Letters to the editor -- July 14

• Published July 14, 2008

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Build high-rises elsewhere

The Olympian endorsement of the Triway proposal to rezone the land between the Capitol Campus and Budd Inlet, allowing the construction of high-rise commercial and residential buildings, treats the city of Olympia as though it is just another commercial center.

It is not.

It is the state’s capital city, a site carefully chosen by early legislators for its central location and natural beauty of river, waterfront and surrounding hills, providing superb vistas of waterfront and mountains to the north.

For the city government of Olympia to adopt the Triway plan as the way to solve the city’s growing pains would be to turn its back upon our forebears’ vision of the capital of the Evergreen State. This is a short-sighted proposal, concocted by a developer for his enrichment and for the benefit of a privileged few. They would preempt the city’s choicest remaining view land and grant tax breaks for 10 years, estimated to be worth $9,500 per inhabitant for every condominium residence.

Granted, the city should benefit from more downtown residences and businesses. However, better use could be made of the choice land between the capitol and the waterfront. High-rise buildings, whether commercial or residential, should be located at other under-utilized locations in the city, not on this choice land.

The city’s long-term prosperity lies in its favored location, natural beauty and the very fact that it is the capital city. It was short-sighted to allow the one high-rise building and most agree it should be demolished.

Robinson Williams, Olympia

School board members will be missed

I am so sad to read that Bob Shirley and Russ Lehman have left the Olympia School Board.

These men have often been the questioners of the status quo, the voice of the parents, and the pragmatic hands that acknowledge all aspects of school life.

O Captain, my Captain! You shall be missed.

Ellen Rice, Olympia

Clean up the planet by retrieving litter

I am concerned about the amount of trash that I see on the sidewalks and in the ditches of our beautiful city. Many seem to think that the roadsides are their own personal garbage cans, disregarding and breaking the law by tossing garbage out the window of their cars.

Though some people are concerned about the condition that our world is in, they make little effort to help clean up.

My mom always says, “Many hands make light the work.”

I believe that God has given us the privilege and enjoyment of living here and we need to realize the responsibility that goes with it. I ask that people who love our green Northwest not act like an irresponsible teen with a credit card. Watch out! That card will accrue interest and be even harder to pay off.

So try to be an example by picking up and throwing away any trash that you might otherwise walk by.

I find it is very simple. It takes little planning and effort on my part, and it makes the places that I love even more lovely. The time it takes to find a garbage can is small yet makes a big impact.

No one can do everything themselves; it takes everyone doing their part to get things accomplished.

I hope that I have inspired you to take care of your home, neighborhood and city in this practical way.

Elizabeth Pratt, Tenino