January 8, 2016 [5]
www.federalwaymirror.com
Q&A with Mr. FW: Stonewalled by City Hall and frosty football Q
: Mr. Federal Way, it seems like there are not a lot of choices for better Internet in Federal Way. Is there any chance you think the City Council would be open to applying for Google Fiber? A: Mr. Federal Way was very interested in this question because Mr. Federal Way agrees with you. The options in the entire state of Washington seem to be lacking, not just in Federal Way. The current providers have little incentive to improve their service since they have no one in the area pushing them to be better. Mr. Federal Way would love to hear that the City Council would apply for Google Fiber. Sadly, Mr. Federal Way will have to get back to you
about this request because Mr. Federal Way will be waiting on a public records request to go through the city on some information Mr. Federal Way wanted to gather. Mr. Federal Way had a colleague ask City Hall nicely for this information, as Mr. Federal Way has done in the past, but this time the response from Chief of Staff Brian Wilson was: “The mayor’s office will not be providing information to or for a fictional character’s satire/opinion column in the Federal Way Mirror.” The last time Mr. Federal Way checked, the skin, and
what may possibly be some muscle, on Mr. Federal Way’s bones is very real. The only thing Mr. Federal Way knows to be fictional at the Mirror is Mr. Alcott’s sense of humor. Mr. Federal Way will wait on the information to allow for a better answer to this concerned citizen’s question. There’s no reason for Mr. Federal Way to try to double-dip on the questioning after being rejected once already. Well maybe there is, but Mr. Federal Way is not the type of person who wants to get rejected multiple times.
Q: Mr. Federal Way, I haven’t seen you talk about the Seahawks in awhile. How are you feeling about the game in Minnesota this weekend? A: You’re right, it has been awhile since Mr. Federal Way really talked sports, hasn’t it? Well, Mr. Federal Way’s first feeling is that Mr. Federal Way will be much happier watching the game in front of the fireplace instead of in the stands on Sunday. Temperature’s have been estimated to be from -1 to 4 degrees on Sunday in Minneapolis. That’s even before the wind chill kicks in and makes it even colder. Mr. Federal Way was cold just looking out at the snow this weekend, there’s no way any sane person would
want to be in those frigid temperatures. Luckily, some of those insane people are Hawks fans. With the frosty forecast, Vikings fans haven’t been buying tickets like most would expect for a playoff game. Many of those crazy Seahawks fans have scooped them up for cheap and Mr. Federal Way expects there to be a decentsized contingent of Hawks fans making the trip. The Seahawks already made Minnesota feel just like home earlier this season with their 38-7 win a month ago, so Mr. Federal Way isn’t too afraid of the Vikings ending the Hawks season. But it is the playoffs, so who knows what can happen. Maybe Teddy Bridgewa-
ter figures out how to throw the ball more than 10 yards down the field. Maybe Adrian Peterson actually realizes that his goal is to hold onto the football. Maybe Matt Kalil and the rest of the Vikings’ O-lines stop looking like the turnstiles at the entrance of the stadium. It’s possible, but it’s not likely. Mr. Federal Way likes the Seahawks in this one by a couple scores, even with the freezing conditions. Stay warm out there Hawks fans. Q: Mr. Federal Way, did you play in the snow on Sunday? A: None of your business.
Got a question for Mr. Federal Way? Email mrfederalway@federalwaymirror.com
Stop whining and participate
School district launches new website
When my wife Margery and I walked to the Dash Point Starbucks in the morning, we would remark to each other, “Look at all the trash on the side of the road. Aren’t people taught litter control anymore? It used to be that you would be fined $500 for throwing trash out of your car. It just looks terrible.” One day, I said to her, “I am sick and tired of complaining about this. I am just going to pick it up myself,” which we did for eight years. We also looked at each other and said, “Let’s choose to participate in volunteer activities in our community that improve it but aren’t rocket science. Things that don’t take all our
Federal Way Public Schools recently launched the first phase of the district’s new website, with a new look and improved navigation experience. As the district continues to build the site and add functionality, parents and students will see more information and new pages over the next few weeks. Some information has not yet been moved from the district’s old site, so users might be redirected to the old site or pointed to the equivalent or relevant information. New school websites are coming soon, meanwhile users can still access the school websites. However, due to the significant changes in the website architecture, district officials know there may be digital hiccups and users may experience virtual roadblocks along the way. This is where the district needs the public’s help. Email the district at comments@fwps.org if you see a broken link or feel that something should be reviewed or enhanced.
Pat Godfrey
GUEST COLUMN
time but together with others of like mind could make a small difference.” This is the way I feel about being a volunteer member of the Mirror’s Editorial Board. I saw it as an opportunity to participate in a unique way that might, just might, have a positive influence on our community. And I believe my participation has been a positive thing. I am ever so grateful that I have been allowed to participate on the Ed Board (that’s what we call it now that we are on the “inside” of the media).
Guess what? It is not what people might think. It is enthusiastic discussion about issues important to our community, the quality of our lives, our families, our kids and their education, our merchants, our leaders, you name it — we talk about it. And laugh, oh my goodness. If you like to laugh, this is for you. Your time invested will be rewarded tenfold. Go for it. Your community needs you. If you are a rocket scientist, you probably shouldn’t apply. The Ed Board is for “regular” people.
Pat Godfrey is a member of the Mirror’s Editorial Board. His term ends in March. If you are interested in applying for this volunteer board, email publisher Rudi Alcott at publisher@federalwaymirror.com.
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Museum of Flight - Jan. 13 Federal Way Symphony Swing Band - Jan. 24 If you missed our events call 253.838.3700 or visit our website to see what’s coming up!
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Fun January events!
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