NKSD

Surplus? There’s not a surplus

Recently, NKSD announced Capital Program Public Meetings, as they have $1.2 million left from the 2000 capital facilities improvement. First, when did North Kitsap High School’s renovations reach completion? I drop my daughter off everyday and there is only the 1st phase currently looking as if it might be completed by the end of summer (the library and one of the classroom hallways). There is much left to do. Why would we be considering what to do with the $1.2 million “leftover” when we have not even finished NKHS yet? I sat through many board meetings where change orders were being submitted and the School Board had to approve more funds.

Secondly, what has happened with Spectrum Community School? Last year at this time it was decided that a double-wide portable all purpose building was going to be brought on to the site. The “old should have been condemned portables”(my opinion) were still sitting there a month ago and were being used by the students. As far as visibly, not much seems to have happened and at this point the School District has only paid lip service to those that approached them last year about this issue. Gene Medina needs to slow his train down. He is on his way out and a new leader will be coming online. Why doesn’t he let the new superintendent finish the work he doesn’t seem inclined to complete the way it was put to the voters?

Renee Arcement,

Poulsbo

City Hall

Another day, another change in plans

In the April 2 Poulsbo City Council meeting, during a brief report on the progress of the new city hall, the public was informed there will have to be another change in the floor plans in order to accommodate the building on its ill-chosen 3rd Avenue site. This problem could be resolved by building the city hall on its logical location on 10th Avenue. Any financial loss incurred by the city could be recouped by selling the 3rd Avenue property (less than two acres) for the almost $2 million the city paid for it, providing, of course, there was anyone out there willing to buy it at that price. It would also preclude having to sacrifice some of our city parks to help finance this debacle.

Muriel Williams,

Poulsbo

Scam alert

Look closely at

that free dinner

I am writing to alert your readers to a slightly shady business practice that is taking place in your area. Please be aware of a company that calls or writes to offer you a free dinner at a local Kitsap County restaurant. This happened to my 83-year-old father who resides in Hansville and because I have a naturally skeptical nature I decided to do a little research.

The company in question is involved in what appears to be a pyramid scheme. You think you are getting this free meal and end up listening to a seminar on home fire security systems. From my web search I have discovered that this company employs strong sales tactics to get you to buy an overpriced system with questionable quality.

I talked to local fire department personnel about this company and found out that they had a huge file of complaints about them dating from the 1990s. The company apparently left the area but has recently returned to drum up some new business. I’m sure they are targeting everyone but my big concern is that they are going after seniors — I know that there are numerous retirees enjoying life on the Kitsap Peninsula. The local people selling these fire safety systems are located in Port Orchard with a parent company in Texas. It was very difficult to figure out who they were, as each of their small companies has a different name.

Each individual knows how much sales pressure they can endure and whether it is worth a free dinner to have to listen to somebody talk for an hour or so. In addition, endure the guilt that you haven’t provided a fire security system for your family. There are many good products available at your local hardware stores. In conclusion, if something seems to be too good a deal, it usually is.

Elizabeth Kryger,

Carnation

Economic stimulus

How about donating the money?

In the next few weeks the economic stimulus checks will be arriving in our mailboxes. This money is supposed to give a boost to our sagging economy, but only time will tell if the effect is temporary or significant. The newspapers have reported that our local charitable agencies are serving more people than ever who are seeking assistance to meet the challenges of higher food, fuel and medical expenses. Their resources are being stretched to the limit and donations are down.

I have been thinking about what I would do with my $600 when it arrives. I can think of lots of ways to spend these dollars and realize that buying stuff will not really make a difference in the long run. I am choosing to donate this money to our local agencies that will directly assist the people in our community who are being hurt the most by the rising costs of living. I feel fortunate to be in the position to do this and am writing to encourage others who can, to do the same. I realize this is not an option for many who need this money to pay bills. For others, who are more fortunate, I can’t think of an easier, less painful way to assist our community charities and the people they serve. This is a rare opportunity to help support our local agencies when they need it the most. I hope your readers will consider this idea and give what they can.

Dorothy Benson

Kingston