Letters to the Editor, Dec. 12, 2007
Email | Print Contributed | The Argus
December 12, 2007 - 06:00 PM

Kramer appreciates support

Burlington voters, thank you for your participation in November’s general election. I’d also like to offer a heart-felt thank you to those who supported my candidacy for the Ward 3 (the “hub” of the “Hub City”) position on the Burlington City Council.

The election for the Ward 3 position was very close, a mere one percentage point (23 votes) of difference. We were not on the winning end of that percentage. Yet I do not feel as though we lost. I had no campaign finances to spend (needing the finances for everyday living) and my name is hardly one of local recognition. Still, I feel honored to have come so close to representing you in city government.

Your support has solidified my opinion that Burlington City Council members need reminding that they represent neighborhood interests in addition to the interests along the Burlington Boulevard/I-5 commercial corridor. They may also need reminding that almost every other city in Skagit County voted to increase property taxes by a mere one percent or less and the state legislature recently passed a law requiring a one percent cap, yet the council voted to increase our property taxes by two percent for 2008.

So to help remind them, I plan to attend future city council meetings, just as I have in the past. If you’d like to help remind them too, I invite you to attend also.

I hope to see you there. Thanks again for your support.

Mark Kramer
Burlington


Every vote counts

On the front page of the December, 5, 2007 issue of “The Argus” was an article about two local women who created historic character portrayals of their ancestors, Anne Justis Morton and Abigail Adams. Though a sub-theme of the presentation did deal with these two women’s role during the Revolutionary War, the article failed to answer the question as to who was this Anne Justis Morton ancestor? Anne Justis Morton along with Abigail Adams were the wives of two of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, delegates John Adams of Massachusetts and John Morton of Pennsylvania.

John Morton, my ancestor, cast the deciding vote for independence from British rule on July 2, 1776 at the Second Continental Congress. On that fateful day the delegates were equally divided for and against breaking from the rule of King George. My ancestor was the final delegate to cast his vote before an equally divided Congress. Because of his decision to vote for independence these United States were born. Morton’s friends and neighbors, who feared retaliation by the British, abandoned him and called him a traitor. On Sept. 11, 1777 the Morton farm was burned and despoiled by the British but Anne Justis Morton, now a widow, survived. It is because of his courageous decision and the involvement of patriots such as John Adams that we enjoy such freedom in these United States today. The character portrayals that Barbara Johnson and I performed told the story of the united courage and vision of these courageous men and women.

I created a solo version of this presentation in September 2002. It was first performed in Vancouver, Wash., when one of the original remaining “broadsides” of the Declaration of Independence was touring the country. By bringing my ancestor “to life” I discovered how little is known about our nation’s early history. The signers of the Declaration of Independence knew the consequences when they “mutually pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor” and voted for independence. My purpose therefore goes beyond an interesting story concerning genealogy research. For me what I hope to accomplish is to educate citizens about the risks these men and women endured so that you and I may now be free.

If you will permit me there is yet one more “moral to story” that I observe. It was John Morton’s single vote that broke the tie between the divided Continental Congress delegates. Please remember that in November 2008 because you see — every vote counts!

Margie Wilson
Burlington


Previous Story

ALL-AREA GIRLS' SOCCER TEAM | Griffith a dangerous player
 

Next Story

Project could ease congestion on College Way

More Local News



Most Read Stories

Top Jobs

SKAGIT COUNTY Seeking Quality Home Health Clinicians: RNs - HH & Infusion LPNs Physical Therapists Competitive…


F/T & P/T Staff needed to support Developmentally Disabled adults in small residential facility. Swing…


"EXTRA MONEY" and the rest of the day free!!!! ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted:…


The Corner Restaurant is currently hiring for an exp. Full Line Cook & Dishwasher. Call 293-8411 Ext.…


Life's Good at The Beach! "Christ-Centered, people-focused" are not empty words in a mission statement,…


NOW HIRING Lumber Yard Help Sales and general labor/forklift jobs avail. 1834 W. SR 20. 360-855-7538…


P/T Receptionist/ Cashier for Fri.-Sun. Great for extra income. Apply at FRONTIER FORD, 12610 Thompson…


The Porterhouse now hiring F/T Line Cook Apply in person at 416 Gates, MV.


FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR Supervises F&B operations on an assigned shift. Requires 2 years of Food &…


EXP. CASHIERS F/T positions avail. Must be able to work nights & weekends. Competitive pay. 2 weeks…


Delivery Driver/ Warehouse person needed full- time. Good driving record & able to lift up to 100 lbs.…


Mount Vernon School District seeks qualified bilingual applicants ADVOCATE/ COMMUNITY LIAISON 8 hrs/day,…


ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: BURLINGTON The Skagit Valley Herald now has…


Clinician I or II F/T (37.5) Coupeville. Provides primary clinical therapy, case management and/or group…


Field Service Tech F/T Mon.-Fri., days, clean windows, roofs, carpet, willing to train. Exp. pref'd.…


Agriculture Office Assistant Office assistant to complete hiring paperwork and to perform daily office…


NW Washington's largest spa and pool store is seeking a professional sales associate. Premium salary,…


Nurses RNs up to $52/hr LPNs up to $35/hr Pts up to $75/hr All shifts & specialties 1 yr. current exp.…


DENTAL HYGIENIST FT/PT needed 3-4 days/wk. Busy office. Great patients. Please send resume to PO Box…


Massage Therapist Looking for friendly, established therapist with local following. Contact Ashley G.…


NOW HIRING Dishwasher Apply in person, Max Dales Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Dr., Mount Vernon.


Sedro-Woolley Veterinary Care is currently accepting resumes for: VET TECH and VET TECH ASS'T positions.…


ATTENTION ANACORTES The Skagit Valley Herald now has the following motor routes available immediately:…


Carpenter Helpers & Apprentices Needed Looking for workers who would like to grow in their trade and…


LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN has the following positions avail.: RESIDENT CARE MANAGER for Assisted Living…


F/T Detailer/ Janitor Salary DOE (360) 755-5448


Physician (Pulmonologist) Must have M.D., completion of residency in Internal Medicine with a fellowship…


ROOFERS WANTED. Great oppty w/local established roofing co. Top pay & working environment. Tools & experience…


F/T DENTAL ASSISTANT. Looking for energetic, people person w/ good communication skills. Mail resume…


Whidbey Island Manor is accepting applications for Director of Nursing Services. Must have a current…


Team Corporation Manufacturer of Vibration Test Equip. needs the following positions filled: CNC Programmer/Operator…


Cascades Job Corps Center has the following openings: *Employability Specialist *Residential Advisor…


Are you working too hard with little or no success? No company support? No time off? No paid vacations?…


Immediate Openings START NOW $14.25 Base/ Appt. FT/PT Avail. Customer sales/service Cond. Apply…


MILLWRIGHT Journeyman millwright needed for well established sawmill. 3 yrs. min. sawmill exp. or equivalent.…


P/T Chef (every other wknd) breakfast exp., Deli help, P/T, over 21 a plus. (360) 466-5522


CPA firm seeking STAFF ACCOUNTANT with exp. in public accounting. QuickBooks. Also seeking RECEPTIONIST/…


Insurance Coordinator, Surgical/Dental Assistant in surgical office. Good benefits and environment. Fax…


Seeking an exp. Dental Assistant with a willingness to learn, excellent people skills, and a positive…


CHEESECAKE CAFE has F/T & P/T positions. Must be friendly & have deli /espresso exp. Apply in person,…


EXP. COOKS & SERVERS needed. Busy, high quality restaurant. Top pay - good tips. Send resume with cover…


CNAs $1,000 sign-on bonus Positions available for caring and dependable CNAs. Exciting new nursing mgmt.…


Summer Employment Opportunities! We are looking for energetic, motivated workers for the following positions…


Coop Preschool Teacher(s). AA, BA in ECE preferred. P/T, DOE Resume to: StanwoodCoop@gmailcom


LPNs RNs $2,000 sign-on bonus for RN $1,500 sign-on bonus for LPN Exciting new nursing mgmt ready for…


Truck Drivers-O.O. CDL A, 2 yrs. reefer exp. Dedicated runs. Good pay, benefits. Visit: www. sitkotrucking.com…


Gentleman Gene's now hiring KITCHEN HELP, must be 18, motivated & able to work weekends. No phone calls…


Telephone book delivery. Earn summer cash. Need groups or individuals for 3 wks. (360) 840-0870


P/T Caregiver for 24 hr. shifts in La Conner. CNA pref'd. Transfers nec. Refs/Exp. (360) 293-5781 ask…


Great Opportunity for energetic and personable individual w/superb Dental Front Office skills. Burlington…


CAREGIVERS NEEDED for seniors & people with disabilities Gas Card Hiring Bonus! Best Wage & Benefit…


SMALL ROUTES!!!! EASY MONEY!!!! DELIVERY NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE 6AM MON.-SAT. AND BY 8AM ON SUN. (Open…


JOB COACH to support persons w/disabilities in community jobs. Exp: 1 yr. w/ disabilities req., F/T,…


ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: BURLINGTON The Skagit Valley Herald now has…


Housekeeper Must be able to work weekends & evenings. If interested, apply in person at: Mira Vista Care…


Industrial Welders/ Fabricators/ Millwrights Many industrial opportunities avail- able now for work in…


Bookkeeper Data entry, AP/AR, taxes & clerical duties. Min. 1 yr. exp. Resume to P.O. Box 159, Mount…


Parent Service Coordinator For NWESD's Migrant Education Regional Office in Anacortes. Bachelors deg.…


