Opinion

Reader view: Don’t upzone Grandma from her home

I recently attended a get-together where everyone was in the “senior” age group. Surprisingly, the conversation had two divergent topics – travel now that COVID is “over” and property taxes. Many in the group were very upset by the increase this year in their property tax bill. And, not without reason, those engaged in the…

Letter to the editor: Work vehicles and traffic safety

Editor: Driving in Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace, I have witnessed many businesses demonstrating high standards of traffic safety from their drivers … head lights and tail lights on and proper turn signal distances. Spread the word about these smart companies with smart leadership and Drive Smart campaigns! Prince Telecom Office Depot Got Junk? Greenwood…

Reader view: Who will benefit from House and Senate housing bills? Follow the money

Pending bills in the state Legislature (HB1110/SB 5190) would require many cities to rezone to increase the number of housing units on every single-family lot within one-half mile of “rapid transit” or within one-half mile of an “amenity,” defined as a park or a public or private school. Read more on affordability.Read more on housing…

Letter to the editor: Sign the petition to oppose state housing bills

Editor: Bills were introduced in last year’s legislative session around issues of land use, zoning, and housing.  When these ill-advised bills were defeated, the sponsors said they would be back this year. A half a dozen bills are before the legislature now that are extreme and draconian and that would revamp land use and zoning…

Reader view: Why choose STEM? What you learn will help you in any career

I’d like to introduce you to the wild world of STEM at Mountlake Terrace High School. STEM (also sometimes known as STEAM) stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, (Art) and Math. While I’m writing this for a class assignment, I think you can tell I’m very excited about the program. At our high school, students can…

Reader view: A generous community comes forward

Every Christmas, the Rotary Club of Edmonds manages four gift-giving trees to support the Snohomish County CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates for Children) and the Volunteer Guardian ad Litem (VGAL) program. This long-standing Rotary project allows CASA advocates the ability to provide gifts from generous donors for infants, children or teens who are victims of alleged…

Commentary: Homage counting on community support to help keep area seniors fed

Consider them Santa’s elves and angels among us; dozens of Meals on Wheels volunteers converged this month at Lynnwood-based Homage, the largest provider of services for older adults and people with disabilities in Snohomish County, to ensure one thousand local seniors have a week’s worth of shelf-stable food packages in their pantries. Each week, nutritious…

Letter to the editor: Crossing party lines to vote for Janelle Cass

Editor: Recently, I attended a panel discussion at the Black Box Theatre at Edmonds College on drug addiction and public safety, organized by Janelle Cass, who is running for State Senate, District 21. I was surprised by what I learned from the thoughtful and articulate group of professionals assembled. You may think these issues aren’t…

Commentary: Enough is enough — Bad behavior by coaches, parents and fans must stop

There’s an unfortunate trend continuing in Washington and across the nation that must be stopped: the bad behavior of coaches, parents and fans at high school and middle school athletic events. We’ve all seen it: the yelling, harassing, berating, disrespecting and even physically assaulting referees, umpires and other officials during and after games. And oftentimes,…

Reader view: Supporting Julieta Altamirano-Crosby for county council

I am writing this in support of Lynnwood Councilwoman Dr. Julieta Altamirano-Crosby who is seeking the Democratic Precinct Committee Officer nomination for appointment to the Snohomish County Council District 3, to fill the vacancy left after the resignation of Democratic Councilwoman Stephanie Wright. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Altamirano-Crosby through her volunteering…

Letter to the editor: Supporting Petra Bigea for 21st District

Editor: In the August 2 Primary and November 8 General Election, I will be voting for Ms. Petra Bigea, candidate for Washington State House of Representatives LD 21, Position 2. Petra supports policies that limit government spending, lower taxation, protect individual rights, reduce crime, attract high-paying jobs and end radical indoctrination of our precious children. …

Letter to the editor: Supporting Janelle Cass for State Senate

Editor: As we head into the Independence Day celebration this weekend, I have in the past, typically had a positive outlook on the future. That does not mean that I had no concerns in previous years, but this year feels quite different. This year I find my thoughts regularly occupied with the cost of living, feeling…

Letter to the editor: Marko Liias has been a disaster for 21st District

Editor: Marko Liias has been a disaster for the 21st Legislative District and for the state overall. Too often we focus on national news to the detriment of local civic government. I know I have. But our unique government was created to be close to the people, not overlords and not behemoths. Case in point…

Letter to the editor: Supporting Petra Bigea for 21st District legislative seat

Editor: I have become acquainted with Petra Bigea over several years while I studied government and participated in politics here in the 21st Legislative District. Petra understands the dangers of, and what can happen when, citizens are attracted to the allure of big government. Petra, like many others, believes our rights – even the very basic…

Letter to the editor: Vote for Brett Rogers, Snohomish County Prosecutor

Editor: We are at a critical crossroads concerning public safety in the county. We’ve seen our communities deteriorate bit by bit over time. Earnest Hemingway once said, “It happened gradually, and then suddenly”. Yes, we suddenly find ourselves deep in it. About five years ago, along with a group of caring folks, I helped clean…

Letter to the editor: We’re still working to help displaced animals in Ukraine

Editor: Thank you for Lynnwood Today’s coverage of the plight of abandoned companion animals in Ukraine. Your articles triggered an avalanche of emails of people wanting to help. Tana and I went into this journey thinking our mission was simple…we’d walk some dogs and take care of some cats that needed some love. But the contacts…

Letter to the editor: Why I’m supporting Jason Call for Congress

Editor: Great news everyone! I’m happy to announce that Jason Call, a real progressive candidate with bona fide activist roots, is running in the WA-02 district, which includes Edmonds, Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace. He, like most voters, understands the gravity of climate change, supports Medicare for All, and most importantly, funds solely via small-dollar donations….