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Propstra’s gift keeps on giving

The Columbian
Published: November 22, 2009, 12:00am

Propstra’s gift keeps on giving

The late George Propstra gave many special things to Vancouver, but for me the best gift was the salmon run bell tower at the southwest corner of Esther Short Park. People may be unaware that the tower actually houses a glockenspiel, a musical instrument of 34 giant brass bells, chromatically tuned like strings on a piano. It can perform by itself like a music box, or can be played by a competent musician, skilled in meeting its demands and idiosyncrasies.

With the annual lighting of the city’s Christmas tree comes the opportunity to hear the bells as well as other wonderful local musicians and singers. While such instruments are common in Europe, very few American cities have them. It is a privilege for me to perform each year, courtesy of Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, which maintains the tower and its components. I hope you will join us the day after Thanksgiving at 5:30 p.m.

Paul Van Dyck

Vancouver

Laird left out details about counties

Reading John Laird’s Nov. 15 column, “Our state made history with R-71,” one would almost think that half of the state agrees with Referendum 71. But if you were to look at the election results by county, you would see that only eight of the state’s 39 counties passed it.

Perhaps it is time for our state to institute an Electoral College type of system, one in which Seattle/Tacoma/Olympia won’t decide the election for the whole state. How about one vote per county? If the item passes the county by a majority, then that is one vote for. This is the way we elect a president; why not referendums too?

I am sick and tired of all the lefties in one little area of our great state speaking for the whole state.

Eric Bjur

Ridgefield

BPA route not compatible with area

Even if Bonneville Power Administration believes we need a massive 500-kilovolt transmission line on the I-5 corridor, routing it through existing neighborhoods is unacceptable. BPA project manager Mark Korsness has stated, “One of our main goals was to try to develop routes that avoided taking any homes … we’re trying very hard to avoid that.” If Korsness takes that goal seriously, route No. 31 should be immediately removed from consideration.

Some homes would be physically taken, but at least those homeowners can take the BPA’s money and buy elsewhere. Others are not as fortunate; their homes are effectively taken, but they will continue to live in them. Instead of being forced to move, they are forced to stay, living in the shadow of 150-foot towers and health risks. With property values drastically reduced, most can’t afford to sell.

A better route is across public forested land to the east, avoiding populated areas. It’s irresponsible for the BPA to take people’s homes when alternatives exist. A 500KV transmission line is simply not compatible with existing neighborhoods.

The BPA should immediately remove route No. 31 from consideration.

Duane Koehler

Vancouver

BPA addressing supply and demand

Here we go again: Not in my back yard. As demand for adequate electricity continues to grow, the Bonneville Power Administration plans expansion of transmission lines, and the whining and sniveling begins.

It is easy to understand that people become upset at the possibility of having these transmission lines and towers close to their homes, but it is far more important to consider the good of the order for everyone.

If this BPA project is stopped, how vocal will these same people be in the future, as rates rise due to limited supply?

Ed Delph

Brush Prairie

Thankful for generous volunteers

As a volunteer organizer for the Vancouver Make a Difference Day Committee, I would like to extend gratitude to community volunteers and corporate sponsors for the tremendous support shown Oct. 24, when 8,000 trees and shrubs were planted along Burnt Bridge Creek.

This will help improve water quality, prevent bank erosion, and provide a healthy habitat for varied wildlife. Also, 32 tons of garbage and yard debris were cleaned up from Rose Village alleys, improving the appearance, function, and safety; 4.5 tons of carrots were harvested for the Clark County Food Bank; and yards at two seniors’ homes were cleaned with one big pickup load of vegetation hauled away.

To get involved with next year’s Make A Difference Day, please call Volunteer Connections at 360-735-3683.

And especially, a thank you goes to the generous volunteers who did all the work making a difference in Vancouver.

Rob Katsuno

Vancouver

Party’s collection tactics criticized

The Republican National Committee has stooped to using low tactics to generate contributions. I’m guessing that I’m not the only person who gets this mail. They send:

1. A monthly statement with “Past Due” stamped in red on the outside of the envelope, which I never pledged (designed to give me a guilty conscience among my neighbors).

2. A 2010 Congressional District Survey. A warning on this envelope warns “DO NOT DESTROY” as if it came from a government agency. The survey questions are designed to get the answers they want. It ends with a place to pay or pledge a contribution. The back page in 72-point letters warns “DO NOT DESTROY. COMPLETE AND RETURN IN ENVELOPE PROVIDED.”

All I ever did to get this mail was send a one-time contribution to support Sen. John McCain when he was running for president. Suddenly I became a member of the national and state organizations without my knowledge or consent.

It is my opinion that they use scare tactics and bullying. I choose to act as an independent until I see some creditable leadership who will support the same family values I support.

Don’t let these collection agency tactics influence your decisions or contributions.

Lois Kullberg

Vancouver

Are they doing their best?

Isn’t it strange that those who have the best health care insurance in the USA for life, paid for by taxpayers, are the very ones who are deciding who should and should not have access to health care? Of whom do I speak? Our dear members of Congress who courageously say they are doing the best for the American people. But that is not necessarily so.

I believe they are doing the best for themselves and the special interest groups they really represent!

John A. Hubbard

Vancouver

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