NOW HIRING: P/T LOUNGE SERVER Must be 21. Apply in person, Max Dales Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Dr.,…


Exp Log Truck Driver Wanted. 35% Please Call (360) 708-5600


NEEDED: Operators, foreman, pipe layers, top men, must have at least 5 years experience. Please fax resume…


SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER For NWESD at Island View Elementary in Anacortes. Go to www.esd189 .org to…


Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Entry level positions start at $9.50. Positions…


RESTORATIVE CNA Experienced. 2 positions. FT w/benefits. LIFE CARE CENTER OF SKAGIT VALLEY 1462 West…


DRIVER Class A, 3+ yrs. exp. professionalism, integrity, good work ethic. Small, locally based company.…


Immediate openings Tank Workers Above ground storage tank exp. pref'd. Field tank erection & repair work.…


EARN EXTRA $$$$$ Youth and Adult CARRIERS NEEDED The Fidalgo This Week has immediate openings, once a…


DENTAL ASSISTANT P/T, job share. Experience required. Please call: 360-336-5440


CCSWW-NW in Skagit Co. is hiring Temporary CHAP Program Foster Parent Recruiter BA in Social Services/or…


Volume custom home builder looking for self-motivated energetic hourly & commission salesperson to work…


CCS-NW- Skagit Co. Mental Health Therapist-Skagit School Program F/T, $2,583.75 - $2,674.75 per mo. DOE,…


HOUSING TECHNICIAN F/T days, 4/10's. Mon.-Thur., exc. benefits, incl. 3 wks. vacation per yr. Work with…


TEACHER OF THE DEAF for the NWESD's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Island View Elementary in Anacortes.…


F/T DAYCARE ASSISTANT/PRESCHOOL TEACHER Must be 18, Call(360)428-7961


Pioneer Center North a residential chemical dependency treatment facility seeks: Food Service Specialist,…


P/T Weekend Marketing Asst. Housekeeping (P/T & poss. F/T) Servers P/T We are expanding. We need a dynamic,…


CCS IS HIRING Support Specialists to assist in Mental Health treatment for Children/ /Families in Skagit…


Call (360) 914-0097 Lang Custom Concrete seeking quality Laborers, Finishers and Form Setters. www.langcustom.com…


Not only are we a great place to play; we're a great place to work! Front Desk Clerk $12.50-$14.50 Club…


Roofers Wanted Valid driver's license. Must pass drug test. 360-293-2021


ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR - Multicultural Outreach, Admissions. View announcement online at www.wwu.edu/jobs…


Substitute Custodians (Job #2007-650) Bellingham Public Schools is currently seeking candidates to fill…


San Juan Blast Cleaning is looking for 2 PAINTERS Exp. preferred but will train motivated person. Metalizing…


NOW HIRING: Exp. Finish Carpenter/Cabinet Maker, Entry-level Carpenter, Entry-level Laminator. Competitive…


WOO HOO!! Hiring In Mount Vernon Support adults with disabilities in their homes. FT & PT. Generous Medical…


Berry Pickers Wanted! Sakuma Bros. Farms is now hiring berry pickers for our kids crew (ages 12 - 15)…


INSURANCE F/T position for fast paced office. Marketing, computer & organizational skills req'd. Insurance…


Information & Referral Publishing Specialist Human Services Agency in downtown Everett seeks I&R Publishing…


Visiting Angels WANTS YOU! CAREGIVERS Love working with seniors or disabled? We hire caring & dedicated…


Immediate Opening PIPE LAYER Exc. benefits & wages, some prevailing wage work. 5 yrs. min. exp. Drug-free…


FITTER/ WELDER needed by small manuf. F/T, Wages DOE. Drug Free. Apply in person at US Mower, 11949 Westar…


Pioneer Center North a residential chemical dependency treatment facility in Skagit Co. seeks: Residential…


Do You Care? We hope so. If you'd like to help an older or disabled adult stay in his/her own home (and…


Conservation Programs Coordinator Full-time/benefits, incl. 3 weeks vacation. Develops & implements program…


EARN EXTRA $$$ CARRIERS NEEDED Youth and Adult The Anacortes American has immediate openings, once a…


CCS has an opening for a CASE MANAGER for our Chronically Homeless Housing Program in Whatcom Co. BA…


P/T Dietary Aide/ Dishwasher position available 3:30pm-8pm. Must be flexible & dependable. Please apply…


Bilingual Territory Mgr. Spanish-English. Setting up and servicing dealers for Fortune 500 telecommunications…


"EXTRA MONEY" and the rest of the day free couldn't be easier! $50.00 Sign On Bonus! Delivery needs to…


ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: SEDRO-WOOLLEY The Skagit Valley Herald now…


CAREGIVERS Fidalgo Care Center and Rosario Assisted Living has current openings for caregivers, NAR's…