Disqus - Latest Comments for keystonekop

Re: Maple Valley City Council approves door-to-door sales ordinance - Covington & Maple Valley Reporter

keystonekop — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 23:20:06 -0000

Let's see, Maple Valley council says strangers have a Constitutional right to trespass on my property under the guise of selling me something I don't want. Now, to be fair, this is a stranger certified by the local government.

It only took them 18 months from notification to address this issue. I wonder what the driver is that it got done now.

I'm pretty sure I have some Constitutional rights.

Wait, wait, it's coming to me.

Ah, yes, there it is! The Second Amendment contained within The Bill of Rights under the Constitution of the United States of America.

I also retain the right not to deface my own property with "No Trespassing" signs.

Re: State legislators face moral budget choices ahead | Ryan Ryals - Covington & Maple Valley Reporter

keystonekop — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:58:56 -0000

Dang, Ryan, your picture on the front page of the electronic version! Congrats!

I thought you were going to take this in a different direction. I saw a news clip of how mad the governor was when the voters spanked her ideas the last round. She made her threats rather early.

The legislature and governor have a vast array of things they can cut. So, your article begs the question, why are they choosing to cut from those who can least handle it? I think I know. I think they are going to make things as uncomfortable for the voters as they possibly can. This will drive the population to want to pay taxes in order to fill the void they created. In the end, the legislature and the governor will get all their pet programs with voter approval and as a side benefit those less fortunate will be provided for. Their goal hasn't changed. They are only playing the game with the new rules the voters provided. They still intend to win the game by running a game on us.

The only answer really is to vote out the incumbents to send a message that this isn't what we want. The voters sent a strong, powerful message and they still aren't hearing it.

Re: A solution for public safety in Maple Valley | Ryan Ryals - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 22:08:09 -0000

What an interesting response. I'm not sure, standingupforthem, whether you are speaking from a position of anger or fear, but let's step through some of this.

Nowhere did I say I was against raising this tax. What I commented on were the lame excuses we continually hear. I really don't care how much or whether another city is paying utility taxes. I don't live in another city. I only care what, if anything, I am paying for the pleasure of living in MV. I find the comparison completely ridiculous and we hear it time and time again. They could've at least used something new like...hey, Renton is raising their utility tax 24% and we're only asking for 3%. Of course, I wouldn't care what the fine citizens of Renton have to pay either.

Whether or not the council "made out fine" is yet to be seen. The dust hasn't settled and this is off point. Yarrow Bay is very slippery. What Ryan brought up was the fact the city wouldn't need to raise the tax if we didn't have the lawyer bill. Poor city management caused the lawyer bill by missing a filing deadline.

I have no standing with the city council of BD and addressing them would serve no purpose. As a citizen of MV, I rely on the city to engage in regional issues on behalf of all of us. Of course, I did engage with Yarrow Bay, but understand they don't care. What would be ideal is if MV city council would stop doing business with Yarrow Bay altogether. That would impact Yarrow Bay's pocket book and that is the only thing that would get their attention and have any hope of stopping their bad corporate citizenship.

Nowhere did I see that citizens would have an opportunity to vote on this issue. The council will hold a hearing and then likely decide to raise the tax or not without a vote of the citizens. In fact, what I acknowledged was that I would use 3% less in utilities so this would have no net impact to my life.

Please get a stronger grip on the world. Or, perhaps some reading comprehension classes would improve your understanding of those around you.

Re: A solution for public safety in Maple Valley | Ryan Ryals - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:23:02 -0000

Didn't we just hear this same argument for something else? Didn't our utility tax get increased recently? This sounds familiar somehow. If it goes to 6% this time, I think this argument is over. Well, until next time. This is government, after all.

As to the attorney fees for the Black Diamond debacle, wasn't it the city of Maple Valley that dropped the ball in filing some paperwork, shooting themselves in the foot, and then incurring said attorney fees?

And, I duly pledge to use 3% less in utilities so my household budget won't break and we can put all the bad people in jail. Hey, what about a marketing plan to convince all the bad people to be good?

Re: Third Black Diamond council member steps away from The Villages and Lawson Hills hearings - no quorum - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 20:07:18 -0000

1. Yarrow Bay has succeeded in one thing clearly. They have divided an otherwise great community, pitting neighbor against neighbor. They are forcing their agenda on a city that obviously is not in overwhelming agreement this development is what is best for the city. An ethical company would not pursue such a divisive situation.

2. Yep, I'm in Maple Valley and am very afraid just as pepsi100 suggests.

3. I love magic. Three councilors recuse themselves and there is no quorum. Magically, their biases will melt away and they can come back and play now.

4. Since the majority of councilors have bias, put it on the ballot and let the people decide. Oh, wait, this is WA where they don't listen to the people. Silly me. I forgot about the "temporary" suspension of I-960 already.

Re: Asking questions about unhealthy school lunches - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 22:07:06 -0000

Bravo! Priceless! School board look out in the coming elections, I think there is a candidate in the making here.

Re: General election brings change as voters oust incumbents in Maple Valley, Black Diamond - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:16:45 -0000

I think Mr. Allison will be well served to understand that when 46.76% (as of 11/20) of the voters voted against him he does not have a mandate. The voters really said maybe you can do this and we'll be keeping a sharp eye on the situation.

Re: Rational reasons for school levies and lattes - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:45:31 -0000

I appreciate the sentiment. I'm sure my situation is no different than many others.

This forum is limiting. I'll shoot you email on your plain talk FB site, hopefully tonight. I am in school all day. There are free options that I doubt are being explored. This happens to be one of my areas of expertise. In my past, I have supplied an entire school district with free computers. I can certainly pass you the particulars, but it will remain to be seen whether Tahoma wants an alternative, assuming it can happen here.

