From the City of Kent in a press release dated October 19, 2011 (a letter to the editor of the Kent Reporter):

Dear Editor,

Much has been said, written, implied, and rumored about the collection and use of property taxes by the city. We’d like to set the record straight, not only about those taxes, but to right some false statements made by Mr. Berrios in his letter to the editor printed in the October 7 edition of the Kent Reporter.

In 2010, voters approved the formation of the Regional Fire Authority (RFA). That measure passed with over 70% of the vote. By approving the RFA, voters approved two major revenue changes that appear on your property tax bill 1) a transfer of $1.00 per thousand of assessed value from the city to the RFA and 2) the collection of a new revenue charge called a Fire Benefit Charge (FBC). Both of these changes were in the voters pamphlet and part of the public outreach campaign prior to the vote.

The Truth about Property Taxes

Property taxes are collected by King County and are used to pay for a variety of organizations and services including state and local schools, county services, city services, the Port of Seattle, ferry services, King County Library System, emergency medical services, and Valley Medical Center.

Only a small portion of the property tax we pay comes to our city – 11.2% of the total to be exact.

The property tax revenues our city receives have always been deposited into the General Fund and used to pay for general government services including public safety, parks, streets and other services. They were never transferred from another fund as alleged. Property owners should note that property taxes only cover 25% of the total cost to provide the previously mentioned services.

The remaining costs are covered using sales and utility tax revenues, building revenues and permit fees, which also, have always been deposited into the General Fund. Unfortunately, these revenue sources have declined by $8.4 million since the recession began.

It is clear there is a mistaken assumption that before voters approved the RFA, the Fire Department was funded solely by property taxes. Nothing could be further from the truth. If this assertion were true – if the entire city’s portion of property taxes received were dedicated to public safety – those dollars wouldn’t even cover half of the total cost to provide those services. In fact, in 2010, before the RFA, only $8.9 million dollars of property tax money was used to pay for the fire department. The remaining $15.2 million dollars in their budget came from other revenue sources.

In 2010, the city received $2.36 per $1,000 in assessed valuation to pay for all of the general government services referenced previously. When the RFA was formed, the city gave up $1.00 of the $2.36 previously received, leaving $1.36 per $1,000 assessed valuation to pay for those previously referenced services. That $1.00 dollar equated to a reduction of $11.7 million in property taxes that used to go into the city’s General Fund, which is now collected by the RFA. That is well over the $8.9 million in property taxes that partially funded the fire department in 2010.

This year, due to fluctuation in property values, the county, not the city, set the rate at $1.48 per $1,000 in assessed valuation. This is just the city’s portion of the total property tax bill.

The letter to the editor wrongly asserts that “additional taxes were collected without voter approval.” The $1.00 redistribution from the city to the RFA is a “wash” to taxpayers. The $1.48 still received by the city in property taxes was not “stolen”, “kept” or “taken” as the author claims. That money was, and has always been received and deposited into the city’s General Fund to provide general government services…not to solely pay for the Fire Department. Remember, the city gave up $1.00 of its total property tax receipts. The RFA now receives that $1.00 dollar. At a minimum this was not an “excess collection,” and to say it was “unethical” is unconscionable.

This was never a property tax reduction discussion; it was about a redistribution of $1.00 from the city to the RFA, pending voter approval. Again, voters approved the plan to redistribute the $1.00 from the city, to the RFA by more than 70%.

About the Fire Benefit Charge

Well why is it if the city used to get $2.36 and now gets $1.48 that my property taxes have gone up? A review of one’s property tax bill will show voter approved tax increases and charges to pay for services they deem valuable.

For instance, voters approved bonds, levies and charges to support the Kent School District, King County Library System and the Regional Fire Authority.

An additional voter approved charge appearing on tax statements is the new Fire Benefit Charge (FBC). This charge is over and above what was previously billed and collected. To be clear, the FBC is a charge, not a tax and goes directly to the RFA. While we agree it’s confusing that this charge is included in King County’s property tax bills, it is not a tax. That’s why it falls under the “Other charges” category just as the Noxious Weed and Conservation charges do. There is no double taxation here. Voters agreed to transfer $1.00 from the city’s total property tax collection to the RFA. Voters also agreed to be assessed a FBC.

The fact the measure to approve the RFA, including its FBC required a 60% voter majority signaled more money out of our pockets.

