Opinion - Vashon-Maury Island Beachcomber

Vashon health services should align with our values

The prospect of a Vashon Health Center controlled by Franciscan Health System calls to mind the significance of the Reformation and the Enlightenment in freeing individuals from religious tyranny. The Reformation claimed the right of people to read and interpret scripture for themselves; the Enlightenment established our freedom to reject religious authority and to base our conduct on our own moral reasoning, rather than the dictates of a central authority.

Volunteer: Our boards needs talented people

As I’m nearing the end of my two-plus terms on the Vashon Park District board, I urge good-hearted, intelligent and hard-working islanders to consider running for a seat on one of our elected island boards. The school board, the park board, the fire board and a patchwork of other island districts have positions open for the fall 2013 election.

Big bank on a small island | Editorial

On left-leaning Vashon, one would be hard pressed to find a fan of big banks. This is why we suspect this news that Bank of America will close in the fall was met on the island with mixed reactions last week.

Healing as a community | Editorial

In February, an editorial in this very spot in the paper reflected on how Vashon had been hard hit by three recent deaths of young people — Palmer Burk, India Castle and Ryan Krug. It’s hard to believe that just three months later, we’re adding another name to that list. While the death of 20-year-old Samantha Burkart is certainly a tragedy in itself, many islanders are noting that it also seems to cap a shocking and inexplicable string of deaths of islanders in their teens or 20s.

Park district elections: Consider running

Fresh perspective will help provide needed balance

At 94, one mom still works the crowd like a comedian

Plan has created a chance to reach out to liveaboard | Editorial

As the saying goes, there are two sides to every story. A good newspaper strives to get both sides, but sometimes in reporting a story, one side can elude us. This is especially true when that side lives on the water.

Financial support for schools remains crucial

We’re raising money for the public schools. Again. But this year something feels different. You may be wondering why we still need extra money if, according to the recent State Supreme Court decision, our state government must now fully fund K-12 education. And certainly money couldn’t be a real issue because we’re building a beautiful new high school, right?

Guns sell fast in an impulse-driven culture

Quick sells and poor impulse control are a deadly combination

Vashon residents are working to create a ‘culture of ecology’ at schools

Vashon Island School District’s board is leading our community to a brighter and healthier future as we are forging a “culture of ecology” in our schools.