Questioning West Richland budget, Kennewick school levy and other Herald letters

Try windy beach sites for turbines

Gov. Jay Inslee wants, “a 112-square-mile clean energy production site with wind turbines that would stretch along 24 miles of the Horse Heaven Hills.” Why? Our hydroelectric power is clean energy and 90% of our electricity is from renewable sources.

I attended the community input meeting: 20% of the speakers favored turbines. They were: landowners profiting from the turbines built on their property; representatives from the construction company; company workers.

Scout Clean Energy is of Colorado but owned by Quinbrooks Infrastructure of Texas, New York, London and Jersey! Any Quinbrooks connection to frozen turbines in Texas?

Did Inslee speak to those who experience the “visual impact” of ugly turbines, the decrease in property values of wonderfully planned neighborhoods? Did he speak with residents near existing turbines and listen to accounts of horrific noise, house vibrations and destruction of wildlife? Did he discuss the inefficiency of existing turbines?

Inslee wants monstrosities in our neighborhoods so he can send energy to Western Washington and California. There is “gold” in those hills, as Inslee says, but not for us. No wonder visions of turbines make him jubilant. Perhaps, build those turbines on the West side’s windy beaches where the energy is needed!

Vicki Faurholt, Kennewick

Give him details or he’ll reject levy

For the first time in 44 years, I voted no on the recent Kennewick School District levy. Why? One reason is that they could not explain the rationale behind the 75% increase in requested funds over the levy period. Another is they keep talking in generalities with no specific factual analysis. Another is that they keep playing on “ This is for Kids” crying towel, and an “athletics” funding crisis. Ironically, the 2022 Community Report was received after the levy failed, and although it looks like a very professional product, it too fails to be more than pages of back-slapping kudos without much relevant specifics.

Although you have “goals,” isn’t a more relevant question, “Why are we not at 100%?” Please itemize what the state pays for in some detail. Please itemize for me just what the levy is supposed to pay for, and don’t forget the subcategories. What staff? It would be nice to see the dollar amounts projected for each item as well. I would think that the Herald would have asked for this information before it published its levy recommendation. Perhaps it will the next time. Most of us understand the interplay between levy amounts and assessed values, and can understand why the KSD would ask for more money in view of the state allowing a greater levy rate, but please justify both in the same levy request with some factual justification. If that is not forthcoming, I will again vote no.

Craig M. Liebler, Kennewick

Water main work was bungled

A concrete water main replacement project was canceled in my neighborhood. It was budgeted, planned and letters sent to the neighborhood in October. In January, there was a small FYI on the city’s website about the cancellation. It stated the increased cost of materials was to blame. The neighborhood was not given notice. I attended a council meeting.

During citizen comment, I was told, “I knew the drill,” by the mayor. What? During staff reports, Mr. Slade explained, “I don’t like to piecemeal.” Mr. Slade wants to add more streets first. Shouldn’t they have thought of that before? This adds costs. I understood I could speak then, but I was muted, my video was turned off and my hand put down four times.

Which reason do we go with? Did the mayor and council throw out the 2021-2022 budget? Budgeted projects are canceled, but millions have been spent on projects not budgeted. Millions of gallons of water are lost every year, another cost to the citizens. Mayor and council need to get back on track, and citizens need to be more vigilant. Keep the city in good repair before special interest projects. No citizen should be treated this way.

Gail Brown, West Richland

Gun-toting patriots can prove mettle

Gun-toting patriots: Here’s your chance to prove your patriotism by going to Ukraine and fighting for a just cause. Instead of driving around the Tri-Cities and intimidating voters who did not vote like you did, serve your country.

I didn’t have a choice 55 years ago when I was inducted, but you do. You can work as a real soldier instead of fake patriot.

If your allegiance is an issue you can fight for either side, Russian or Ukrainian.

Good luck and God bless America.

Dennis Kent, Pasco

This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 5:11 PM.