WHIDBEY
OPINION Page A6
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Saturday, March 15, 2014 • Whidbey News-Times
IN OUR OPINION
Week shines the spotlight on right to public information Sunshine Week is upon us, and it’s a good time to recognize why newspapers do the job they do. Started in March 2005, Sunshine week this year is March 16-22. It’s the result of a national initiative aimed at promoting dialogue about the importance of open government and freedom of information. Created by the American Society of News Editors, it is celebrated each March, and not just by journalists. It’s recognized by government officials, schools and universities, nonprofit groups, civic organizations and anyone else who is mindful of the freedoms that we as Americans enjoy. It’s the newspaper’s responsibility to empower readers by providing them with the information they need to draw their own conclusions and, in some cases, take action to change the way things are done. Because of our First Amendment, American citizens have the enviable right to know what our government representatives are doing, and how every penny of our tax dollars are being spent. There remain countries in the world who don’t enjoy these rights. Too often, some of us take them for granted. While the daily activities of government at every level can range from the mundane to near-soapopera proportions, it’s vital that members of the public do their job and stay informed. That means taking the time to read the local newspaper. It’s everyone’s responsibility to pay attention and to hold their public servants accountable. Case in point, the potential settlement over the unearthed bones on Pioneer Way. The Whidbey News-Times covered this story from its very beginning to its apparent conclusion. It was embarrassing for the previous mayor and his administration, but the citizen’s right to know is inalienable and trumps all. Yes, some consider the newspaper a pain in the behind at times. SEE SUNSHINE, A7
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Published each Wednesday and Saturday from the office of The Whidbey News-Times 107 S. Main St, Ste E101 • P.O. Box 1200 • Coupeville, WA 98239 (360) 675-6611 • (360) 679-2695 fax On the Internet at www.whidbeynewstimes.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Government
Renters’ votes control property owners’ taxes Editor, On Wednesday, March 12, Rick Kiser spelled out exactly why Thomas Jefferson and many other founders of our country insisted that you had to own property in order to qualify to vote. I don’t know just how they managed to get that “reformed” away from us over the years, but it surely was made to address exactly what we property owners today feel about how our tax rates are mishandled by the “free for all” political bunch in power now. Needless to say, the nonproperty owners far outnumber us at the polls and they easily control the vote to get what they want without contributing, so we had better just get used to it or move on. Reg White Oak Harbor
Legislators should be holding ‘apology tour’ Editor, Our 10th District legislative delegation to Olympia, Barbara Bailey, Norma Smith and Dave Hayes, are starting their “victory lap” tour throughout the district on March 20. They will travel from site to site during a three-day period spiking the football at the feet of the hard-working men and women of the district and their families. However, considering the horrendous voting record of our delegation this legislative session, they should instead be conducting an “apology tour.” On virtually every occasion the three members of our delegation had a chance to do what was right for the workers and families of the district, they sided with their corporate buddies instead. Space limitations precludes the listing of all such legislation, but here
Executive Editor & Publisher.....................................................................Keven R. Graves Advertising Manager......................................................................................Teri Mendiola Assistant Editor .......................................................................................... Jessie Stensland Contributing Editor...................................................................................... Megan Hansen Reporters.....................................................................Janis Reid, Ron Newberry, Jim Waller Administrative Coordinator.........................................................................Renee Midgett Advertising.................................................................................... Nora Durand, Phil Dubois Creative Manager.............................................................................................. Connie Ross Lead Creative Artist........................................................................Michelle Wolfensparger Creative Artists..........................................................................Adine Close, Jennifer Miller Circulation Manager...................................................................................Diane Smothers Circulation Assistant.........................................................................................Liam Graves
are a few of the most egregious antiworker, anti-family bills. All the following House bills passed the House but were killed in the Republican-controlled Senate. Reps. Smith and Hayes voted against district workers and their families by voting “no” on each of these bills: CERTIFIED PAYROLL — HB 2331 enabled workers on public construction projects to confirm they are being lawfully paid prevailing wage by requiring contractors to post timely certified payroll reports. TRIPLE DAMAGES — HB 2332 discouraged wage theft by making employers liable for triple damages, rather than double, in a civil action. WAGE THEFT RETALIATION — HB 2333 established criminal penalties for employers who retaliate against workers who seek their rightfully earned wages. WORKPLACE FRAUD — HB 2334 addressed the workplace fraud of misclassifying employees as indeSEE LETTERS, A7
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