Disqus - Latest Comments for hbdan

Re: County Council poised to raise garbage rates by 14 percent - Islands' Sounder

hbdan — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 15:56:42 -0000

I'm concerned the proposed rate increase will result in increased illegal dumping of trash in the rural areas of our community. Did the Council fully consider this possibility and the damage to the environment that will result if trash, chemicals, and other debris are dumped in locations where they could contaminate water sources or otherwise end up in the ocean? All the good efforts of those individuals who are working to clean up the waters around the County could be reversed if illegal dumping increases.

Re: Eat a pie, or throw one: Orcas School Board invites community to potluck and discussion about the bond - Islands' Sounder

hbdan — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:48:36 -0000

So far the problem has been described as being one of needing to better explain the bond to the voters. My opinion is that the problem is getting the School Board and the bond supporters to listen to the voters. The voters fully support the school and want what is best for the children, but the voters are saying that there isn't enough money to pay for a new school bond. People are hurting, and many are out of work. Working multiple jobs to make ends meet is already the current situation and the financial plight of individuals and families will be made worse by the proposed bonds. Some will argue that it is only property owners and the affluent among us who will have to pay the increased amounts, but renters also will have to pay more in terms of higher rents charged to them. Senior citizens and others living on fixed incomes will also suffer under the proposed bond because the higher fees must be considered together with the rest of the higher fees and levies approved by the voters; in other words, the fees to pay back the bonds cannot be viewed in isolation. Consequently, I don't view this as a problem of further educating the voters, rather I see it as a problem of the School Board and the Bond supporters not listening to the voters.

Re: Sheriff on manhunt - Islands' Sounder

hbdan — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:07:36 -0000

Hooray for the Sheriff's Department in identifying a suspect! This individual, if guilty, has stolen not only money and other property from those merchants and individuals listed, but the sense of security belonging to the entire community.

Re: A surprise visitor - Islands' Sounder

hbdan — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:54:49 -0000

I'm happy the boa was reunitied with its owner, but It strikes me as irresponsible that the owners did not report as missing to the authorities such a potentially dangerous exotic animal. The release of such an animal into the environment can have devastating consequences on native fauna, pets and small farm animals as is occurring in the Florida Everglades. I'm also concerned that the discovery of such an animal by a person with a weakened heart could have led to tragic consequences. If there isn't a County ordinance controlling such animals in San Juan County, perhaps it is time to consider adoption of such an ordinance, requiring at a minimum the notification of authorities if such an animal is lost and prohibiting the release of such an animal into the environment.

Re: Auditor says county coffers full – for now - Islands' Sounder

hbdan — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:49:11 -0000

I think it is wrong to blame Tim Eyman and voter passage of I-747 for the current financial mess. The truth is that government at the local, state and federal levels must learn to live within their means and not try to respond with taxpayer money to every worthwhile cause proposed by the various interests groups. It is true that there are many needy people and programs that deserve funding, but not necessarily from government using taxpayer dollars. Forcing people to sell their homes because they cannot afford to pay their property taxes is not the solution. Goverment leaders must get back to the limited role of government intended for government by the founders of this nation and not look to their time as elected leaders as the opportunity to reward their individual constituent groups or "pet projects' with taxpayer dollars.

Re: Real estate market expected to take life once consumer confidence rebuilds - Journal of the San Juans

hbdan — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:13:42 -0000

The article discusses the price of homes, but does not discuss the price of land. Is the price of land falling to the same degree or more?