Moving Forward…

Mr. Berrios is asking the city to reduce its portion of property taxes collected by $4.9 million. For the owner of a $300,000 home, that would equate to $114 per year. It would not reduce the $1.00 received by the RFA, or the Fire Benefit Charge, also received by the RFA.

That $114 reduction would come at cost; a cost in police services, parks, street maintenance and other services vital to the community.

Declining revenues since the recession began have forced reductions in every area of the city budget. Since 2009, 90 employee positions have either been eliminated or left vacant and programs have been cut.

The suggested $4.9 million cut translates to between 60 and 70 additional employees losing their jobs, causing even further reductions and elimination of programs.

We understand the public is typically eager to cut government spending, and government employees for that matter. At the same time, the public insists on a strong police force, streets without pot holes, sidewalks in good repair, snow removal, parks and teen programs, neighborhood councils and even the lunch program at the Senior Center. The city employees are the people patrolling the streets, repairing streets and sidewalks and removing the snow. These programs don’t exist without funding, or the employees that provide the services.

The council is always looking for feedback on what you would like to see, or not see in the budget. The next public hearing on the 2012 budget is set for Tuesday, November 15, 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall and we encourage you to come with ideas and suggestions on how to move this city in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Jamie Perry, Council President
Elizabeth Albertson, Councilmember
Deborah Ranniger, Councilmember
Debbie Raplee, Councilmember

Contributed by Candice Boutilier, Torklift Central

Kent City Council designates 1^st Annual Kent Turkey Challenge
Hopes of feeding 1,500 families

Kent City Council will proclaim Oct. 24 through Nov. 17 as the 1st Annual Kent Turkey Challenge.

 The donation drive challenges Kent businesses to compete against each other to collect the most turkeys and canned goods to donate to the Kent Food Bank.

“This year we learned the Kent Food Bank would not be receiving the funding they relied on to give our families a memorable Thanksgiving meal,” explained Torklift Central Vice President Jack Kay. “They feed up to 1,500 families for the Thanksgiving holiday.”

 To help the food bank meet the need, we are challenging all businesses in Kent to collect canned goods and turkeys, he explained. On Oct. 24, we are delivering donation boxes to businesses who would like to participate.

Each business will also get paper turkeys. An employee or customer of that business can purchase a paper turkey for $10. That money will be used to buy one turkey for the food bank. The paper turkey will have the donator’s name written on it and it can be posted in the business.

Each Friday Torklift Central employees will contact participating businesses to find out how many paper turkeys they have sold. All participating businesses will be featured on www.torkliftcentral.com/turkey and the progress of the number of paper turkeys sold will also be tracked there. The Web page will go live on Oct. 17.

“We are also accepting corporate sponsorship of the program,” Kay said. “Those sponsors will be featured on our Web site too. At the end of the challenge, we will deliver the turkeys and canned goods to the food bank and announce the winner. Help us gather 1,500 turkeys for the food bank. If we come together as a community, we can ensure a happy Thanksgiving for our local families.”

For more information or to participate, call Candice Boutilier at 253-299-0076.

As a journalist, I am required by the SPJ Code of Ethics to remain impartial and to avoid getting personally involved with the news or newsmakers. Normally, this isn’t a problem for me since I typically write features, business profiles and other nonessential news pieces. This week, however, it is difficult for me not to speak out on the Amanda Knox case. Though my connection to Knox is insignificant in her story, I feel touched by her and by the news of her acquittal.

I started following the Amanda Knox case much like everyone else. I heard the story of Meredith Kercher’s tragic murder in 2007 in Perugia, Italy on local news. Sadly, such tragedies occur more often than they should so many of us were immune to the news. It was just another tragic and unnecessary death overseas. This story had a local twist though – one of the murder suspects was Amanda Knox, a beautiful, doe-eyed student from the University of Washington. Local news stations covered the story briefly, sometimes interviewing local students and Knox’s family who proclaimed Knox’s innocence. With little to base my opinion on, I presumed Knox was guilty and followed the story from a distance, not seeking out new information or facts in the case.

That changed 18 months ago when I met author Candace Dempsey at a journalism function in Seattle. Dempsey, an Italian American journalist, had written a book about the case titled “Murder in Italy.” After talking with Dempsey, my curiosity got the best of me and I agreed to read the book to form my own opinion. Reading through the first half of the book, I remained convinced that Knox was, indeed, guilty. This wasn’t based on any hard evidence, but rather the feeling that the suspect had exhibited some odd behavior during questioning (e.g., cartwheels in the police station). Granted, these unusual behaviors did not make her a murderess but they were offbeat enough to plant a healthy dose of skepticism.