As for a world view, I have lived in (not just visited or studied) many places in this world. I have visited many others.

Make no mistake, Tahoma's goal is a permanent levy. They must first set up the political will by making the populace feel guilty (it's for the kids!) and dribbling it out two years at a time (hey, it's only two years and then it will expire!). After they've done this for about ten years, they will ask for a permanent levy. I've seen this many times before.

They simply are going about this all wrong.

Re: Rational reasons for school levies and lattes - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:01:42 -0000

I never was a latte person, so that new math is meaningless. I like that we all have extra money. Please tell me where to look. My job is four months gone. Perhaps if you will use your extra money to make my mortgage payment, I can have extra money too. Or, perhaps I would be better served just keeping the foreclosure buzzards off an extra month. As long as you don't look at the individual bristles, it is convenient to paint with a wide brush.

Re: Mayor Laure Iddings deserves respect - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:58:52 -0000

Was it management or leadership when she threw her hands up and voted on the City Council's move with the comment she simply wanted to move forward rather than voting her conscience? Please reference Dennis Box's reporting on this meeting because it was conveniently left out of the official meeting minutes.

Re: Bill Allison offers new leadership for Maple Valley City Council - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:16:32 -0000

Ravensdale? Really? You have a vote in Maple Valley? Oh, please do share. If not, just keep your opinion in Ravensdale, eh?

The Council is a transparent, accountable, public part of government. Mr. Flynn is (after he is elected) one vote out of seven. It is laughable to think he would be corruptly making money with these checks and balances. Since you are in this country, I would like to think you support this country's form of government and its checks and balances. Please, while you are explaining how you get to vote in Maple Valley's election as a resident of Ravensdale, include the proof of your currently unfounded accusations.

The tavern issue is in the past. Yes I'm very glad it's gone and thankful Jim's mom was able to part with the place she raised her kids. Let's move on, shall we? Remember, Mr. Allison's platform is that he's a forward thinking leader, though it's in the wrong direction, at least let him attempt forward progress instead of looking over his shoulder to the past.

Re: Leadership change needed on Maple Valley City Council - Covington & Maple Valley Reporter

keystonekop — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:01:56 -0000

Let's see if I get this right.

Don't vote for Mr. Flynn because he has council experience and all his businesses benefit Maple Valley through tax revenue.

Vote for Ms. Jonas because she has council experience. Wait a minute, isn't that why we're not supposed to vote for Mr. Flynn?

Vote for Mr. Allison because he has no council experience and all the tax revenue his businesses generate benefit cities outside of Maple Valley. Hey, wait a minute, that doesn't sound right. Talk about conflict of interest. Or, maybe it's lack of interest.

Vote for Ms. Weaver because she has council experience. Uh-oh, here we go again with the Mr. Flynn thing again. Is experience and community involvement good or bad?

I'm confused.

Your letter just got a "D" for clarity and persuasiveness.

Re: Keep your eyes open!

keystonekop — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:22:51 -0000

I would say you put a sign in all the good spots and every spot in between and then added a few. I don't recall seeing so many signs before. You certainly have outdone everyone else. Combined!

Re: Maple Valley's 2010 budget shows things could look better - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:37:22 -0000

70 building permits this year is 70 too many. This Council has chosen to build without needed infrastructure improvements. I wonder where all that "transportation impact" money went. They have admitted this is an unsustainable adventure. Councillors, if you want so badly to build something perhaps try widening some roads and fixing failed intersections and getting some business in here to diversify the tax base.

We are in a recession and you want to put more on the backs of the residents because it's the easiest change. Thanks, Mr. McCarthy! Oh, sure, it's only one percent on utilities what the heck! Our pockets aren't empty yet, so there must be more for the city. This way you don't have to fix the underlying overspending problem or the problem with creating a budget on the ability to sell building permits until there is no more open land. You're not sure what you'll do next time, but you sure could further increase this tax (after all Covington's is higher!) or come up with a new way to further fleece Maple Valley residents.

The Council chooses to spend money rather freely even though they are already in a deficit. You have to just love the decision making process on moving City Hall. Live within your means like the households you are supposed to be representing. A number of folks are underemployed or out of work altogether. Any increase is inappropriate. People are going out less, cutting back on cable bills, etc. We are setting the example for you, dear Council. Shouldn't you be leading the way instead?

I'm not sure why we should care what Covington is doing. Many states have an income tax. Should WA and Maple Valley also implement one of those just because they need revenue and other states are doing it? Uhm, BTW, other cities and states are hacking and slashing their budgets.

Why don't you just close the golf course restaurant since it is a large, continuous drain on city finances? Leave the golf course open since it's a money maker.

How about voluntary memberships to support Lake Widerness and other parks? I'm sure you can be creative and have membership include one reserved site per year or other such perk with the rest of the membership fee going to help support the parks.

Be creative people! Necessity is the mother of invention! We keep hearing the same old stuff out of this Council. But, November is getting closer every day!

Re: Maple Valley City Council votes to move City Hall after heated debate - Covington Reporter

keystonekop — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 18:35:33 -0000

I can't help but be reminded of grade school and a "do over".

The smart thing to do would've been to table this and gather more relevant data. After accurate data gathering, make an informed choice based upon facts and then vote. If the space is on a month-to-month lease, paying for one more month while gathering data would make no difference in the larger scheme.

I am not for or against moving. I am simply appalled at the process that was followed. The Maple Valley Council makes themselves a laughing stock for their rudimentary efforts at running this city. Please put away the crayons and do a better job.

I am speechless that the mayor threw up her hands just to move on. It seems she didn't care in which direction the city (HER CITY!) moved.

I am laughing at your pathetic efforts and not laughing with you...