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Officers feared for physical safety DSN prints only 1/2 of the Wally Anderson story, says councilman   "The truth is always the strongest argument." -- Sophocles By Chad Werkhoven, S'side City Councilman SUNNYSIDE (11-26-99)-- Although the facts surrounding the Wally Anderson investigation are fairly simple, it's easy to see why some people choose to blame members of the City Council for being "vindictive and vengeful" when the Daily Sun News only prints half the story.   A brief review of the facts would be helpful. In reality, the Council played only a minor roll in the process. Wally shot the Blue Heron on September 9th. The Interim City Manager (Mark Kunkler) placed Wally on administrative leave, with pay, on Sep. 15.   Independent Counsel turns up more The City Staff also recommended that an independent counsel be hired to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting to insure that there were absolutely no conflicts of interest. At the open Council meeting on Sep. 20th, a lawyer representing a group of Sunnyside Businessmen asked that the investigation be expanded to include other bird shootings, illegal storage of explosives, and other firearms violations.   In our only decision in this whole process, the Council unanimously voted to authorize the independent counsel.   After interviewing over 33 witnesses, the independent counsel reported back to the City Council in an Executive Session. He presented us with a report detailing his findings on the four original accusations.   Officers fear for physical safety That report was immediately released to the public and the media. In addition to the written report, the independent counsel also informed us that his original interviews turned up several more instances of violations and problems far more serious than bird shooting.   He verbally revealed to us instances of ethical violations, officers who feared for their physical safety, short temper, inappropriate language, intimidation and more. In 'action by inaction', the Council did not publicly release that information.   In my mind, I felt that the City Staff had ample information to make a decision and that publicly releasing that additional information would be like kicking a man that was already down. In retrospect, I feel that all of the information should have been released at that time.   Chief resigns on his own On Nov. 18th, the interim City Manager informed the Council in Executive Session that he had received a signed letter of resignation from Anderson. The City Manager told us that it was his intention to accept its terms. This was solely his decision. By consensus the Council asked that all information gathered by the independent counsel be summarized in a written report. That 6 page report was released to the public and the media on Nov. 22. The Daily Sun News has chosen to not cover this report.   The Council is now being accused of dealing with this matter in an "under the table" sort of way. I enjoy arguing and debating a wide range of topics from politics to religion. I can be totally opposed to another person's opinion without it affecting how I think of that person as a friend. That's why I enjoy politics. However, I have absolutely no respect for a person who engages in argument based on rumor and innuendo, especially when those people hold positions of supposed authority.   Call council with your questions! One of the benefits of living in a small city is that your Councilmen do not live in ivory towers. The next time you hear something so outragous that it simply can't be true, it probably isn't. You can call us, write us, knock on our doors, sit down for coffee or just say "Hi" to us when you see us in town and ask us about what you heard.   Contrary to the accusations of some ministers, coffee drinkers and former City Managers, there are no secrets in this City. I am ready and willing to talk with anyone about the ongoing efforts of this Council to protect, beautify, and prosper this city. You are not reading about it in the paper. s/ Chad Werkhoven   Job Service guards a prime example I-695 is a tonic for clueless state bureaucrats, union bosses,et al SUNNYSIDE (11-19-99)--Sunnyside (and Yakima) Job Service Centers have one problem more than ubiquitous government incompetence, general inability to meet changing market demand, and Eastern WA seasonal unemployment arriving early this year.   That problem is I-695.   Politicians--and big money union bosses who get privilege from them-- outspent I-695's voluntary contributors 20 to 1, just to warn us about dire consequences if we dare cut 2% from the state budget, and if we demand to be treated as an employer of government.   Bureaucrats said we would be hurt, and they know how. Bureaucrats are in control of the manner in which our money is spent. Although legislators make laws, bureaucrats implement them, and manage the agencies they create.   Bureaucrats threatened removal of government services (there's an oxymoron for you). The piddling 2% tax cut would "endanger" police protection, road maintenance, fire protection, and anything else they could think of that would "hurt" us most. We the people would be lost if we dared to pass I-695 and defy bureaucrats' ability to raise our taxes into infinity whenever they wish.   To see if we really need government "services", simply view the difference in free-market service delivery and government service delivery. And while you're at it, note the attitude difference between the two.   You'll have an excellent opportunity to do this as Christmas approaches. Ask any merchant how his business is going. He'll probably say "Great! I had to hire more employees, because customers buy more this time of year, so we stocked all we thought they'd buy. We're doing two to three times our normal business volume--business is GREAT!"   Free market businesses anticipate and serve efficiently and cost effectively, or are replaced by those who do.   Then ask friends at the U.S. Post Office how Christmas business is going They'll answer that "It's terrible... long lines, angry people in a hurry, more mail to sort, and not enough time or people to do it. We spent millions on advertising to try to tell people to mail early. But some people are late mailers every year anyway."   