As I progressed to the second half of the book, however, I quickly reversed my opinion. There was little, if any, evidence supporting the fact that Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito had committed the murder with or without a third suspect. In fact, it is probable that they were not even in the apartment the evening of the murder. According to Dempsey’s detailed research, the investigation was flawed and the convictions of Knox and Sollecito were based on circumstantial evidence. By the time I finished the book, I was infuriated at the injustice of the guilty verdicts and sad for the young couple who would spend a good portion of their young lives in an Italian prison, wrongly accused.

Yesterday those verdicts were reversed and Knox and Sollecito were released from prison after a painful four-year saga in and out of court. Sollecito headed for his Italian home, as Knox made her way back to the United States. As one who is relieved that the truth finally came out, I am happy for Knox and Sollecito and hope they can somehow find peace in their lives after having been wrongly persecuted. Sadly, it seems unlikely. After all, how do you turn two innocent lives upside down, accuse them of inhuman deeds, and callously toss them in prison without a shred of definitive evidence? Initially, I am sure good food, a soft, warm bed and being surrounded by loved ones are probably the first thoughts on Knox’s mind, but she’ll have to face her future with an albatross of a past hanging over her head. I cannot imagine the mental anguish she must be experiencing right now. Her release is bittersweet.

And, of course, there’s the Kercher family. Not to be forgotten in this tragedy, Meredith Kercher will never come home, and her parents will never experience the joy of seeing her again. They only know the pain of a tragic loss and a young life snuffed out much too quickly. Where is the justice for them? Only one convicted murderer, Rudy Guede, remains in prison for the grisly crime and he will be released after serving a 16 year sentence, reduced down from 30 years. Does his imprisonment provide closure for the family?

In this tragic story of murder and wrongful imprisonment, there are no winners. There is no justice.

[Note:  I was so impressed with Candace Dempsey's work and her ability to write about the facts surrounding the case without interjecting her own opinions that I wrote an unsolicited book review on "Murder in Italy." I encourage others to read it to learn more about the Amanda Knox case. I do not receive any compensation for promoting the book.]

Kent residents are invited to learn more about their Police Department starting on April 20, 2011. The Community Police Academy is delivered in a series of classes that offer straightforward, candid information regarding daily and specialized operations of the Police Department, while defing the agency’s role in the community. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m to 9:00p.m and are instructed by department members and civilian experts. There is a one Saturday session which will include tours of the City of Kent Corrections Center and the 9-1-1 facilities at Valley communications Center. After attending the first three classes, participants are also eligible for a ride-along with a Kent Police Officer. Classes are held at the Kent Police/Fire Training Center, 24611 116th Ave. SE in Kent.  A wide range of topics will be discussed to include patrol and traffic enforcement, detective and special investigations, SWAT, canine and other specialized Police functions. Thee will also be instruction on recruitment, hiring and training of Kent Police Officers. There is no cost for participating in the Community Police Academy. It is open to Adults 18 and over and you will need to pass a background check. Applications are available at the Kent Police Department, 220 4th Ave. S or the Kent Police Website at: www.ci.kent.wa.us/communitypoliceacademy. For general questions Please contact Cesi Velez at 253-856-5884.

February 1, 2011

To Whom It May Concern,

I attended the Economic Development Committee meeting held on January 24, 2011, and was pleased that the board is willing to review the Traffic Mitigation fees, as to the effect they will have in attracting new business in Kent.

I do feel however the graphs, showing new investors in our city, to be a bit deceptive.

First of all, Redmond should not have been included. It is not in the same economic situation as the valley cities and it skews the results.

Secondly, without Redmond, Kent would have the highest utility rates due to the exorbitant drainage fees. Kent collects approximately. $1,027,380.00 per month from commercial accounts, $260,000.00 per month from residential accounts, and $29,000.00 from the state just for storm drainage. Of the 1,316,183.94 funds collected each month for storm drainage, business are paying 78% of this amount. If our property were in Auburn, we would pay $249.00 per month. If in Renton, it would be $288.00 per month. Here in Kent, we pay $746.00 per month.

