Opinion

Any proposed expansion or upgrade at multifaceted Pacific Raceways will be subject to intense review

A community perspective on raceways’ expansion | GUEST OP

We are not against business, economic growth or reasonable upgrades at Pacific Raceways.

  • Apr 7, 2012
  • BY Wire Service
Any proposed expansion or upgrade at multifaceted Pacific Raceways will be subject to intense review

It matters: Ensure open government | GUEST OP

Sept. 25, 2008, was just another Thursday in Seattle – until the federal government orchestrated the largest bank failure in U.S. history.

  • Apr 4, 2012
  • BY Wire Service

Shelter is not in downtown’s best interests | GUEST OP

The Kent Chamber of Commerce represents businesses that support and believe in Kent.

Unity within diversity can be found on Kent’s East Hill | Tate

Kent's East Hill is one of the most diverse areas in the state and perhaps comparable to any single community in our nation.

Complete the project and extend Highway 509 to Interstate 5 | Andrea Keikkala

Kent is the sixth largest city in Washington with a population of 118,200. A culturally rich destination, Kent features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks, exceptional school districts and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. Recently, the Kent Chamber of Commerce urged the Legislators of Washington state to support the competition of I-5/state Route 509 project. Completion of this project will be keeping a 20-year promise to our area for transportation projects.

Changes in technology and education | Editorial

In some ways public school education hasn’t changed a bit since I graduated from high school nearly 16 years ago.

Publishing of public notices in newspapers of record ensures transparency | Editorial

Citizens should be aware of – and opposed to – House Bill 2801 and the provisions that would allow local governments to cease publishing public notices in their local newspapers. The presumed cost savings to local government is in fact false economy – there is a hidden and very dangerous cost. In trying to save money, local governments would curtail access to the legislative process, and ensure that fewer – rather than more – citizens know what their representatives are up to.

  • Feb 29, 2012
  • BY Wire Service

Editorial | Teachers today can only do so much | Melvin Tate

Back in the day the mantra was, and still is, “all students can learn.” By golly that’s right, all students can learn; that is, “when they want to learn” and what they want to learn.

Farewell too soon, coach | Editorial

In the early afternoon on Feb. 16 I found an article I wrote after Seth Dawson first started coaching the boys swim team at Kentlake High little more than a year ago.

Volunteers are needed in Kent schools | Editorial

I am helping 7-year-old Maria with math homework – she struggles with the English instructions and I assume she may not get much help at home because her parents are busy or lack English proficiency.

  • Feb 18, 2012
  • BY Wire Service

Medical marijuana trips on Senate floor | Dennis Box

The smoke-filled room of medical marijuana legislation in Olympia will continue to be shrouded in haze.

  • Feb 16, 2012
  • BY Wire Service

Lessons from windy weather and tall trees | Dennis Box

When I left home Tuesday morning the wind was blowing. For most places around the Puget Sound, that is not necessarily a big deal, but in Enumclaw we take notice. The wind really knows how to blow in that town.

Valentine’s Day lessons and tips | Dennis Box

OK, I am in the newspaper business last time I checked. That means I am supposed to write stories and try to tell something resembling the truth.

Editorial | Impressions of an seventh-grade science teacher | Dennis Box

Education, schools and school teachers are hot topics everywhere parents or politicians are locked in the same room these days. The recent State Supreme decision on the Constitutional requirement to fully funding schools created quite a furor among political leaders in office and those hoping to get into office.

The future of book publishing | Editorial

As a reporter and a fiction writer, the transformation of the traditional publishing industry has been fascinating.

Editorial | Blueberry muffins and shirt pockets | Dennis Box

Some of us know how to take it easy. Ron Harmon, who retired from the Kent City Council after two terms, is less visible these days, but he has not exactly put the engine in neutral.

Editorial | The historical significance of Bill Boyce’s election to Kent City Council | Melvin’s Notes

I was asked by community residents to write about the historical significance of Bill Boyce, a black man, having been elected to the Kent City Council.

Editorial | Reflections for the new year | Dennis Box

The new year has started and there are a few items I would like to write about in this first column as 2012 engines rev up. None are worthy of a column on its own, so I will just string some notes together about issues I am interested in or would like to figure out.

Editorial cartoon of the week by Frank Shiers, Jr.

A new year editorial cartoon from the pen of Frank Shiers, Jr.

  • Jan 2, 2012
  • BY Wire Service

Ban cellphone, emailing, texting while driving | Editorial

The National Transportation Safety Board has taken a tough, but necessary, stand on texting, emailing or chatting while driving a vehicle. The board wants it outlawed.