Letters to the editor
February 5, 2009
City government should be more accountable to public
I applaud City Council members Steve Buri, Lisa Jensen and Carol Simpson for voting against Newcastle’s 2009 budget: It includes projects we cannot afford, and neglects basic infrastructure. Given the likelihood of continued falling income for the city, our government should listen to the public in setting priorities and avoiding new taxes. Read more
Editorial: Our 2009 goals for Newcastle
February 5, 2009
The year 2008 had a few accomplishments, based on the list of goals we published last year.
The city hired a parks manager, kept a watchful eye on cost overruns with the Coal Creek Parkway project and made great strides in emergency preparedness.
But there is much left undone, and some of the goals are repeated on this year’s list. Read more
Father, son attend historic Obama inauguration
February 5, 2009
Rob Sargent, of Newcastle, with then-Sen. Barack Obama at a June 1, 2007, fundraising reception at the Seattle Westin Hotel. By Debora Spencer Photography
Making a campaign contribution to Obama’s campaign: $25.
Attending a 2007 Seattle fundraising reception for Obama: $500.
Spending father-son time at Obama’s inauguration: priceless.
It will soon be fun to stay at the YMCA
February 5, 2009
By Greg Farrar
When the new Coal Creek YMCA opens in Newcastle this fall, it’ll need about 100 employees. Positions include member service representatives, fitness instructors, personal trainers and lifeguards. Job listings will be posted in late May or June. Learn more at www.seattleymca.org. See a computer animation of the Newcastle facility at www.youtube.com. Type Coal Creek YMCA in the search field.
Internet tax missing the mark
February 5, 2009
City takes a hit in its sales tax collection
A new law that tries to cash in on Internet sales has not yielded the tax revenue proponents boasted a year ago. Moreover, some City Council members said sales tax money is going to Renton, because the city does not have a unique ZIP code.
Pam Teal to fill vacant Renton School Board position
February 5, 2009
Renton Parent Teacher Association Council President Pam Teal was appointed by the Renton School Board Jan. 28 to fill the vacancy left by Marcie Maxwell.
Regency rolls out the welcome mat
February 5, 2009
Newcastle may not have a hotel yet, but it has something similar to a lodge for the about two dozen seniors who live there.
Regency Newcastle, a 99-unit assisted living facility for seniors, opened in September at the northeast corner of Coal Creek Parkway Southeast and Newcastle Golf Club Road. The facility offers private studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with amenities, including a dining room, pool, hairdresser, licensed massage therapist, exercise room and a van providing transportation. Read more
New chamber of commerce leader discusses his plans
February 5, 2009
Nick Sooy (pronounced soy) was named chairman of the chamber in November. For the past four years, he has served on the board of directors. Last year, he was treasurer.
Newcastle Elementary School teacher amazed by support after house fire
February 5, 2009
Jessica and Paul Smith have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from neighbors, co-workers and people in the community following a Dec. 21 fire that destroyed their Issaquah home.
“Quite simply, it’s overwhelming. It’s a good overwhelming,” said Jessica Smith, a part-time third-grade teacher at Newcastle Elementary School. “We feel so blessed by what everyone has done for us.” Read more
Costume designer is one-woman show for ‘Figaro’
February 5, 2009
Sometimes people have to push themselves to the breaking point so the show may go on.
That’s what happened to Newcastle resident Nancy Horner when she served as the principal costume designer and a chorus singer for Lyric Opera Northwest’s performance of “Le Nozze di Figaro” (“The Marriage of Figaro”) Jan. 15-17. Read more