Thirdly, there was no mention of the newly enacted Regional Fire Tax. This new fee for our business is $9,400.00 per year. That amount is hard to afford for us because, since 2008, our business is down 25%. Renton does not have the Regional Fire Tax, so there is no extra charge of this type in Renton.

Also I wonder about the 4.2 million dollars that the City of Kent saved by going to the Regional Fire Authority. Is the monies saved going to defray the expenses or going to hire more employees?

With all these factors, I find it hard to believe any company knowing the above facts would feel welcome in Kent, further hurting our local economy.

If money is needed so badly for roads and storm drainage, why is 25% of the monies collected for these services being spent on a $49,000,000.00 Operational Facility? That the people in this area can ill afford? How much has already been spent on this for Engineering and Utilities? If our roads and storm drainage needs so much repair why is this money used for this new very expensive facility

As a business owner, I strongly urge you to reconsider the TIF and other fees you expect companies to spend to maintain & grow in Kent. In this economy we cannot afford such expenses. Thank you for your time.

Cordially,

Delores Christianson
Owner of Central Avenue Mini Storage (Kent, WA)

Every once in awhile someone will ask me why I love Kent. Sometimes it is someone far away from Washington who has no idea where Kent is or what it has to offer. Other times it is someone who visited Kent long ago and remembers it as a not-so-special place they wouldn’t go back to.

I’ve lived here for five years, but every week I discover something new to love about Kent. Here are 10 things I love about Kent, Washington!

1. People: Despite the fact that Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, it retains its small town feel. Everywhere I go I am greeted with a smile. People in Kent are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. They are open minded, welcoming and good natured.
2. Parks: Kent, Washington has a handful of beautiful-but-small lakes that are serene and peaceful. Most are adjacent to a city-owned park with almost every amenity you can imagine. There are specialty parks as well like Arbor Heights 360 and Wilson Playfields, encouraging outdoor recreation for kids and adults. Some of my favorite parks include Clark Lake Park, Lake Meridian Park, Fennewick Park and Town Square Plaza.
3. Entertainment: There is always something to do in Kent. We have everything here from Kent Station and ShoWare Center to a Historic District and Kent Historical Museum. We also have a wealth of arts programs and school drama programs that provide dozens of performances, plays and other opportunities every year. What’s even better is that many outlets offer free or affordable things to do. Who doesn’t love free?
4. Shopping: Kent does not have a mall, per se, but we have much more shopping than most people know about. In addition to the always-popular Kent Station, there are locally-owned stores like Marie Haggin Accessories, Fig & Feather, Cheryl’s Unique Boutique, Titusville Antiques and more. There are also little niche areas like the “International District” on 104th and the shopping plaza on 104th and Kent-Kangley Road (Joann Fabrics, Linda’s Apparel, etc.) No matter where I go, I can find something special that fits my taste and my budget. See our Shopping page for more stores.
5. Dining: No matter how picky or broad your tastes are, there are multiple restaurants, cafes and diners to suit everyone. For American diner-style food, Maggie’s on Meeker is a favorite. For Thai, I recommend Archa Thai in downtown Kent. For Indian, I love Punjab Sweets on the East Hill. Proud to display its diverse heritage, Kent has a little bit of everything. Visit our Dine page for more suggestions.
6. Diversity: It is politically correct to say you embrace diversity, but not everyone truly does. In Kent, though, I believe we have a diverse population as well as a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We have several areas of town and specific businesses that cater to particular populations (e.g., Indian, Ukrainian, Hispanic, etc.), but we are eager to learn from each other as well. With more than 120 languages spoken in our schools, for example, most schools have English-learning programs as well as International Days where students can share their culture. This year the city of Kent partnered with a group of citizens to put on the 2nd annual Kent International Festival in downtown Kent. As a more personal example, my daughter goes to Dr. Na of the Mountlake Acupuncture Clinic on Central Avenue. He was born, raised and educated in China. When we go for my daughter’s weekly treatments, we exchange stories about our respective cultures. I think we learn as much about Chinese culture as we do about acupuncture and healing!
7. Accessibility: When I say “accessibility,” I mean that people and government in Kent, Washington are accessible to the average resident. I truly believe that anyone in Kent can send an email to the mayor or place a call to the police chief and get a prompt, personal response. I feel very comfortable that are our local leaders are accessible as well as eager to listen.
8. Entrepreneurial spirit: I love the fact that people in Kent, Washington have an entrepreneurial spirit about them. This includes business owners who passionately build their own companies, but also teens and young adults in the area who want to make a difference. People in Kent don’t accept that we have to do things the way they’ve always been done. They say, “I don’t like this. Let’s change it.” One local citizens group, for example, wanted an off leash dog park on the East Hill. Recognizing that the city didn’t have the funds to build one, they created the park in cooperation with the city, raising money on their own and turning their dream into a reality. In another case, a group of teens calling itself Project U(th) formed this summer to create opportunities for work and leisure for their peers. In Kent, we are not afraid to work hard or to pave our own way. We are a spunky bunch!
9. Community pride: Kent has been called many derogatory names over the years, but those who love Kent remain proud of their city. We show up in the thousands for events like Kent Cornucopia Days, Seattle T Birds and Predators’ games and concerts like the Backstreet Boys and REO Speedwagon. We work together to show our spirit and to shout Kent’s strengths to the world. For example, Kent’s neighborhood program brings residents together to solve mutual problems, to beautify neighborhoods and to clean up graffiti. Call us what you want – we will love Kent anyway!
10. Beauty: While I’ve touched on this a bit in #1 through 9, I love the beauty of Kent which includes its parks, lakes and mountain views but also its historic buildings, its public art work and, most of all, its people.

