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Re: More layoffs ahead as Island County faces a $1 million deficit - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:22:32 -0000

We all agree that we are in living in serious economic times. I manage a business in the private sector. Basic economics tells us expenses < revenues. I am all for having county services. However, I agree with froggirl. I equate running the county to running a very large company. If you do not have the funds to run your company, cuts have to be made. I think "trimming the fat" is froggirl's way of saying that there are always ways to cut expenses. Laying employees off is only 1 option. I feel that the county officials have a tough road ahead of them. I too, am having to make tough choices. I can't raise my prices for fear of reprisal and loss of even more business. My company has layed employess off, cut employees hours, and reduced internal costs by "trimming the fat". In other words, we are conscious of EVERY dollar being spent. It would be nice to raise fees and taxes everytime I needed more money to run my business. However in the real world where people are struggling to survive, this just isn't possible.

Re: More layoffs ahead as Island County faces a $1 million deficit - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:10:49 -0000

I know I got the point. It seems that the counties timing is wrong. If "they" are missing out on fundings due to undercharging fees, then that is something that should have been addressed a long time ago. If I miss bid a project and do not collect enough to cover the cost of a job, then I have a "loss job". It is up to me to make sure I am collecting or charging the correct prices or fees. I know the county can only collect the fees that they are authorized to charge, (either by commissioners or voters choice) but when everyone is struggling to make ends meet both privately and commercially, it seems like the wrong time to say." We haven't been collecting what we should have and now we may need to collect what we should have been collecting all along."

Step up, be a citizen of your county, and pay YOUR share of the fees. This statement that keeps getting thrown around kinda bugs me. I currently pay every fee or tax levied by the county and do not grumble when doing so. I am a citizen and I pay. I don't understand the inuendo that I am not a "good" citizen if I don't agree with the fee increases or that I don't already pay my share. What makes this country amazing is that we can all agree to disagree. But when personal attacks or inuendo start than that is different. We all look at things from different view points.....income, gender, age...just to name a few. I may never be able to convince you of my beliefs and you may never convince me of yours. So all we have left are opinions........

Re: Driving lesson ends badly - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:46:54 -0000

What I would love to see are proper driving techniques being used by all ages. An accident can be called that when it is truely an accident. Cell phone talking, blackberry meetings, make up application, book reading.....are all things that I have seen happening while driving in Freeland. I am sure there would be more examples of distractions in more populated areas. There are a lot of distractions just trying to dodge other drivers entering or exiting the Freeland Post Office. I have had several accidents or my fault car crashes in my 25+years of driving. Most came when I was under 21. Maturity makes a huge difference.......and I don't claim to be a Saint when driving now. I don't understand how reading a book while driving makes any sense. I have a nice recliner for that. Just my thoughts

Re: Police surround home in Matt Hasselbeck's neighborhood - Bellevue Reporter

whidbeyislander — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:51:18 -0000

I think I might have a famous neighbor that the press can write about if a crime happens in my neighborhood.....It is nice to know that Matt is safe for the upcoming football season. Gee, what happened to the barricaded man?

Re: Despite budget crisis, Island County elected officials to get raises this year - South Whidbey Record

whidbeyislander — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:45:35 -0000

I am glad that I am not a county employee right now. Each month, I would be worried that I will be laid off. Now, I hear that a lot of people above me are getting raises. Did I just get kicked in the stomach?
How dare the Commissioners, clerks, treasurer, coroner, and other upper government officials, even consider accepting a raise and hide behind a 1994 vote. Do the right thing; show your employees that they matter too.

Meanwhile, since I am not a county employee, all I have to worry about is being laid off. I am blessed.

Re: Despite budget crisis, Island County elected officials to get raises this year - South Whidbey Record

whidbeyislander — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:04:27 -0000

No brains....what a statement..... That is the beauty of our country. We can all have opinions. I didn't attack you because you didn't agree with mine. Ask a county employee who has been laid off how he feels about your comment.

