Leave the sandbags to us, and businesses

It has recently come to my attention that the city is ready to remove the sandbags throughout Kent after the Howard Hanson Dam flood scare. The problem is that removing these bags is going to cost millions of dollars for the city.

  • BY Wire Service
  • Wednesday, May 2, 2012 7:16pm
  • Opinion

It has recently come to my attention that the city is ready to remove the sandbags throughout Kent after the Howard Hanson Dam flood scare. The problem is that removing these bags is going to cost millions of dollars for the city.

However, I have an idea that could remove all those sandbags and sand, and possibly even make the city some extra revenue.

I propose we sell the sand or gravel in the bags to companies or give it to citizens. Sand is used in gardening, construction and masonry. I am sure there are many companies that routinely purchase some gravel or sand.

For example, home improvement stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot and Carpinito Brothers, I bet, would love a sweet deal on the extra sand or gravel. That way, we can recycle the sand instead of just letting it all go to waste.

We could use the revenue we make to lower taxes or save for a “rainy” day. It would be a good opportunity to be green and save taxpayer dollars. Most importantly, we won’t have to spend more money by paying for sand bag disposal.

Although I am only a 13-year-old citizen of Kent, I care about the city, want it to look the best it possibly can and save money for other taxpayers. Please take this idea into consideration.

– Dustin Linder


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Don C. Brunell is a business analyst, writer and columnist. He is a former president of the Association of Washington Business, the state’s oldest and largest business organization, and lives in Vancouver. Contact thebrunells@msn.com.
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