Those are just 10 of the reasons I love Kent, Washington. Tell me some of yours! Post them here or email them to us at iLoveKent.net, and we’ll post them online.

A little over three weeks ago, my 15-year-old daughter Brooke passed out in the First American Title Insurance Company parking lot at 248th and 104th in Kent. We had been shopping at a fundraising garage sale hosted by the title company to raise money to help an employee and family in need. We were touched by their cause, so we stopped by to see if there was something we could buy.

I picked up some paperback books and, while putting them in my trunk, Brooke passed out in front of the parked car, hitting her head on the asphault. This was the fourth such occurrence in three weeks, all without warning. I had kept Brooke home from school – she’s a Kentwood student – the previous two days and kept her by my side every minute…except for those fateful minutes when she fell in the parking lot.

The caring staff and volunteers from First American Title rushed into action as soon as they saw her fall. One of the volunteers called 9-1-1. Another gathered blankets and pillows to comfort Brooke. A third got warm water and clothes to wash Brooke’s face, as we waited for the ambulance to arrive. The EMTs were just minutes away and were on the scene quickly. They took over, but the First American Title gals and their families stayed by our sides ready to help, offering comfort and concern.

That was a scary day for my family, but the help and kindness offered by Trasie Willis, Rachel Major, Marilyn Brown and other volunteers and their families was so comforting. At one point, I started to break down because I was afraid for my daughter. Trasie came over and hugged me until I stopped crying, a heartwarming courtesy for someone she’d never met before.

It has been three weeks since that fall, and Brooke is doing fine. She’s been to several doctors, clinics and specialists since her fall and we still don’t have answers but, thankfully, all of her test results were normal. She’s handled this whole situation with wisdom beyond her years, and she and I both feel blessed at the kindness of strangers…particularly in this day and age when it seems people are so busy with their own lives that they don’t always take time to care.

Trasie and her co-workers and friends reminded me that the kindness of strangers is a wonderful blessing. I will be pay it forward if I’m ever in a similar situation!

Thank you, Trasie and crew, for helping us through a difficult time. You are angels!

Sincerely,

Dana Neuts

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Letter to the Editor, from Darren Motamedy:

Dear Editor,

I love my community of Kent Washington.  I have lived in Kent for over 40 years, and attest to the strength of our schools, not only because I attended Panther Lake Elementary, Meeker Junior High School, and Kentridge High School, but because today I am an educator in the Kent School District.  On February 9^th, we are going to vote on two critical propositions, proposition one and two.  http://www.kent.k12.wa.us/ksd/cr/2010levy/web/index.html The purpose of these levies will be to “maintain” the current status of education for our children at our current tax rate!  By voting yes, we will continue to ensure that our students are technologically savvy in the 21^st century.  By voting yes, we will ensure that our students will continue to have “clean and well maintained classrooms”, after school sports programs, music programs, safety officers, and a highly trained teaching staff that is preparing our students to become our future leaders!

