The Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council regular monthly meeting was Sept. 13. The three topics discussed were King County Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) improvements, Black Diamond master planned developments applications approval and Ravensdale Ridge project comments.
School is back in session. During a time when budgets are tight and we are all watching every dime, I wanted to encourage everyone with students to join their school’s PTA. Last spring I took some time to attend my local PTA meeting and was amazed at everything the PTA does.
After reading Mr. Ryals and Mr. Beckley’s opinions a number of times in your Aug. 6 paper, I find I’m a little disquieted about your paper’s printed opinions. I don’t consider myself an angry white guy as Mr. Ryals refers to, or a loud mouth, or someone totally ignorant of government or history, as Mr. Beckley refers to other Americans with different ideals and views than his. I would hope my ideals fall somewhere between your opinion writers and the people they criticize.
While sad does seem to be the word of the day with the regards to the Black Diamond City Council’s decision on the master planned developments, I also feel very empowered as a citizen. I no longer have a doubt in my mind that my local government has failed me.
What has Black Diamond done?
City Council members (Leih) Mulvihill, (Kristine) Hanson, (Bill) Boston, (William) Saas and (Craig) Goodwin; Mayor (Rebecca)Olness; Community Development Director (Steve) Pilcher; city attorneys (Bob) Sterbank and (Michael)Kenyon; these names shall live long in infamy. These people betrayed the citizens of Black Diamond, forever ruining our lovely little town, destroying the trees, eliminating the habitat for elk, deer, bear, coyotes, bobcats, bald eagles, raccoons, opossum and all the other lovely animals that live here and have often been seen by residents.
Black Diamond staff, City Council and concerned citizens:
I understand it has been suggested at the Aug. 5th City Council meeting that XTERRA Black Diamond made contributions to Rebecca Olness’ campaign for mayor. This is not correct.
Nearly every day this month, Black Diamond’s City Council has been meeting about the massive development that has been proposed by YarrowBay, a Kirkland developer. Over 6000 apartments and houses and the equivalent of 10 Wall Marts of commercial development are poised to be approved.
By now all in the area should be aware that a momentous decision is about to be made by three or more of the five members of the Black Diamond City Council. That decision deals with YarrowBay’s proposed 6,000 plus home, 1.1 million square feet of commercial/business master planned developments (MPDs) on nearly 700 acres.
I hate hospitals. My mother died in one. My oldest sister died in one (Valley Medical).
I’ve still got a very sore and tender spot over the death of my oldest sister and the way I was treated at the time.
I am not someone who will inspire made for TV movies over the way I handle death, pending or otherwise.
After reading many negative comments about YarrowBay in this newspaper, I feel compelled to share my positive experience. I live on Horseshoe Lake and was the former president of our homeowners association for 13 years. Due to flooding issues at my home and neighborhood, and concern for the potential impact of development in Black Diamond, I’ve actively participated in their annexation and development planning since the mid 1990’s.
When our mom, Belva Forbes, died from a rare form of ovarian cancer last March, my brother Jack Forbes and I knew we had to do something to help fight this devastating disease.
Our family watched Mom die slowly. She showed amazing courage and remained positive throughout the grueling treatments, horrific pain and awful nausea and vomiting, but it all took a toll on her.
Several years ago (Rep. Geoff) Simpson and his buddy (Rep. Pat) Sullivan both voted against a bill in Olympia that would have increased protection of our children. They were supported by the law enforcement and others in the legal system that didn’t want to deal with this issue.
Like many people who live in and around Black Diamond, I’ve taken the time to learn about the two proposed master planned developments here in Black Diamond. I’ve read the recent letters to the editor and I feel compelled to voice my support for these two projects. I see these developments as a step forward, and a step in the right direction. I’m a businessman and a Black Diamond property owner, and I consider any issues surrounding the MPDs from both those perspectives.
Saturday morning I visited the Farmer’s Market in Maple Valley. Just outside the market were young people manning a booth on Rock Creek Elementary property with signs to impeach President Obama.
Once again we see in the paper (July 30 edition, “Simpson arraigned and pleads not guilty) state Rep. Geoff Simpson accused of behavior unbecoming of an elected official.
I am supporting Pat Sullivan for re-election to the House of Representatives (47th District). I have known Pat for the last 10 years and know him to be a person who is highly dedicated to his community.
I see MultiCare is being very aggressive in representation at public hearings and Letters to the Editor in their attempt to sway public opinion concerning future emergency room capabilities in Covington. I have a friend who has used their Urgent Care clinic and is very happy with them. I’m sure they have fine staff. However, before deciding to nix the Valley Medical Center (VMC) emergency room option, let me share my recent experiences.
I am writing to express a concern about recent campaign advertisements made by Geoff Simpson, a candidate for the state Legislature representing the 47th District wherein I reside.
On June 1st, around noon, I suffered what turned out to be a heart attack. A 911 call had Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in my home in about 10 minutes.
On August 5, the state Department of Health will hold a hearing to determine the feasibility of MultiCare’s proposal to build a 58 bed hospital in Covington. I wholeheartedly support this plan for a number of reasons.
