The article, "City to add school zone speed cameras at two more sites" (Kent Reporter, July 31), brought to mind a very disturbing experience I had regarding the speed zone cameras at Sunrise Elementary School.
At the last City Council meeting I was encouraged to hear that a ban on fireworks will be brought to the Kent voters in November.
Why is it that Kent (city officials) can create committees for City Council/mayor pay analysis and recommendation about a fireworks ban - should be a no-brainer - but there was no such committee to decide on the fate of the (Riverbend) Par 3 golf course?
Having recently moved to Kent, I cannot say that I know anything about the mayor (Suzette Cooke) or her way of running the city.
Regarding: "Kent gets $717,255 grant to help with Green River flood protection, salmon habitat" (Kent Reporter, July 17):
I hope I am getting this straight. We need a petition filed, requiring 8,361 registered voter signatures to put Mayor Suzette Cooke's 35-percent raise on the ballot; and these are voters who pay taxes to fund that raise.
Regarding: "Stop the whining, enjoy fireworks" (July 17, Kent Reporter):
After reading the thoughtful and spot-on letter from Carrie Stark, I find it a shame that the Kent Reporter had to publish the opposing letter from Perry Sobolik.
As former legal counsel for a state agency I had the opportunity to work with Bailey Stober.
According to the Kent Fire Department Regional Fire Authority call report recently released, there were 136 fire related calls for the entire week of June 28-July 4.
Well, we survived another July 4 and the Kent City Council still has not banned fireworks. Thank you.
Recently Washington state passed legislation directing all marijuana tax revenue away from any community that has banned legal pot shops.
We live in Microsoftland. Hurray, now Amazon is in the 'hood with its huge footprint in the Kent Valley.
Regarding July 4 excesses and the Kent City Council's oblivious handling of the issue:
What genius decided not to ban fireworks in Kent? The last three hours on the Fourth of July sounded like a war zone with bombs all around my property.
My friends and neighbors in Kent are fed up with the city of Kent for allowing fireworks.
My agenda is not to defame the mayor and City Council. I believe they do a fine job of it on their own. Their actions or inactions speak louder than opinion letters in the Kent Reporter.
It's time for a new mayor. Our current elected official is too busy to be bothered with the little people of Kent. I send one email, and guess what I get? No response.
On the city of Kent's website, the City Council page says "...members of the Council are dedicated to protecting the interests of their constituents."
My wife and I think that we in the USA celebrate one of our most important holidays with an unfortunate traditional activity.
