I read letter published on March 10 from D. Phillip Miller complaining of our representatives (Jay Rodne, Chad Magendanz) actions to reverse initiative 594. I was compelled after reading this to offer opposing opinion supporting these brave legislators.
Voting on the Maple Valley Parks Bond is like buying a new car. The dealership shows me a shiny new car with all of the bells and whistles. Then, they give me the bad news that this particular car can only be purchased as a package deal.
To the Black Diamond community, we thank you. Our food bank has never been so full, which means we can continue to serve anyone who needs food. We have also been able to give out more gas vouchers, Puget Sound Energy assistance, and so much other emergency assistance.
Much emotion and concerted effort has gone into political posturing and lawsuits by citizens of Black Diamond who seem to be in a panic over our master planned development.
It is understandable that the candidates who lost last year’s landslide election in Black Diamond would be disappointed, but it is wrong for them to try to derail and disrupt the will of the voters.
A recent letter to The Reporter from Chuck Miller questioned the Tahoma School District’s school construction plans. Thank you for the opportunity to respond and clarify the school district’s actions and intent.
YarrowBay and the city of Black Diamond entered into development agreements which required the city to hire a consultant to perform a study regarding General Governmental Facilities Charges (“GFC’s,” such as a City Hall, police department, municipal court, public works facility, etc.), so that the city could establish “GFC mitigation fee rates” to be imposed on new development. There was a deadline in the agreements for the work to take place, as well as the adoption of the GFC fees.
Some people are attacking volunteers for getting involved in local issues. This is a tactic that serves to scare the public. Don’t request public records from the city – the mayor might be upset that you are questioning her. The staff might complain that you are taking their time.
I have lived in Black Diamond my whole life. My parents were from here. My cousin, Vivian Bainton, served as mayor back in the 80’s. I raised a family here. One of my daughters in particular has gotten deeply involved in the area and in Save Black Diamond.
The nonprofit Maple Valley Library Guild needs donations of books, DVDs, CDs and video games to continue its ongoing book sales and its two yearly book/media sales.
At the Feb. 18 meeting of the Black Diamond City Council the mayor was at it again. She engaged aggressively in debate against City Council members. She complained hostilely to council member Brian Weber just for coming prepared with something written down that he wanted to say.
On Feb. 20, I attended the “town hall” in Maple Valley convened by state representatives Jay Rodne and Chad Magendanz. Last week’s slaughter of four members of a family by a suicidal man near Belfair in Mason County reminded me that both Rodne and Magendanz supported a bill (HB 1245) in Olympia that would repeal I-594, the universal background check for gun sales supported by a strong majority of Washington voters. In fact, Jay Rodne is a sponsor of the bill.
I am extremely disappointed in both the (Tahoma School) district and the board. They asked us for a levy to build a new high school and remodel some others. It was passed although those of us on fixed incomes can’t afford it.
A type of dictatorship has taken over Black Diamond government. The organization “Save Black Diamond,” led by Brian Derdowski and Kristen Bryant, both from (outside Black Diamond), have been very successful in costing the city taxpayers a lot of money.
Last week as my daughter and I walked our 11-month old puppy along the Lake Wilderness trail, she was viciously attacked by an aggressive dog whose young owner was incapable of controlling it.
Last November I was part of a crowd of people pleading with Mayor (Carol) Benson and the Black Diamond City Council to make growth pay for growth by finalizing a fee that developer YarrowBay (now Crown) had already agreed to pay if only the city finalized it.
I am writing about an article published in the Enumclaw Courier Herald called “School bond won’t pay for all high school upgrades.”
Some points from the last Feb. 4 Black Diamond Council meeting.
While having a quorum on a council committee may not be illegal if properly noticed per RCW 42.30, there are still serious conflicts of interest if this were to actually occur in the small town of Black Diamond.
I have had an email conversation with a person regarding my expressed anger during two separate comment periods before the Black Diamond City Council. Anger has become the unpardonable sin in America.
The rule changes didn’t split the Black Diamond City Council, as you reported; the election did.