I appreciate what the Kent School District offered me when I was a student.  My teachers taught me the importance of hard work, knowledge, dedication, and the high ideals of contributing back to the society that raised me.  Today, I am a band director in the Kent School District because of the ideals that my teachers instilled upon me.  I see those ideals being met every day in the classroom by observing my colleagues.

I see teachers tirelessly and lovingly instructing students every day.  I see teachers continuing their personal education by taking college classes, master classes, professional certification classes, and national board class to ensure that they are acquainted with the newest teaching techniques available to help their students.  I see teachers helping disadvantaged students by opening their checkbooks to pay for clothing, food, school supplies, and school camps.  Why?  Because they care about the future of our community!

By voting yes on February 9^th, we are adopting the district motto to “Successfully Prepare All Students For Their Future”. Voting yes on February 9^th will ensure our teachers have the tools necessary to “Prepare All Students For Their Future”.  The School Administration, Teachers, and School Board in Kent are united in our quest to build our community, student by student, classroom by classroom, school by school.  Yes means quality education for our children of Kent!  Yes means a positive future for Kent!

Sincerely,

Darren Motamedy

Darren Motamedy teaches 5^th and 6^th Grade Band in Kent and was the 2008 teacher of the year in Kent, as well as  the KCTS Golden Apple Recipient for 2009.

Every year my family drives throughout Kent to eye all of the beautiful Christmas lights and holiday decorations. Last year was a tough year – and we didn’t see much – because the roads were icy. This year, however, the weather is cooperating but, unfortunately, there aren’t many holiday lights to see. I’m not sure what’s different this year – perhaps people aren’t as festive or maybe rising prices and the economy have had an impact. Our drive, though fun as always, was disappointing. Most neighborhoods had at least one house with lights, and some were dramatically decked out, but for the most part, the usual displays were nonexistent.

My vote for best neighborhood in Kent:  Chancellor Crest off of 132nd, between 240th and 248th Streets. Starting with Kensington High, these neighborhoods are very colorful and festive. If you plan on going on your own holiday lights tour, don’t miss this neighborhood.

Also, check out the lights at Town Square Plaza (2nd and Harrison) in downtown Kent and “Alpaca Road” (aka 240th St. between 132nd and 160th).

Does your neighborhood have a particularly interesting display? Post the neighborhood or address here, and we’ll check them out!

Happy Holidays!

~ From the iLoveKent.net family to yours

This report as provided by Jim McGinnis, president of the Kent Community Foundation, a local nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and grants for arts and education programs benefiting the Kent School District and the Kent & Covington communities.

DECEMBER, 2009 KCF PRESIDENT’S REPORT

This month I would like to talk about a program coming up on December 8 & 9 at the Kent Commons. This is the “Game of Life: Attitudes and Choices,” a set of workshops under the auspices of the Kent Police Youth Board which partnered with the Foundation earlier this year for fund raising.

The workshops for the youth include nutrition, underage drinking, relationships, sexual harassment, marijuana use, crisis intervention, financial responsibility, prescription drug abuse, leadership, diversity, relationships with the police, domestic violance, gangs, teen parenting and stress management

Interested Chamber members are invited to monitor any of these sessions during the mornings of December 8 or 9 or the closing celebration from 12:45 to 2:00.

If you or your business would be interested in contributing to future programs like this, you can send those contributions to the Foundation at the Chamber office. They should be made out to the Kent Community Foundation and marked for the “Game of Life/Youth Board.” Monies collected will be used to award grants to these programs

A very Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year to all from the Foundation board members.

Jim McGinnis

Yesterday The Seattle Times endorsed Mayor Suzette Cooke in the Cooke vs. Berrios mayor’s race in the upcoming election, citing her experience and track record as just two of the reasons Kent residents should give her their vote next month.

The editorial column begins, “Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke has earned the Times endorsement with her leadership during her tenure, including reducing crime and empowering neighborhoods. As mayor and former state lawmaker, she is best position her to respond to the risk of flooding caused by the damaged Howard Hanson dam…”

Click here to read the complete column as published on The Seattle Times’ website.

Call me naive but I was taught that candidates in any election should stand on their own merits and not rely on underhanded tactics, mudslinging or smear campaigns to win votes.

Because I work in a home office and I am sheltered from what’s going on in terms of water cooler talk and local gossip, I am always surprised to hear when candidates – or their volunteers – are behaving badly. Last week, for example, word was sent to me that the upcoming mayoral election between incumbent Mayor Suzette Cooke and opponent Jim Berrios is heating up.There are also two contested city council races that could turn contentious.