Re: Despite budget crisis, Island County elected officials to get raises this year - South Whidbey Record

whidbeyislander — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 12:14:56 -0000

I would like to clarify one thing. My comments aren't to describe what is wrong from a Democrat or Republican side. This issue of budget shortfalls transends all parties. Like it or not, we all are in trouble. As a community, state, and nation. Government needs to stop it "normal" way of doing things and open their eyes to the fact that we are out of money. Pet projects (both sides are guilty of this) need to stop. Let's spend the money on basic things, food, shelter, and education. This is what will make our country strong now and in the future. Bridges, pretty side walks, and parks are nice, if we have the money. We don't so lets get back to basics and fix the root of the problem before we move on to optional projects. Now, some will say, building a bridge will put people to work. Yes it will, but only a handful. This is not a time for every government official to stand there with their hand out trying to fund their hometown pretty sidewalk project. Meanwhile people are struggling at their current jobs and wondering when they will be unemployed.

Re: Homola proposes new tax - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:42:14 -0000

Here we go again.......Stories of county woes......This is called real life in the private sector. WE, the american people, are all struggling. We can't hold out our hand and say give me more. I guess the county feels that they can. I guess I can give up 4 pizzas a year.....this is funny. Commissioner Homola must feel that we all have extra money just burning a hole in our pockets. I agree that 4 pizzas a year is a small amount. But we all know that this is only a small part of what will be proposed in the up coming months. Don't hide behind the dough and cheese.......and tell your county employee that you just laid off that it will only cost them a pizza or 4. Oh ya, they can pay that out of their unemployment. Enjoy your raise......maybe you can buy a piece or two of the pizza you are selling.......

Re: Homola proposes new tax - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:44:10 -0000

I agree with what you are saying. It is time though, for all people to step back and see what is happening. We can't keep the current level of accustomed services when there isn't money to fund them. There are basic differences between the beliefs of the "major" parties. Taxing someone who is suffering is not the way to stimulate them to spend more money. The reps and all other officials are going to earn their money. There are serious decisions to make and they aren't going to be popular ones. However, we elected them to do a job and now it is time for all to come together and figure out how to do as much as they can with nothing. In my business, I have had to cut and trim expenses because there isn't funding to do everything that I had money to do in the past. I don't like it, but I had to do it. Government is faced with the same situation. Their default response seems to be to raise taxes. When your cupboard is bare, you can't give anymore.

Re: Despite budget crisis, Island County elected officials to get raises this year - South Whidbey Record

whidbeyislander — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 19:14:51 -0000

Unfortunately you are choosing to attack me instead of giving me an idea of what you believe. I guess you haven't seen the stimulus package and all the officials’ personal pet projects that are in it. If you would inform yourself to that information maybe you would better understand my point of view and not make yourself look rude when you call me brainless.

Re: Homola proposes new tax - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 20:13:04 -0000

I thought I was agreeing with you......I sit on a fence. I am not a Democrat nor a Republican. I know it took both to get us into the situation that we are in. I am commenting that it will take good people that need to make tough decisions to do what is necessary to clean this up. Cuts versus increased taxes. The point that I was making was that it can't be solved with an influx of more money. That is masking the problem and will blow up in our faces later. I agree that when services are cut, people are going to be upset. We have lived a very good life and have many things to be thankful for. But now in serious times, we may need to rethink what is essential and what is fluff.

Re: Despite budget crisis, Island County elected officials to get raises this year - South Whidbey Record

whidbeyislander — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:34:38 -0000

Bridget,
You convinced me. I really didn't get it until your last post. I change all my past thinking and idealogy because of your wealth of information. I am sorry I didin't see it and change sooner. I now truely believe................You are rude! Have a great day and bring something to the table if you want to chat with me again.

Re: Despite budget crisis, Island County elected officials to get raises this year - South Whidbey Record

whidbeyislander — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:37:59 -0000

I apologize to all others that have viewed this thread. I am sorry that I got caught up with someone that chooses to be rude and not bring her ideas of change to the table. I will not engage in such nonsense again.