Government agencies and 'services' rarely die, no matter how inefficient they are. They are protected by monopoly privilege and tax subsidy.   Now look again at the lines at the WA Job Service Centers. See the security guards? Why did they hire guards? Why didn't they instead hire extra people to handle the historically predictable claim load?   After looking--and assuming you have an I.Q above room temperature--you may then be willing to look into becoming a Libertarian. You may be ready to vote to let those who do service best be in charge of those services. --Roger Erickson, Yakima   Punks nearly ruined Sunnyside Thanks for showing mug shots PUGET SOUND (3-25-99)--I find it refreshing that you are not shy of placing faces behind the names of punks that have taken the town (Sunnyside) that I was raised in and nearly ruined it. My parents still live there, and they used to take walks in the evenings to take in some exercise. They say that now they are afraid to go out for fear of being assaulted or worse. I have heard that crime is down in Sunnyside. I can only hope that it continues on a downward spiral. Maybe people see these faces on your site and are more aware of the punks wanted by the police; and in turn call the police to notify them of their whereabouts. In closing: I check your site from time to time and catch up on local issues and even though I don't live there I still care about "my home town".   Beware of the American voter FDIC scam draws local fire SUNNYSIDE, 2-19-99)---I'm glad I happened to go to the Yakima Valley News net site.  This new law being proposed or passed already is totally an invasion of the public's right to privacy.   It's totally absurd; I don't know how much government thinks the common AMERICAN will put up with!  First take away the law-abiding person's right to buy, with his own money, what WAS OR IS LEGAL (HAND GUNS amdLONGGUNS): now the RIGHT of all AMERICANS to do their financial NECESSITIES. I, an HONEST & RESPONSIBLE husband and father and US ARMY VETERAN will do EVERYTHING IN MY POWER to stop GOVERNMENT CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS THIEVES. BEWARE OF AMERICAN VOTERS. ----Larry Nooner   Government by admonition Differs with DSN on city council (YVN Note: this letter was forwarded to YVN. We're running it verbatim) SUNNYSIDE, 2-19-99)---Dear Mr. (Scott Hunt, DSN) Editor: It seems to me that you and I have been sitting in the same city council meetings for the last year and have different perceptions as to the accomplishments that this city council has made.   Fire Dept. Administration (Roger Schwab) If I remember correctly, Mr. Editor, the fire department administration had to be strongly admonished to not pay as much as they were paying for the new fire truck. The city council asked to review and trim down the costs--it was ignored. Now for your information, the county is buying a like truck with few toys for $180,000 less. Why is that?   Police Department Administration (Wallace Anderson) The police department administration had to be strongly admonished to fix the new phone system to the point of possible disconnection over a four-month period of strong admonition.   Parks and Rec. Administration (Tom Byers) The parks and rec. department had to be strongly admonished in order to turn this department into a productive, proactive and professional department. The department manager now does not umpire on city time and sees fit to attend city council meetings. And by the way, also has seen fit to beginning attending community center meetings.   Finance Department Administration (Hugo R. "Bud" Schatz) The finance department head has had the mayor, in open council, rebuke him and gavel him down. And most recently, that same department head took it upon himself not to give the city an additional $25,000-$40,000 potential savings on their insurance plan.   Yes, they have performed their jobs. And yes, competently. But this is only after the strong admonitions.   This is why we have this form of government. The people have a voice to strongly admonish and there is oversight. That is why things get done right, as you can see.   I am grateful also for newspaper editorials and "Letters to the Editor". But an editor should not shade issues. The people can be represented here also, so that things can get done right, as you can see.   it would seem that you are taking your editorial opinion from Mr. Roy Anciso, who has been an advisory for a whole year in all issues. Mr. Roy Anciso only makes approximately 70% of the meetings and so he is only about 70% informed. If it wasn't for this present council, we would only have 70% of the job being done and only 70% of the news being reported. As it is, we have 100% of the job being done and still only 70% of the news being reported.   Items that also should be included:   The Planning Commission wants to rubber stamp UNITED BUILDERS another 67 acres to have their way with. I am grateful for the city council who said, NO. The Planning Commission needs strong admonition also.   Quality of life is important, we have enough quantity! We need to improve, not just expand.   Why is it that approximately 70% (please, correct me if I am wrong) of all the employees of the largest employer in town (school district) do not live within the city limits? Why is it that approximately 50% (again, correct me if I am wrong) of the employees of the Migrant Council do not live within the city limits of Sunnyside? Ask Mr. Dave Fonfara why he has a hard time enticing businesses here. Does housing their management, housing their employees and housing ring a bell? Affordable housing is not the problem--quality housing is. These are issues the paper should be reporting. Or does the UNITED BUILDERS advertising revenue with your paper speak louder than your civic responsibility?   It is just a question, Mr. Editor. But you too need to be strongly admonished at times. Why do you live in Prosser?   --Bruce Ricks, Sunnyside Budget $183,000+ in black EDITOR: (SUNNYSIDE)---Final numbers are in for the city of Sunnyside's 1998 budget. Just as the council has been saying, the current expense fund (general fund) finished with a surplus.   The current expense fund reserve increased more than $183,000.   In fact, if you separate out the water and sewer funds, which are self-contained funds from which the city spent about one million dollars for a new well (bond funds dedicated to this use) our overall reserves increased more than $620,000.   Some of the surplus was a result of unanticipated revenue. However, the lion's share of the surplus came from the city staff's cutting of expenses. Working with the council, the department heads and all city employees worked hard to hold the line on spending, and for this they deserve a hearty attaboy!   ---Don Vlieger, City Councilman   Making people happy! USA---Al Gore and the Clintons are flying on Air Force One. Bill looks at Al, chuckles and says, "You know, I could throw a $10,000 bill out the window right now and make one person very happy."   Al shrugs his stiff shoulders and says, "Well, I could throw ten $1,000 bills out the window and make 10 people very happy".   Hillary tosses her perfectly sprayed hair and says, "Of course, then, I could throw one-hundred $100 bills out the window and make a hundred people very happy."   Chelsea rolls her eyes, looks at all of them and says, "I could throw all of you out the window and make the whole country happy". ---Tawny L. Miller Scam alert! CONCORD, CA--If you get an envelope from a company called the "Internal Revenue Service," DO NOT OPEN IT! This group operates a scam around this time every year.   Their letter claims that you owe them money, which they will take and use to pay for the operation of "essential" functions of the United States government.   This is untrue! The money the IRS collects is used to fund various inefficient and pointless social engineering projects.   This organization has ties to another shady outfit called the Social Security Administration, which claims to take money from your regular paychecks and save it for your retirement. In truth, the SSA uses the money to pay for the same misguided make-work projects the IRS helps mastermind.   These scam artists have bilked honest, hard working Americans out of hundreds of billions of dollars. Don't fall for this scam!   FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW! --Cousin Sherry in Concord, CA    U.S.P.O. is a government monopoly YAKIMA---The Post Office cannot calculate the actual cost for consumers of their recent one-cent increase for first class letters, because they are a government monopoly. Feds allow no competition.   It is a federal crime for anyone to compete with the Post Office by offering letter-delivery service, as Boy Scouts of America once found out. They offered a 'runner' letter service in Wall Street area of New York. Offenders were charged, jailed, and fined.   The same Federal government badgering Bill Gates is habitually and legally conducting "unfair business practices" with impunity. Feds have do so since before there was a Commerce Department. This means that you can't go to a competitor.   The Post office can't "feel" consumer dissatisfaction, at least not at the one-cent level. Citizens can only complain to the offending agency. To do so, you must fill out one of government's typically irrelevant and lengthy forms, available on your local Post Office counter.   Most folks won't waste their time, since that is primarily what they wish to complain about--wasting time licking and attaching additional penny stamps with stamps already purchased, reprogramming computing devices for postage, changing metering machines, and so forth.   So monopolies have no way of knowing if raising the cost of a stamp one cent is costing their consumers anything at all. Their only calculation is their own internal expenses, calculated to be one cent in this latest case. The blind are thus forcing ubiquitous blindness.   The Post Office argues it needs a monopoly because of 'rural service'. If competition were allowed, this argument goes, then it would cost much more to deliver mail to farmers. "It wouldn't be fair", is USPO's complaint. Reality, however is far different.   Rates for FedEx, airborne, and UPS have proved that the 'extra' costs for greater distances and inconvenience are 'averaged' in the free market. A farmer on a winding dirt road pays the same price as the first guy on that route. Why? Because private businesses count consumer costs.   If you feel it's too expensive, complicated, or time-wasting to send someone a package, you try another service. So free market service providers study very carefully before they raise costs, change routes, or change service policies, to find out what it costs YOU. Because, with private services, you always have a choice--a cheaper or better one.   If you want to complain about one of those post office forms, perhaps you could shorten the procedure by simply listing this URL (http://www.yakvalnews.com). And be sure to point out how much time that saved you! ---Allen Byrd, Yakima Queen of Netherlands--time for "Queen's Day"! We want to know when someone in Sunnyside is going to organize "Queens Day" (the Queen's birthday is on April 30) in celebration of our Dutch heritage....We think it should be a big 'ol bash. Let's close down the public streets and maybe celebrate it at a most inconvenient time!   Perhaps we could celebrate her birthday before another big city event like Cinco De Mayo. Let's have the patrons spend all their extra cash at our event, and forsake the May 5th celebration!   Surely the city will oblige, after all, it is a holiday in our home country... THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!   Thank you, I really wanted to be at the city council meetings, but dammit, I live in the county.   --Yakima Valley resident (9-2-98)
Mattawa activists--got it right (Larry Ashby) Thanks for writing the Mattawa stories regarding the take-over of the Mattawa Employment Security Office.  I feel you are the only reporter that actually got it right. Judy Esser Mayor, Town of Mattawa (10-10-98)