Letters to the editor for April 30

Rejection of Regional Fire Authority

Now that the voters have overwhelmingly rejected the Olympia-Tumwater Regional Fire Authority (RFA), the post mortem and finger pointing will surely begin. It would behoove both cities to take a step back and ask average residents why voters rejected the proposal.

Since public safety services, i.e. fire and police, along with quality of life services such as parks, are all funded through general tax dollars, mainly property and sales tax revenues, maybe a Regional Parks District similar to Tacoma’s Metro Parks should be considered. This district could include Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey and Thurston County.

The cities should clearly explain the reasons for creating these districts and the impacts on individual taxpayers. For instance, will there be efficiencies from consolidating management positions, equipment purchases and maintenance? What would be the projected financial impact on the individual taxpayer, who would have to pay property tax and any fire authority charges or parks district taxes? If the majority of the fire department calls are for emergency medical services, what is the rationale for basing the fire authority charges on square footage of buildings?

Perhaps, in the future, both these measures need to be placed on the ballot at the same time, so that the voters have a chance to assess them together, against the impact on their pocket books.

Subir Mukerjee, Olympia

OSD’s irresponsible budget proposal

Headlines have declared that kids’ mental health is in crisis. It is appalling that the Olympia School District has chosen to respond to this dire situation by cutting programs that are so beneficial to students’ well-being: music and nature.

A simple Google search yields countless articles touting the lifelong benefits of learning to play an instrument as a child, including improved focus, persistence, problem solving, creativity, and teamwork — skills that will help young people beyond music.

The cost and scheduling challenges of enrolling multiple children in private lessons are prohibitive for many families. It is difficult to imagine that OSD cannot find a better solution than restricting access to instrument training to wealthier families.

In a similar vein, restricting CISPUS to a day camp punishes the kids who need a nature immersion experience the most: kids whose parents cannot afford an overnight camping trip.

Again, a Google search yields articles reiterating the ancient wisdom that connecting with nature is good for one’s well-being, and facilitates a deeper commitment to the planet’s well-being. It is difficult to imagine that OSD cannot find a better solution than eliminating a program that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, yet only addresses 0.5% of the budget shortfall.

This budget is an opportunity for the OSD Board to practice the values it preaches. Protect children’s mental health. Do not cut access to music and nature.

Kelly Dougherty, Olympia

We can clean up our city

Hello, fellow citizens. I have been getting more and more disheartened by the ongoing filth, garbage and debris on our city streets! Never have I experienced such disregard for the rule of law! It’s not about color, creed, political persuasion, income, or anything else. It is happening because it is allowed to happen. The filth is shameful, a health hazard, unsightly and just plain embarrassing.

Here’s the plan: It’s up to us now, we the citizens/homeowners, to take on this job. We can do this! Each one of us can begin to clean up the perimeters of our properties once or twice a week. Even when I take a bike ride or walk, I often keep a bag and wipes with me so that I can pick up debris. Also, some of us can make or purchase some really bold “Please Do NOT Litter” signs and get them posted in our neighborhoods.

We can either continue to drive by the messes, or choose to get our streets cleaned up! If not us, who else will do it? Let’s roll up our sleeves and set the right example. Spread the word and we can begin to take pride in our communities again!

Mary Jane Somnis, Olympia