Opinion
The Maple Valley and King County battle for the Donut Hole | Ryan Ryals
Years from now, we might remember this week as “The Battle of Donut Hole.” Or not. It’s hard…
Opinion
Getting in or out of the the way of business | Ryan Ryals
“There are rules on the books that are needlessly stifling job creation and economic growth, we will fix…
Opinion
Staying in the Maple Valley safety bubble | Ryan Ryals
If you missed Monday night’s trail safety meeting at the Lake Wilderness Lodge, I’m happy to give you…
Opinion
Time to get back to work on the budget | Ryan Ryals
We must be living in a bizarro world if a state Democrat is complaining about wealth redistribution. Rep.…
Opinion
A closer look at King County Medical Examiner’s Office cause of death fee | Ryan Ryals
The latest buzz in local news is the new $50 fee put in place by the King County…
Opinion
Community is the answer to city’s collective efficacy | Ryan Ryals
I made it back to the Southcenter Mall again this past weekend (movie theater), and good news; no…
Opinion
The changing landscape of the retail world | Ryan Ryals
The week after Christmas is usually one of my favorite weeks of the year. First, it means that…
Opinion
Breaking old habits to find the Great Awakening | Ryan Ryals
This Christmas Eve, hundreds of people in our towns will put on their Sunday best outfits for one…
Opinion
Important health care questions that need answers | Ryan Ryals
Get ready for a few more years of uncertainty. As you probably already know, a federal judge in…
Opinion
Adult talk on the tax cuts | Ryan Ryals
When I heard the latest on the extension of the 2001 income tax cuts, all I could do…
Opinion
Official recognition from Congress makes people smile | Ryan Ryals
I’ve heard that necessity is the mother of invention, but I’ve always believed that laziness is the mother…
Opinion
Pointing to public art In Maple Valley | Ryan Ryals
I saw the sign for the Covington tree lighting event next month, and it felt a little sad…
Opinion
Changing a light bulb to see the gap between old and new Maple Valley | Ryan Ryals
Just to warn you up front, we’re talking about “change” again this week. Fortunately, it’s not the Obama-hugger…
Opinion
Finding the road to an economic recovery | Ryan Ryals
The recession is over! Yay! Well, at least according to economists, it is. If you read the news…
Opinion
Change starts with ourselves | Ryan Ryals
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad that this election is over. Patty Murray and Dino Rossi…
Opinion
Uncovering the real words behind political speak | Ryan Ryals
The trickiest part about hearing our elected officials say “we need new taxes for public safety” is that…
Opinion
Pass the utility tax and hire police in Maple Valley | Ryan Ryals
Two weeks ago, I wrote about a possible 3 percent increase in the utility tax for Maple Valley,…
Opinion
A serious look at facing poverty in our community | Ryan Ryals
Last Monday night a handful of community service groups filed into the Maple Valley City Council meeting for…
Opinion
A solution for public safety in Maple Valley | Ryan Ryals
Consider this your unofficial notice of public hearing. You might already know that King County Sheriff Sue Rahr…
Opinion
Talking politics over coffee: highlights of the legislative candidate debate | Ryan Ryals
“Attend a debate between politicians? Nahhh, they’re all liars and crooks. Besides, William Shatner is in that new…