Sick of higher taxes

Editor, The Beacon:

More taxes on the way as a result of the school bus levy passing.

It's a good thing most in this town are so opposed to the few flights a day being proposed at Paine Field, which if allowed would lead to increased sales tax revenue for this city as passengers pass through our town, eat at our restaurants, stay in our hotels, shop in our stores and see what Mukilteo has to offer.

Additionally, the job creation for construction of a terminal, security, TSA personnel, maintenance of the facilities, gate and ticket agents, as well as many other positions would help the woeful economy in our region of the state.

Despite arguments otherwise, a few flights a day would not result in massive property value loss, drugs, prostitution, and the other scare tactics being made by the SOC group.

I for one am sick of paying more and higher taxes, but apparently I am in the minority here.

Drew York,

Mukilteo

Thanks for passing school bus levy

The voters of the Mukilteo School District deserve a big thank you for supporting our Transportation Vehicle Fund Levy.

As a school director, it is heartening to live in a district where the community is so supportive of our levy proposals. I like to think this is a result of a record of fiscal prudence in our district.

We carefully consider the pros and cons of each proposal, weigh the fiscal impact, give clear and transparent information to the community and work hard to show the voters that their tax dollars have been wisely invested.

Real evidence for this levy will be seeing the shiny, new yellow buses on the road providing safe transportation for our students and drivers and a cleaner environment for our community.

Thank you!

Judy Schwab,

Director,

Mukilteo School District

Don't get in an accident in Mukilteo

Attention: For anyone that happens to get in an accident in Mukilteo, whether it is your fault or not, the city will require you to pay a clean-up fee to the fire department. It was voted on last Monday night, passed 4-2, with councilmembers Kevin Stoltz and Steve Schmalz against. This clean-up fee may not be covered by your insurance.

As one councilwoman said: "It’s OK because most to the people who get in accidents in Mukilteo are not from Mukilteo."

Could this be just another way find money for Mukilteo's ailing budget?

Christine Awad Schmalz,

Mukilteo

If you haven’t yet, try Red Cup

On any given day, and especially on weekends, the Red Cup Café stands out as one of Mukilteo’s best.

Under the watchful eye of owner Marianne Brown, customers indulge in the warm, charming ambiance of a perfect location for food and conversation. The popularity of the Red Cup is growing as more and more patrons discover its inviting interior and wonderful patio offering breathtaking views of Puget Sound.

The café has always been a local coffee shop prominently located at the west end of Lincoln Courtyard near Mukilteo Speedway. Sometimes, when ferry traffic stalls with more than an hour wait, weary travelers dash to the Red Cup for coffee and a sandwich to tide them over (forgive the pun).

In addition to good food, there’s usually an abundance of laughter as well as personal service, adding to customer satisfaction. The wait staff manages food preparation and efficiently delivers it to your table, always with a pleasant smile.

As a local café, the Red Cup is simply one of Mukilteo’s best. If you haven’t indulged your taste buds in the café’s cuisine, don’t hesitate a minute longer. Give it a try.

Curt Smith,

Mukilteo

Coal trains would hurt property values

As I’m sure you’re aware, recently proposed coal export terminals in Bellingham, Grays Harbor and Longview would be served by an estimated 18 coal trains a day.

But have you heard of the just-released study on the impact of proposed coal export rail traffic on property values?

Conducted by a real estate professional, the study estimates that home values for those closest to the rail line would decrease 5-20 percent. Homes north of Everett get returning, empty trains, so they’re doubly impacted by delays at rail crossings.

That could be a $2.65 million decrease in property taxes for the state of Washington. Oh great, just what we needed!

About the study: http://climatesolutions.org/cs-journal/coal-train-traffic-would-impact-property-values

The study itself (see page 11 for the conclusions I’m referring to): http://climatesolutions.org/nw-states/coal-train-study

David Perk,

Seattle

Dentists match donations for hurricane relief

At Mukilteo Dental Center, our hearts go out to the people effected by Hurricane Sandy on the East Coast. Many of us have family and friends that were affected.

Our own Dr. Walter was trapped on the East Coast for awhile and we are soo happy that she is back safe and sound!

We encourage everyone to PLEASE DONATE TO YOUR FAVORITE CHARITY to help support the relief effort.

Through Nov. 15, we will MATCH YOUR DONATION to the Red Cross or any other major relief organization up to a combined total of $1,000.

To increase awareness to this cause, we will donate an additional $1 to the Red Cross for every person who LIKES our post on our Facebook page and another $1 to everyone that LIKES Mukilteo Dental Center up to a combined total of $1,000.

West Coast to East Coast – we are a nation that is united – and we're proud to be a part of this great country of ours! PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!