Whidbey
OPINION Page A6
Write to us: The Whidbey News-Times welcomes letters from its readers. We reserve the right to edit all submissions. Letters should be typewritten and not exceed 350 words. They must be signed and include a daytime phone number. Send items to P.O. Box 1200, Coupeville WA 98239, or email kgraves@ whidbeynewsgroup.com www.whidbeynewstimes.com Saturday, November 2, 2013 • Whidbey News-Times
sound off No room for elitism in state government Guest column
By Rep. Dave Hayes A few weeks ago, a regional newspaper reported that the Washington State Patrol and some other law enforcement agencies will not issue tickets for moving violations to Washington legislators during a legislative session. The State Patrol cites a provision in Washington’s constitution, enacted in 1889, which reads: “Members of the Legislature shall be privileged from arrest in all cases except treason, felony and breach of the peace; they shall not be subject to any civil process during the session of the Legislature, nor for 15 days next before the commencement of each session.” The law was written when legislators traveled for days across the state to reach the capitol, sometimes on horseback, and it was intended to prevent them from being obstructed from their participation in the Legislature. Times have changed quite a bit in 124 years. While this exemption may have been valid a century ago, today it projects an image of elitism about our state Legislature – even though I’m convinced no one in the Legislature would take advantage of it today. In fact, some legislators stopped for speeding have asked the officer to write them a ticket, only to be rejected. As a state legislator and patrol sergeant with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department, I believe no one should be above the law, especially those who write the laws. That is why I am proposing legislation. During the pre-filing period in December, I plan to introduce a bill that would eliminate traffic ticket exemptions for state legislators. The measure I have drafted would clarify that the issuance of a traffic citation to a legislator is not a “civil process” under the state constitution. This is important because the interpretation of “civil process” is confusing and is why the State Patrol won’t write tickets to legislators, while other law enforcement agencies, such as the Olympia Police Department, do. The bill I am proposing would clarify that state legislators who violate traffic laws may receive a ticket, regardless of whether or not the Legislature is in session. Court appearances, or other hearings related to disposition of a traffic citation received by a state legislator See HAYES, A7
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Letters to the editor
Community
Touched by thought put into gift, tribute Editor, I am incredibly humbled and honored by the recent gift and tribute I received from many of you throughout the community, the naming of a hybrid rhododendron. Not only is it our official state flower, but a flower with a very unique history on Whidbey Island, home to some of the most beautiful rhondodendrons. Of all the tributes, this truly was the “Best of Whidbey,” I am overwhelmed by your generosity and touched by your gesture and you could not have found a more meaningful gift. Words are not adaquate thanks for how truly blessed I feel. To Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard and Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson, thank you for your friendship and organizing a wonderful reunion. To Frank Fujioka and Meerkerk Gardens, the rhododendron you selected is beautiful and the thought you put into choosing it means a lot to me and my family.
It was a privilege serving you in Olympia, however it is a greater honor to call many of you friends. Mary Margaret Haugen Camano Island
Journalism
WNT murder coverage not worthy of award Editor, I find it beyond reprehensible that Jessie Stensland could win an award for her “Did the ‘voices’ drive hime to kill?” story. Just who are these judges who deem her words “gift for readers?” Are you kidding me? Shall we ask the friends and family of the victims if her repeated insensitive retelling of the story were gifts to them? I know the news has to be reported. I don’t expect all stories and reporting to be “pretty.” Too often they are not. Yet, do we as readers, need to be told the harsh and unforgiving circumstances of a crime over and over again? Did the family and friends of the perpetrator need to be subjected to the horrors of the crime in nearly every issue of the paper for weeks? Can Ms. Stensland feel good about winning an award for this even after
Executive Editor & Publisher.....................................................................Keven R. Graves Advertising Manager......................................................................................Teri Mendiola Assistant Editor .......................................................................................... Jessie Stensland Contributing Editor...................................................................................... Megan Hansen Reporters............................................... Janis Reid, Ron Newberry, Sara Hansen, Jim Waller Administrative Assistant...............................................................................Renee Midget Advertising............................................................... Nora Durand, Phil Dubois, Gail Rognan Creative Manager.............................................................................................. Connie Ross Lead Creative Artist........................................................................Michelle Wolfensparger Creative Artists..........................................................................Adine Close, Jennifer Miller Circulation Manager...................................................................................Diane Smothers
she was asked by friends of the family to consider the family in her reporting of this story? That anyone can ignore the shattered hearts of those hurt, especially in our small community, for what, journalistic freedom? The hope of an award? It makes me sad and sickened. Luanne Raavel Coupeville
OLF
Noise indeed a health concern for 65-plus Editor, I don’t think it’s really that difficult to understand why many people who live in Coupeville hate the nasty loud plane noise during the day and especially at midnight. To make matters worse, a new FAA report reveals people older than 65 subjected to loud plane noise have more incidents of hearing problems, heart rhythm disturbances, cerebrovascular events and more. This is definitely a threat to the health and well being of many people in Coupeville and Ken Pickard should be thanked for all his efforts to restore peace and quiet to Coupeville. Marie Bradley Coupeville
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