There is a very unattractive trend in the course of public debate these days when it comes to promoting views that are not supported by fact or are inconsistent with the public good. It starts with presenting the issue in terms that if one was to disagree, would be politically incorrect. If the opposition is successful in refuting that argument with facts, the next step is to create your own “facts” and let the opposite side bear the burden of proving your “facts” to be fiction. If all else fails, a personal attack is the next step in preventing substantive argument of vital issues of the day.

So it seems is the case with the Bypass. Even though the City Council has decided to kill the project on specious arguments, some concerned citizens continue to promote fact-based decision making in Issaquah’s transportation planning. Given the time and money spent on this project to date, and the obvious need, it would seem that killing the project without a reasonable alternative would merit further study. For some reason, a majority of the City Council claims a voter mandate and sees no reason to solicit community opinion. The council apparently believes that the small number of citizens that attend their meetings (mainly the members of the Issaquah Environmental Council) present all the opinions they need to know.

Yet some concerned citizens fight on, armed with facts and a desire to make the decision-making process inclusive of more than a small faction by recommending a legitimate polling of Issaquah residents on the issue. As demonstrated in the April 4 issue of the Reporter, this faction has now decided to fight with personal attacks.

Issaquah needs to look for more strength in character from those who pretend to represent the public good.

-Richard Gabel

Issaquah business owner

Rossi for governor

We are told it is a time for change in our nation, but what about our state?

The state budget was increased 33 percent since 2005, and there are no tangible improvements to show for it. Think I’m kidding? Honestly, where did that money go to improve traffic congestion, education, ferry system, roads/bridges, illegal immigration or poverty? Where did the increase come from? Despite the irresponsible tax increases we are headed for a $2.4 BILLION dollar budget deficit in 2009, with nothing but bloated bureaucracy to show for it.

Dino Rossi offers bipartisan appeal and a willingness to make tough decisions when they are called for. He will work for the people and not special interests. He has received contributions from more than 27,000 Washingtonians and is statistically tied with the incumbent governor in recent polls

Want change while keeping your change in your pocket? Re-elect Dino Rossi.

-Mark L. Bowers

Issaquah