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Not all crawlspaces are created equal

I am concerned with statements made in the article “Nightmare at Reanna Place” which appeared in your issue of Dec. 12, 2007.

I am a new homeowner in the Aspen Lane development and your statement of increased flood insurance caught me by surprise. Before printing such a statement with reference to Aspen Lane, I believe the facts should have been checked for accuracy. To my knowledge, my premiums, as had been quoted, have not been increased, but to the contrary, I have received a credit on my recent premium.

I feel that the statement should have been verified with the builder, but also with the respective agencies before it is put in print as begin Gospel truth that an exorbitant increase is likely for Aspen Lane home owners. Such statements not only devalue present owner’s value, but put a shadow of doubt on the project for all future purchasers.

I think an apology to Aspen Lane owners and builder is in order, until facts and figures can be ascertained, and then reliably reported. It should also be noted that the development was done in two stages, and varied heights prevail. The entire project should not be painted with the same brush. Should it develop that there are increases due to this act, I am sure you will then have plenty to report on hearings, meetings and litigation.

James R. Bonholzer
Burlington

Plows, not computers, needed

I’d like to play Devil’s advocate about the “Working without Tools” article, Dec. 26. The Mount Vernon bond for computer technology struck a nerve with me. My career was in the technology field of telecommunications, television transmission, in Southern California after graduation from Mount Vernon High School and two years at the then technical trade school in Bellingham. I didn’t want to be farmer, logger or truck driver. And there just wasn’t any “technology” jobs that wouldn’t require a move to a more populated area like Seattle or beyond. I realize some tech fields do exist here, if you train for those specific areas, (not computer required). So with that in mind, I’m questioning why computer technology is so important in a city/county where the need is more for generations to keep up the farming and logging that is so touted here in this fertile valley or whatever Skagit is wanting to be noted for now. You need the jobs locally to support a new class of those technically trained. You’ll train them at taxpayer expense, then they’ll have to move away to enjoy the fruits of their new skills. Yes, some computer ability is needed for farming, now, but not to the tune of 2.5 million taxpayer dollars for state of the art computing. If computerdom is needed, why not go back to those that donated what this paper mentioned where they came from in the first place, now putting a strain on school budgets. With this new technology will come training of teachers and all the expenses of the support systems. We can’t seem to get a very high rate of graduation now with our diverse student body. One of my points is: You build it, they will come, (new schools and houses) you train them technology wise, they will have to leave for a better future. So what is it we’re trying to teach future generations around here? Which way are we going? Technical or agriculture. With several school levies to be passed yet, I wonder how much more farmers can handle with taxing and taxes, not related to their businesses.

Michael B. King
Burlington

Library supporters appreciated

The Friends of the Burlington Public Library would like to express their appreciation to all who have supported the “Book Ends” with the large number of donations of an excellent variety of books, videos, and DVD’s, and also to everyone who took part in our very successful semi-annual book sales.

Your generosity and continued support enable us to fund a number of important library programs throughout the year.

We hope that in the future you will keep supporting these worthwhile and important causes to further the valuable service of the Burlington Public Library to our community.

Susan Czetwertynski
President
Friends of the Burlington Public Library