Our Readers’ Views

Bridge height poses a problem

In regards to The Columbian Aug. 1 story “Casting a long shadow,” I am in complete agreement with Bruce R. Randall’s view posted in his Aug. 17 letter, “Concrete umbrella will block views.” The replacement Interstate 5 bridge as designed will have a negative visual impact on the city of Vancouver.

My question is: Have the designers thought about putting the route under the river? Then there would be minimal visual impact.

David Strutz

Washougal

Views from up high can be splendid

There has been criticism of the proposed Interstate 5 bridge on the grounds of “negative visual impact” because the plan is for a structure that “will rise eight stories above the north bank of the Columbia River,” according to Bruce R. Randall’s Aug. 17 letter, “Concrete umbrella will block views.” I cannot agree.

I think the Fremont bridge in Portland is perfectly splendid in spite of its height. I always get a kick out traveling west on the top deck. From the side, the gently arching structure is most satisfying. It is the finest of Portland’s many bridges, although certainly the highest. It is true that on the eastbound trip, one is locked into a tunnel-like enclosure, but I gladly accept this as the price of the other views it affords.

A massive, soaring bridge can add so much to a city. Think of San Francisco.

Bruce Fleming

Vancouver

No guns needed in local parks

I read with dismay the stories regarding open carry of guns in our parks. According to the Aug. 18 Columbian story “Gun rights supporter brings message to county commissioners,” Joe Winton, a member of the gun advocacy group opencarry.org, wants to make it clear that he has the right to carry guns in city and county parks, by updating the park signs regarding guns. Moreover, he feels Esther Short Park is “very, very dangerous” and he must carry a gun to feel safe.

What dangers? My family and I have been frequent visitors to Esther Short and other city and county parks for many years and have never been threatened or felt unsafe. I wonder if Winton really feels unsafe or is this an opportunity to impress us with his revolver? However, if Winton and others begin parading around our peaceful parks with unconcealed guns, then I think many people, especially families, will feel endangered. Our parks are often busy and crowded with small children running about, not a safe milieu for exposed guns.

I am for safe and friendly parks for children, parents and grandparents. We have a police force to take care of dangerous behavior. Let those who own guns keep them at home and out of the parks.

Richard Hewitt

Vancouver

Dog care facility is a good neighbor

I am writing in response to Marv and Cyndi Tanner’s Aug. 16 letter, “Dog day care causes problem.” I live in the same high-density area the Tanners have referenced. I do not directly abut the dog day care but live about 100 feet from the park. In the many years that I have lived in this area I have never had any reason to complain about the park in question.

These complaints seem akin to complaining about air traffic after one purchases a home near the airport. In the years that I have been here I have been in support of the park and its management.

I have friends who also abut the park who enjoy the dogs and have never had a problem with noise or odor.

I am sorry that the Tanners are feeling disgruntled, but this doggie park has been reviewed by the city many times. It has always been well-maintained and the dogs controlled. The owners have made every effort to be good neighbors and I have no doubt will continue to do so.

Doralee Carroll

Vancouver

Someone always pays for ‘free ride’

Where is the legislation to stop Washington from being a sanctuary state for illegals, especially when we can’t find enough jobs for many “legal” residents. Giving them a driver’s license is like allowing them to steal from the taxpayers of this state. (Aug. 14 Columbian story “Immigration debate steers to driver’s licenses.”)

Carlos Hernandez, who was described in the story, is breaking the law, as a confessed illegal alien. He knows it’s illegal for him to be here. Arrest him and his family and send them back. He states he wants to contribute, to what? More unemployment, higher taxes for us so he can send his kid to public schools and use medical services, or food stamps?

I find it interesting that he says he wants to follow the rules … which ones? Certainly not the “wait in line” and follow the immigration laws. Any company that hires him ought to be sued by the taxpayers of Washington state, as they will be breaking the law as well.

If you want my vote in November, close the loophole that has allowed almost 10,000 new illegals to obtain a driver’s license since 2009.

We have reached the breaking point where the ones left working can’t afford to pay for all of the ones who want a free ride.

Curtis A. Paulson

Vancouver

Stop wasteful presidential trips

In regards to the F-15s scrambled Aug. 17 in the Seattle area, yes, the pilot of the small plane in the air space should be accountable for the cost incurred, but at the same time the people of the United States need to demand that these flights by the president and vice president come to a stop. The cost of two fighters going up to the Seattle area is nothing compared to the 747 the president flies on plus the cost of the support C-17 that follows. Then count the cost of all the Secret Service preparation, the local police department cost for security, the cost to the airlines that have to delay flights because of the restricted airspace during and after his arrival, not including the disruption of traffic on the road.

The president and vice president were elected to do a job, not fly around the country and support local candidates. The people of this country should demand a stop to this kind of wasteful spending.

Lovell Travis

Vancouver

Financial advice for free

1. Stop smoking.

2. Stop drinking.

3. Stop doing drugs.

4. Sell your pets.

5. Quit gambling.

6. Sell your big screen television.

7. Buy basic cable.

8. Quit financing cars you can’t afford.

9. Sell your boat.

10. Sell your motorcycle.

11. Sell your recreational vehicles.

12. Don’t go on vacations.

13. Eat out less.

14. Drink water.

15. Make coffee at home.

Korey Kier

Vancouver