Seattle Press on Line - Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

Feb 14, 2002 -- Discovery Park Anniversary

To the Editor:

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the 1972 Kiley Master Plan for Fort Lawton Discovery Park. Daniel Urban Kiley, a Vermont landscape architect, was chosen from a list of eminent American planners to do the park plan. Today, his reputation is unparalleled.

After viewing the park property, Kiley wrote, "The site is one of breathtaking majesty...the seclusion...the magnificent vistas, the stretches of tidal beaches, the stands of native trees, the meadowlands, all combine to make this site one of surpassing beauty and serenity."

He added: "The details of our plan will undoubtedly require revision from time to time in order that the overall objectives may continue to be realized. We have great confidence...that the following guiding principles are valid today and that they will retain their validity for many years to come. We hope those into whose hands this park is entrusted will constantly refer to these principles of guidance in the (Park) development..."

Since 1972 all Park Superintendents defended these principles. Their support preserved the beauty, wildness and seclusion of Discovery Park. Years ago, a former Park Superintendent Holly Miller wrote: "Almost as impressive as the site itself are the many citizens and organizations who have worked steadfastly to preserve the original vision for the park. There is no better reminder of this original vision than the beautiful language encompassed within the 1972 Plan for Fort Lawton (Discovery Park)...From time to time, we may honestly debate and offer heartfelt opinions about what is best for the future of Discovery Park, but we should always refer back to the 1972 Plan as a statement of fundamental goals...While we may occasionally need to modify the physical plans for Discovery Park, we should never stray from the original intent."

An important guideline, "Primary Function--Central Purpose, has been used for decades before public bodies to protect the integrity of the Park: "The primary role of this park in the life of the city is dictated by its incomparable site. That role should be to provide an open space of quiet and tranquility for the citizens of this city--a sanctuary where they might escape the turmoil of the city and enjoy the rejuvenation which quiet and solitude and an intimate contact with nature can bring. It should be accepted that this park cannot satisfy all of the recreational needs of all of the citizens of Seattle. It can only complement the other elements in the park system. This park should not be asked to serve too many functions. It will best serve this city if it is permitted to serve one primary function and to serve that function well."

The Friends of Discovery Park are opening a year long recognition of the 30th Anniversary starting in February. The celebration includes a library display, news articles and a program at the Friend's annual all-member meeting in the Fall. Other events will be planned.

Friends of Discovery Park

Misquoted Commissioner Creates Unnecessary Controversy

To the Editor:

This letter is in regards to the letter to the Editor submitted by fisherman Andrew Lantz and printed in the January 31 issue of The Seattle Press. The letter he writes asks for an apology from Port of Seattle Commissioner Paige Miller for making the statement "I don't believe planning will work--fishermen are 'from Missouri' and need to be shown", as reported by Jo Bailey and Carl Nyberg in their piece in the December 20 issue of The Seattle Press about Port of Seattle Commissioners passing the first reading of the resolution to allow recreational vessels to moor at Fishermen's Terminal. However, the quote they have written Commissioner Miller as saying is incorrect.

I am the editor for The Fishermen's News, a monthly trade publication on the West Coast commercial fisheries, and from the very beginning, I have been very involved in the issue of the Port of Seattle's proposal to allow yachts to moor in vacant slips at Fishermen's Terminal. I also attended every Commission meeting on this matter, which I recorded for later reference. The response that Commissioner Miller made to Philip Wohlstetter's remarks at that December 11 meeting, reads verbatim:

"...so all I'm trying to say to you is, I do not believe that lots of planning will necessarily deal with the issues in front of us today. Fishermen are sort of like Missourians, it's 'show me', and when they actually see how it works, that's when they'll tell us what they think of it."

And according to the Missouri Tourism Board, the State of Missouri is known as the "Show Me State". It is in this reference that I'm sure Commissioner Miller was intending to make her point--and not in the manner that the misquote in the December 20 article leads one to believe.

In this instance, I think it is Commissioner Paige Miller who deserves the apology.

Sincerely,
Doug Sipes
Editor, The Fishermen's News

Clinton and Enron: Old Pals

To the Editor,

What's with all the attempts to tie Enron to the Bush administration? Top Enron executives contributed substantially to the Clinton Library.

What favors were exchanged? What of the other Clinton and Enron connections? Vice President Cheney inherited from the Clinton administration an ongoing connection with Enron, yet the focus is on Cheney.

Enron received a "NO" when it asked for help of the Bush administration. I've heard very little about the probable favors exchanged between Enron and the Clinton-Gore administration.

The media makes every attempt to make even the normal and legal interchange between Enron and the Bush administration look as though it is wrongdoing. Then they avoid reporting the many connections with the Clinton-Gore administration.

But, no, the media is not biased.

Roger W Hancock

State of the Union

To the Editor:

Today, our country faces a unique moment in history--we are at war, our homeland was attacked and our economy is in recession. In the State of the Union speech, President Bush committed our nation to achieving three great goals of our time: Win the War on Terrorism; Strengthen Protections of our Homeland; and Revitalize Our Economy and Create Jobs. There has been a broad and bipartisan commitment to winning the war on terrorism. The President wants to bring the same focus and bipartisan commitment to work to address America,s needs here at home, including:

National Security: Our fight against terrorism began in Afghanistan, but it will not end there. President Bush discussed the keys to ultimate victory by rooting out global terrorism wherever it exists and protecting America and our allies against chemical and biological attacks. Our nation must and will provide whatever it takes to win the war on terrorism and defend our country.

Homeland Security: The President outlined plans to strengthen protections against future attacks at home by improving intelligence activities, tightening our borders, protecting our airports and airplanes, and dramatically increasing funding to equip and train firefighters, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel.

Economic Security: The President,s economic agenda can be summed up in one word: jobs. President Bush understands that a broad agenda to create jobs and a strong economy requires a good education, reliable and affordable health care (including prescription drugs), a secure retirement, a comprehensive energy policy, and new markets for America,s products through expanded trade.

President Bush also discussed how we can preserve and extend the great good we've seen come out of the evil of September 11th--not only to extend and strengthen our values throughout America, but throughout the world.

As a veteran and proud American, I salute the leadership of our President, George W. Bush and extend an invitation to all Seattle citizens to do the same.

Joseph L. Geist

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