Letterbox - Upcoming Election and Nuclear Power/Bee Virus Comments

Dear Watchers:

While reading Whatcom Watch in the early morning, Joe Meche’s “Birds in Peril” article reminded me of the current bestselling book, “The World Without Us.” While it’s terribly sad that habitat’s being used for human development, this reflects our values whether intentional or not.  

I really don’t know what a sustainable human population is either here in the Pacific Northwest or worldwide, but I do now that people often do things unaware of the consequences; some call this sin, others mistakes.

On the adjacent page Dan Pike has an ad in which he suggests we identify both the problem and the solutions and then how we wish to “implement the best solution.” Unfortunately, Pike neglects to make mention of any best solutions he envisions; a situation that seems to me indicative of each individual’s moral opinion.

Near the conclusion of Meche’s article, he asks, “Is there a silent spring in our future?” The answer to this question depends very much upon our values. It’s my hope that people will be courageous enough to “say what they mean and mean what they say,” maybe even “walk their talk.” Those [who] do will certainly catch my attention; perhaps even my vote.

Dear Watchers:

As a Bellingham voter who closely follows growth issues and especially Lake Whatcom protection, I am looking for a mayoral candidate with proven credentials of preventing sprawl and protecting water quality, specifically Lake Whatcom.

Dan McShane is that kind of man. Mr. McShane has had success upon success in leading the downzoning and protection of many fragile watersheds, Lake Samish, Lake Padden, Lake Whatcom, Birch Bay and many other areas. Time after time, Dan McShane has shown the vision, leadership and hard work required to protect our county water resources and our quality of life. He is not just talk; he does what he says he will do.

I support Dan McShane for Mayor of Bellingham.

Dear Watchers:

The September 2007 Economist states that America is about to experience an atomic energy renaissance. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) expects to receive 12 applications to build nuclear power reactors at seven different sites. It’s preparing to see plans for 15 more at 11 locations next year.

Safety is still a serious issue. My oldest brother was an engineer who did consulting work at nuclear power plants after he retired from a steady job. He was appalled by the staffs’ lack of training and knowledge about what to do in an emergency. That could be fixed if organizations like the National Resources Defense Council were allowed to quiz the worker.

Storage of nuclear waste remains a problem. That too could be fixed by switching from water-cooled reactors that produce huge quantities of waste that still has much energy in it to fast neutron reactors. To review the difference between the two types of nuclear power plants, go to the Whatcom Watch Web site (http://www.whatcomwatch.org) and go to “Our Long-Term Energy Future” by Al Hanners.

Dear Watchers:

The September 8 Science News states that a massive genetic analysis of bees and organisms that live in their bodies indicates that the extensive bee die off is caused by the “Israeli acute-paralysis virus” and spread by a mite which has long been known. However, researchers in Israel first described the virus in 1904 but until now it had not attracted wide attention.

Dear Watchers:

I attended the mayoral debate at City Club last week, and it’s clear that Dan McShane is ready to be mayor. He is committed to public service. With an excellent record on Lake Whatcom, strong leadership against sprawl, and belief in the power of citizen participation in public process, he has participated actively in this community for more than a decade.

Dan Pike just moved to Bellingham in April 2006. He’s pointed out problems, but has no solutions.

McShane’s record of leadership on the County Council is unmatched. He reduced future development at Lake Padden, Lake Samish, Lake Whatcom and many other places in Whatcom County.

Pike — endorsed by the Association of Realtors and many developers — supports increasing density in the Lake Padden watershed saying we can afford to “risk” Lake Padden.

The difference between the Dans? McShane will bring change we can trust.