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HISTORICAL | Kirkland Woman’s Club nominated for landmark status [12]
Kirkland native | UW gymnast rekindles love with the sport [16]
Cachet | Arts Council gives awards to FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011 Parkplace Books and Jeff Lockhart of NU [3]
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Transparency at the heart of Houghton outrage Bill that could end community councils speeds through Legislature, disconnect between city and representatives questioned Council. But many residents are angry that the measure has Kirkland Reporter barreled through ith just the session without days to any public awareprepare ness or opportunity for a last-minute for public input. push in Olympia, Rick Whitney, several Houghton chair of the Houghresidents scrambled Mayor Joan McBride ton Community to organize a Council (HCC), petition last week said he just heard against a measure about House Bill that takes aim 1812 last week when at the Houghhe got a phone call ton Community from Ken Seal, the Council. longest-standing The bill moving member of the East through the LegisBellevue Communilature would allow Rep. Larry Springer ty Council. The bill voters in the entire would affect both City of Kirkland to the Houghton and East Belvote on whether or not to levue community councils continue the existence of - the only two community the Houghton Community [ more 1812 page 7 ] BY CARRIE WOOD AND MATT PHELPS
Twenty-two year Houghton Community Council member Elsie Weber testifies in Olympia against House Bill 1812 on Tuesday. The bill would end the formation of community councils in Washington State and let an entire city vote to keeping a community council every four years instead of just the community represented by the council. Joining Weber is Ken Seal, left, and Steve Kasner, of the East Bellevue Community Council, the only other community council in the state.
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MATT PHELPS, Kirkland Reporter
LWSD breaks ground on $18 million Muir project BY CARRIE WOOD Kirkland Reporter
The John Muir Elementary community celebrated the groundbreaking on a new school during a ceremony on Thursday. Set to open this fall, the new $18 million facility will replace the existing building as part of the Lake Washington School District modernization program. During the event, the Kamiakin Junior High Jazz Band performed, followed by remarks from principal Jeff DeGallier and Dr. Chip Kimball, superintendent. Currently the longest-serv-
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ing staff member at John Muir Elementary, Barb Whelan also spoke during the event. She started working at the school as an instructional assistant nearly 30 years ago. “So 29 years later, six principals later, with four children and three grandchildren attending this school, I’m still here,” said Whelan. She said the school has evolved from a nationallyrecognized school in the ‘80s, to becoming a school of distinction in 2010. “I’ve seen a lot of changes and growth over the years, [ more MUIR page 2 ]
Redistricting could have big impact on Kirkland targeted population. The majority of Kirkland is served by the 1st CongressioRecently released Census nal District and a small area numbers show an increase in south Kirkland is served of 830,419 Washington resiby the 8th Congressional dents during the past decade. District. That increase will give Based on the new Washington State a numbers, each of 10th Congressional the congressional 2010 District - but where districts in Washingwill it be located? ton State should have Most predictions a target population of show the new district 672,454 people. The 8th around the Tacoma and District is over the targeted Olympia area. But when the population the most in the lines are redrawn it will have state with 810,754 people, a major impact on Kirkland or by 20.6 percent. The 1st residents as both congresCongressional District is over sional districts that serve by 10 percent, or by 66,001 Kirkland are well over the [ more CENSUS page 2 ] BY MATT PHELPS
mphelps@kirklandreporter.com
CENSUS
Lake Washington School District Superintendent Dr. Chip Kimbal and John Muir Elementary principal Jeff DeGallier break ground on the school’s new $18 million facility that is set to open this fall. MATT PHELPS, Kirkland Reporter
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