip code, Verizon is charging me the utility tax.

Fourth’s weather and other queries

I ask the questions, you give the answers:

Unexpected and unwanted ‘bonus’ in city’s utility tax

The residents of Covington overturned the City Council the first time they passed the utility tax. Many of us were upset when they passed the tax again within a couple of short years.

Try to avoid boom and gloom on 4th

Measuring and conserving your energy use is a snap

The great questions I get in my AskAndy@PSE.com e-mail box are one of the things I enjoy most about writing for the Reporter.

Teens put litter bugs to shame

If I had a dollar for every time I’ve seen someone throw litter from a car or truck, I could afford gas a lot easier for my own car.

King Co. councilwoman: Quality of life can continue amid budget crisis

Fireworks show needs some help

Thumbs up to the organizers of the annual Fourth of July fireworks show at Lake Meridian for hanging in there with next month’s extravaganza.

Mattson middle school projects, Reporter issues headed to state archives

Here at the Reporter, we’re proud to say we have something in common with some local students who recently caught the eye of Washington’s secretary of state.

A time to cheer Renton grads, passage of school bonds

Hundreds of Renton teens are waking up this morning after one of the most exciting days and nights of their lives – high school graduation. OK, maybe some of them will wake up this afternoon. But the sentiment is the same, following Friday’s day of commencements. For them, it’s the end of 12 years (and maybe 13, if they went to kindergarten) of education that will lead to a college career or directly to work.