Letters to the Editor, Sept. 23
Harbaugh a proven leader committed to making a difference
I’m a retired old guy. My wife and I have grandchildren in four of the schools in the Peninsula School District — from elementary through high school. It’s an understatement to say that we go to a lot of school functions — open houses, special programs, school board meetings, games, concerts, plays, field trips. We’re on a first-name basis with many teachers. In short, we’re involved.
And we are absolutely delighted that Leslie Harbaugh is running for board position #4. Here’s why:
Leslie is a proven leader. As a volunteer on the parent district council, she’s shown commitment to making a difference in education in our community. She knows the wide range of issues our district faces, and has good ideas for addressing them. Leslie is not afraid to ask questions or challenge the district to consider the best direction. She always chooses to stand up for what’s right, even under significant pressure.
Leslie is also good at bringing people together to discuss issues and build consensus. She truly cares, and it shows in everything she does.
Please join us in making sure that her voice will be a part of moving the district forward these next years.
Joe Kempston
Gig Harbor
City residents want to be represented, not chaperoned
Last spring, with the exception of two members, the City Council voted to allow Restaurants 2 and 3 in the Waterfront Millville District. Ninety citizens, 68 of whom lived in Millville, signed a petition asserting their desire to not see the ordinance adopted. The supporters of the ordinance did not conduct a similar petition. Nonetheless the majority of the City Council reasoned that the signers were irrational or motivated by pure emotion. Whatever weight these council members gave to residential concerns, they gave more weight to specific members of the business community.
Most certainly our council is filled with very intelligent and well educated people. But do their individual capacities to reason obligate them to supersede the opinion of residents? Should not the council represent residents rather than their own voices which reflect only a sliver of the whole community? Were the petition signers persuaded that the Council’s decision was right? I think not. Residents want to be represented, not chaperoned.
The business community is a stakeholder and deserves to be heard like anyone else. But my concern is that the city (if not already) will be run like a guild. Individuals will meet in private rooms, some elected, some not, and decide the direction of our city. This is not true leadership.
This election season I’m endorsing Ken Malich and Jeni Woock because they have pledged to represent the will of the people no matter what that is.
Cyrus Jackson
Gig Harbor
Woock committed to preserving the charm and character of Gig Harbor
My wife and I have lived in the Harbor for 27 years. Over this period of time, we have seen a lot of growth in our area, some good and some not so good. The decisions to support this growth have been placed in the hands of our City Council members. Over the past few years, many key decisions have reflected a disconnect between the City Council representatives and those of Harbor residents who put them into office.
This is where Jeni Woock comes in. Why? Jeni Woock has been tireless in her efforts to represent the people’s interest in the Harbor. I’m sure some of the existing City Council members would like to see Jeni Woock pack her bags and go somewhere else; however, Jeni is a bull dog when it comes to getting the “whole story” on significant issues effecting the Harbor’s growth. Jeni is totally committed to preserve the charm and character of our Gig Harbor.
Lastly, is everyone here in the Harbor pleased with the traffic issues/conditions resulting for all the positive growth we are seeing? Where do you think all the endorsements for approval of this growth come from? Jeni Woock will not favor growth based upon funding from any specialty interest groups in lieu of the citizens she represents.
Vote for Jeni Woock!
Chuck & Sue Thompson
Gig Harbor
Abbot would bring strong leadership to City Council
I am writing in support of Al Abbott for Gig Harbor City Council.
The key responsibility of the city council is to provide leadership on tough issues in Gig Harbor such as making improvement that will relieve traffic congestion and stream-lining the cumbersome permitting and planning process. As a long-time community activist Al has a track record of stepping up to lead on tough issues like these. Al is also on the record for improving and maintaining city parks, building a Community Arts Center, and finding a permanent home for the world-class Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Club.
If elected, Mr. Abbott will bring strong leadership to council. That’s why I strongly encourage you to support Al with your vote.
Randy Spitzer
Gig Harbor
GUEST SUBMISSIONS
The Peninsula Gateway accepts guest columns up to 600 words and letters to the editor up to 250 words. Priority consideration is given to those who live on the Gig Harbor or Key peninsulas. Letters and columns should be submitted by 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to the next publication. The Peninsula Gateway reserves the right to edit for space, style and potentially libelous material. To submit a letter or column, email gatewayeditor@gateline.com (preferred), or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, 3226 Rosedale St., Gig Harbor, WA 98335.
This story was originally published September 25, 2015 at 9:36 AM with the headline "Letters to the Editor, Sept. 23."