One side claims the other has started a phone calling campaign to bash the opposition. I’ve also heard that candidates are posturing and otherwise behaving differently than they would in a non-election year, and I’ve seen campaign signs from both signs vandalized, pulled out of the ground or removed altogether.

Regardless of who is behind this behavior, I find it appalling. We are all adults and capable of standing behind our record of achievements, our promises for the future and our commitment to the community. Why, then, must we resort to childish tactics to get noticed or to smear an opponent? Rather than getting me to dislike a smeared opponent, I am more likely to rally against the one who is having the public temper tantrum. That’s not the type of candidate I want to see in office. How about you?

~ Dana Neuts, publisher, iLoveKent.net

Last Saturday my husband and I attended the pre-season opener between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips (that’s hockey for those who don’t follow the sport). I was disappointed in the small community turnout (maybe 300 attendees), but we had a great time watching the game and cheering on our TBirds. The venue was beautiful and our seats were great (Thanks, Libby!), so we had fun.

After hearing the buzz about the TBirds and Silvertips season opener last night, I knew I had to go to the game. Jim was working, so I took my teen daughter to the game after she announced, “I love hockey!” Despite my disbelief, I took her to the game and we were thrilled to see the great turnout. The house wasn’t packed, but the majority of the seats were filled and the community spirit was in the air. We participated in the chuck-a-puck contest and the 50/50 drawing. We didn’t win either, but had a good time trying.

It helped the mood, of course, that the TBirds won 4 to 3, but it was the atmosphere and camaraderie we most enjoyed. It was fun to cheer on our team and, quite frankly, to watch the fans…the disinterested, the die-hards, the Tweeters among us and more. Read the full run down of the game here.

There are 36 home games this season. If you have the chance, I hope you’ll go out to the ShoWare Center to support the team. It is a fun, affordable night out for the whole family…and so close to home!

Go TBirds – you rock!!!

As a parent of a new freshman at Kentwood High School, I am frustrated at the continued teachers’ strike for many reasons, but mostly because I want my daughter back in school. She’s had a great summer, has grown and matured in many ways, and she’s ready to get back to the business of learning, growing and changing. That includes returning to school. Alas, it isn’t that easy if you have kids in the Kent School District. The teachers voted to strike on August 26, delaying the first day of school indefinitely.

Originally scheduled to go back on August 31, we finished our back-to-school clothes and supplies shopping in mid-August. We did haircuts, room cleaning and laundry catch-up; my daughter even practiced waking up early to ensure she wouldn’t miss her 6:55 am bus. We even had a going-back-to-school lunch with another mom and her teen daughters to celebrate the start of school! It is now September 8, and we have no teachers, no school, and no bus. Parents are anxious to return to work or at least to their regular schedules, and kids want to go back to school but it is out of our hands.

Based on what I’ve read and heard, I support the Kent teachers and their arguments and reasons for going on strike. Classroom size and time with students are critical components to a good education, and I admire the teachers for standing up for their personal beliefs at all costs. The KSD, on the other hand, is trying to force the teachers back without an agreement, essentially stripping the teachers of their bargaining power.

At the same time, I see people all around me without jobs and I wonder why we can’t find some sort of compromise. Since that hasn’t yet occurred, I’m asking myself and fellow parents why this negotiation process is so difficult. Is it the mediation team who can’t iron out the details or the parties involved? Is KSD digging in its heels and throwing its weight around, or are the teachers making negotiations difficult? It feels like there other issues that haven’t been publicly disclosed, but if that’s the case, what are they? What are we missing? Did some union rep push for a controversial strike this year, or perhaps the KSD decided that its new administration had to take a hard line?

Without a dedicated media source or unbiased third party involved to focus on and investigate the inside story, it is hard to identify ALL of the REAL issues in this Kent teachers’ strike. Instead, we only hear what each of the two sides chooses to disseminate, and we are left to wonder what’s really going on and when a resolution will be reached. In the meantime, the students are the ones suffering.

Let’s get this strike resolved and get our kids back in school. That’s who we’re fighting for, isn’t it?

