WAME still waiting

SUNNYSIDE (1-26-98)--- The Sunnyside City Council has tabled indefinitely a decision to act as a federal-dollar conduit for a "banking" program headed up by Luz Gutierrez of Yakima.

 

The Yakima-based loan program, Washington Micro Enterprises, ultimately is funded by the federal Dept. of Economic Development.

 

Gutierrez claims "WAME" will help businesses, which in turn will generate profits and therefore local tax dollars to benefit Sunnyside.

 

WAME provides loans to existing and upcoming small businesses in Yakima County. Staff say the loans are for all moderate and low income persons who can't qualify for business loans through a regular bank.

 

Several Valley small businessmen and women were on hand at a Jan. 20 council meeting to sing the program's praises.

 

Before the council makes a decision about whether to administer part of the program in 1998, members want to huddle with staff and Gutierrez to pin down how WAME budgeted and spent dollars for 1996 and 97.

 

In other business, the councilmen reported that Lower Valley towns may try to set up a new court jurisdiction to replace the Sunnyside and Toppenish District Courts that fell victim to a recent County austerity move.

 

Lower Valley officials and residents have been furious about the court closures and are determined to replace them.

 

Councilman Errol Brown said county commissioners showed no consideration about citizen transportation costs as people are forced to drive 45 miles to Yakima for court appearances.

 

Dale Bailey told councilmen about one single young mother of two who lost three hours of work after getting two tickets. After attending court in Yakima, she found the judge would only address one infraction, forcing her to go back again.

 

"She and her children are losing dollars they need to live, all for a lot of goddam foolishness of those in the Upper Valley," Bailey said.