Re: Snow blankets Whidbey again - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:05:46 -0000

yahoo more snow.......ready for spring.

Re: Despite budget crisis, Island County elected officials to get raises this year - South Whidbey Record

whidbeyislander — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:30:30 -0000

Toasty,
Thanks for offering positive ideas for me to ponder. I am just so frustrated with the entire process. I see people needing so much, government having to borrow, tax, or cut beyond anything that they ever imagined, and then I see some getting raises or personal pet projects being funded, it makes me angry.

Re: Homola proposes new tax - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:35:14 -0000

That is very funny. Unfortunately I don't think they deliver.

Re: Homola proposes new tax - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:52:30 -0000

I hope that everyone understands that there are going to be huge changes to what everyone is used to in the government. Services that they provide are going to need to change and expectations of the public need to change also.

Re: Fan reaches out to 'The Bachelor' star Jason Mesnick - Kirkland Reporter

whidbeyislander — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:02:55 -0000

Vickie....please don't judge all men by the way Jason acts on a reality television show. Some of us don't act like jerks.....well, most of the time we don't.....LOL

Re: Axe to fall June 1 in Island County - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:12:03 -0000

froggirl, When the receptionist gets back to you, will you share with all the location of the real budget?
It might be fun reading.........

Re: Residents demand that historic home be saved - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:21:48 -0000

Yawn.........Everyone seems to know what is best for everyone else. I would like to think that the historic town of Coupeville can remain "unchanged" forever. But alas, it isn't even close to what it was 50 years ago, let alone 100. Everything changes......Rebuilding a house that is rotten might be a great idea. I haven't heard one nay sayer describe how that might happen. The old town is gone and as sad as I am to see it modernized, it is a fact that it will happen. Saving history is fine, but the reality is that it costs money to do so. Who is willing to step forward with enough to save this house? If you can't give enough or raise enough then get off Mr. Clifton's back.

Re: Funding change liberates city art - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:42:22 -0000

Are you kidding? Is Oak Harbor worried about art money? I hope that I am not going out on a limb here but I am sure Oak Harborites are pleased with a reduction in their bill. I love it when Mr. Merriman describes how much a capital project generates for the art fund. This is taxpayers money. Should it be spent on Art when people are losing their jobs? I understand that Art is important. But to be city funded is just plain wasteful. If you are building a sewer treatment plant and a beautiful piece of art is placed upon it, you still have a sewer treatment plant.

Re: An ancient art: Dowser works on Whidbey Island - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:59:50 -0000

This is an incredible thing. I have heard about and doubted its validity. But once I saw it performed, I am a believer. However, the water line was found. BTW....He was off about 3" to the left though.

Re: Patriotic crowd throws 'tea party' in Oak Harbor - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:35:42 -0000

I am so sad at what some people say about others beliefs

Re: Patriotic crowd throws 'tea party' in Oak Harbor - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:47:36 -0000

I think that everyone who posts here should not be so quick to call the rally a joke. Everyone who attended the rally were exercising their Constitutional Right to peacefully assemble. Everyone who criticizes the rally-goers is basically exercising their right to free speech. They are both covered under the 1st amendment. Whether the rally-goers can muster 100 or so or the naysays in this comment area can muster 5 or 6 doesn't matter. We all have our thoughts on what is right and wrong and for the rally-goers to believe enough to get off their ass and participate in something is good. I commend them.

Now, i would like to comment on the tax cut for all....I did get my tax cut. I see that I got $52.00. I am most appreciative of the money. I don't think that it will inspire or stimulate me to go and buy anything of size. I think I will put it in the bank.

Re: Patriotic crowd throws 'tea party' in Oak Harbor - Whidbey News Times

whidbeyislander — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 18:13:58 -0000

I was thinking about some Kraft mac and cheese myself