July 2008

Few people know how I got started in the newspaper business.

I'm choosing this time to tell that story because after eight years and approximately 1,500 stories I'll be leaving the Ballard News-Tribune on July 24.

My interest in journalism began in junior high school when I was assigned to write a story about the Susan B. Anthony dollar. I sat for hours at the typewriter, not knowing what to write. I didn't know how to do interviews or conduct research.

It is usually a good idea to find and hire a professional to guide a business or a political candidate, but not always.

A few weeks ago, longtime KING-TV political analyst and reporter Robert Mak was hired by Seattle's mayor to be his communications director and senior policy advisor. Mak had been on the television station for 16 years and had won Emmys and other awards for his reporting.

I write this letter with some fear and trembling because I do not wish to be accused of judging another man's religion.

However, given your report about the emphasis of Mars Hill Church on "meeting Jesus," I am compelled to give testimony to the Jesus that I have met and have come to know - one who not only heals the sick and casts out demons, but also one who feeds those who are hungry, liberates women from their cultural bondage, dines with outcasts and traitors in society, is willing to touch those who are considered unclean, and advocates for peace without the use of the sword.<

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The Ballard News Tribune coverage of the streetcar meeting in Ballard (July 16) was good to see, but it missed some important details.

None of the residents who would possibly be impacted by the Local Improvement District taxes were notified of the meeting by mail. The only announcements of the 4-6 p.m.

I agree that Styrofoam should be eliminated, but please no bag charge.

Litter will increase because no one is going to put a used catsup container on their dash board from fast food stores, it will go out the window instead of the plastic bag the order came in.

How about dog waste, do you think people will buy their own bags? Doesn't our city supply our parks with plastic bags for owners to use? If they were so conscious they would now bring their own free bags.

Your recent article on sidewalk caf/ rules ("Sidewalk caf/ rules to be streamlined" by Camille Villanueva, Ballard News-Tribune, July 16) mentioned an average cost of $23 per square-foot per year to restaurants without comparing it to the rent they pay for their buildings. For the money they are not limited to furnishing the sidewalk with tables and chairs during warm summer days and evenings.

In the story "Bus rider spots problems" (July 9), the writer says that "One of the three northbound lanes on Elliot Avenue West and 15th Avenue Northwest ... was recently converted to a bus-only lane during morning and afternoon heavy traffic hours..." but none of the southbound lanes have.

I am a Ballard resident and welcome the streetcar.

Ballard is building condos like crazy and that means more people on the roads. The roads are already congested and need public transit to relieve current and future congestion.

Within our family, we have already talked about how we would use the street car if it were built.

Stan

Ballard

I find it interesting that people view the church as a business. The church is a movement not a business, something bigger than just Mars Hill, a whole movement of Jesus and his people. I applaud Mark Driscoll for the truth of Jesus that he brings to Seattle.

Nathan

Ballard

Very informative article for bicyclists and very timely in this economic environment ("My way to Ballard, July 16). With the cost of gasoline spiraling out of control, ride on!

Janet Mecir

Maspeth, NY