For frequent visitors to iLoveKent.net, I apologize for not having more coverage here about the KSD teachers’ strike.  I am at a journalism conference and learned of the news via text message fr0m my teenage daughter. Since then, I’ve been trying to learn ab0ut this issues and, honestly, I don’t think the media is giving the strike – or the items at stake – much play. I’ve been hard pressed to see any unbiased online forum or site which discusses the issues candidly and fairly.

As we all know there are at least two sides to every story and, in this case, there are likely to be as many perspectives as there are items 0n the negotiation table. Parents, students, teachers, the city of Kent, and KSD will all view things differently. The bottom line, however, is that we all want the same things….teachers to feel valued and to be compensated fairly and for students to get back t0 class. There are, of course,  many other issues to consider (class size, prep time, days off, budget c0nstraints), but the goal remains the same.

If you have an update 0r an 0pinion on the subject, post your comments or news here. Let’s start a dialogue to see how we as a c0mmunity can work together to make the m0st of this situation.

In the meantime, here are some links to other places you can go for info. (NOTE:  a number 0f the Google video links I clicked on after a search if the Kent School District strike were bogus, so d0n’t click on any links from sources you don’t know or trust.)

Kent School District

KSD Budget and Negotiation Info

Kent Education Assoc. Blog

Kent Education Assoc

Associated Content

August 18 is King County’s primary and special election date. If you are a registered voter, you should have already received your ballot by mail along with your explanatory booklet. Your ballot will include only those elections pertinent to you, based on where you are registered to vote. For example, if you live in Seattle, you’ll have the opportunity to choose which of your favorite candidates should move onto the November mayoral election. If you live in Kent, you’ll have the opportunity to choose which of the King County Executive and Kent City Council candidates should advance.

As for 8 p.m. on 8/11/09, fewer than 10% of King County voters and fewer than 10% of Kent voters had returned their ballots. Since this is our first mail-only election, those figures are pretty grim. If you haven’t already, make sure to get your vote counted. Fill out your ballot and mail it in or drop it off (for free) at your local library. Nearby locations are the downtown Kent library, Covington library and Black Diamond.

For more information, visit King County Elections online.

Call me naive but it never ceases to amaze me what some people are capable of doing when faced with a little healthy competition. Through a client who I prefer not to name, I’ve learned that another local business is trying to sabotage my client’s good name and reputation. The other business has “shopped” my client, causing an unnecessary scene during the visit and raving about the competitor’s business instead, reporting my client to the state for violations that didn’t exist, and posting a series of bad reviews online. The other business is doing everything possible to make my client look bad.

My client asked me how she could counter bad press, albeit false. Sadly, in a situation like this, there is little a business owner can do except to hold herself to the highest standards and to “play nice” even when others refuse to do so. I know this is frustrating for my client, and she doesn’t deserve this kind of negative attention. Getting into the mud with this other business owner won’t help the situation though, so we’ll hold our heads high and let them give us all they’ve got. We will continue to “play nice” and, at the end of the day, we’ll rest peacefully knowing we put in an honest day’s work.

Dana Neuts

Though I don’t consider myself a diehard coffee drinker – I prefer the “foo-foo” coffee drinks like mochas, lattes and frappucinos – I’ve always loved Starbucks. I was in the Covington Starbucks on Tuesday to meet a client, and I discovered I had left my wallet at home. I brought my laptop, but no cash. Unable to order, I sat down to wait for my client. I didn’t want to tell her what I’d done, so we just started our meeting.

When the barista brought over my client’s drink, she also brought me a full-sized strawberry Vivano “as a sample” on the house. It was such a nice surprise and I really appreciated it, especially on such a hot summer day. Afterward, I went over to thank the baristas behind the counter, and they just smiled and said they were happy to do it. It is hard to find service like that these days, so thank you, Covington Starbucks. I hope to pay it forward soon!

Located on First Avenue South in downtown Kent, Cypriana has added an online store to its offerings. Now you can shop for the same great products – organic bedding & bath products; organic baby clothing, bedding and diaper bags; and brands like DreamSacks, Area and Nandina – at your convenience. Shop at Cypriana 24-7.

Enjoy the great selection of organic and all-natural products that owner Susan Thomas has to offer without leaving home. You’ll be thrilled with your purchases! I’ve bought several items – baby gifts, a bamboo throw and bath products – and every one of them has met or exceeded my expectations. My favorite – my DreamSacks bamboo throw in chocolate brown – luxuriously soft!

Cypriana makes it easy to go green!