Vandalism
Reward offered for paint vandals
Having lived on the island for nearly 20 years, I am appalled by the escalating paint vandalism I see every spring. I disagree with the characterization in the story that the vandals are “highly educated… students.” I also disagree with those islanders that condone the vandalism as an island tradition.
Because of the extent of the vandalism this year, some are now saying that this tradition “has crossed the line.” As far as I’m concerned, just painting a road once crosses the line. Prior preparation by the school — sending a message to parents before and not after the vandalism has occurred — would be helpful. And the police, who know it is going to happen like clockwork, might be on a closer lookout.
I wonder who will clean up the mess, and what it will cost the city? I suspect that it will cost far more than $250, which makes the vandalism a felony, and as such, I am offering a $200 reward for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of these vandals.
DON MACALUSO
Winslow
Questions
Feeling out of step these days?
Do you ever feel that you are a “two-plus-two-equals-four” guy in a world, country, state and city with too many people arguing that the answer is three or five?
RICHARD LABOTZ
Springridge Road
Environment
Students clean up waterfront trail
More than 90 Bainbridge Island High School students worked hard and well cleaning up Waterfront Park and the ferry trail on June 7. Thank you! The young people were enthusiastic, well informed about biodiversity, and fun. Their exuberance was matched only by the abundance of nasty invasive plants, but the piles of pulled ivy, Scotch broom, holly, laurel, blackberries and litter were impressively huge. Much was accomplished.
Teachers Megan Livingston and Lindsay Van Winkle deserve special appreciation for their support of student community service and environmental awareness.
JEANNETTE FRANKS, Weed Warrior
Bayview Boulevard
Island needs toxic waste recycling
I know the matter of Bainbridge Disposal’s recent rate increase and how we are now paying more for half of the recycling service has been discussed previously, and I fully agree with those who express disappointment with that. However, my big complaint with Bainbridge Disposal is their failure to provide a complete recycling and disposal service for all hazardous waste commonly used in our homes and businesses, in particular, electronic equipment, paint cans and fluorescent bulbs. It has fallen to concerned citizens to provide funding and opportunity for such recycling as in our recent electronics recycling program. The failure to provide these services only encourages the improper and dangerous disposal of these items in ordinary trash or elsewhere.
Compact fluorescent bulbs are a particular concern to me. We are being encouraged to use these bulbs as an energy-saving measure, and yet there is no provision for properly disposing of them when they are used up. CF bulbs, in fact all fluorescent bulbs, contain measurable amounts of mercury and are considered toxic waste and should be recycled properly. Inquiries to Bainbridge Disposal about them result in verbal shoulder shrugging and the suggestion that toxic waste be driven to Bremerton for disposal. It’s ironic that they would even discuss the idea that I would drive a dozen CF bulbs to Bremerton for disposal. Is this energy conscious recycling?
Bainbridge Disposal’s attitude is that it isn’t their problem and they’re right, because we’ve never made it their problem. My opinion is that, as our only recycling company, the proper disposal of all commonly used toxic waste should be a requirement for their permit to operate. We should demand this of our public utilities commission.
There are companies that specialize in recycling CF and other fluorescent bulbs, ballasts and electronic equipment. I intend to organize a collection using one company’s collection products. This will cost several hundred dollars, and the time and energy of a number of people, but I know it can be done. I encourage all Bainbridge citizens to save their CF bulbs for that collection.
I am willing to organize this, but I hate that it’s necessary because of the failure of Bainbridge Disposal and the public utilities commission to mandate the collection of all toxic waste products used in the home and small businesses on Bainbridge Island.
JONATHAN MANHEIM
Pleasant Beach
Thanks
The five people you meet at T&C
I am very thankful for the help I received, but being as I left in such a rush at the time I never did say thanks to any of the strangers that so kindly helped me off of the ground.
On Friday, June 6, my scooter and I fell in the T&C parking lot. Five people came to my rescue and very kindly helped me up. I guess I just needed to get home quickly because I realized I never thanked them. They were all strangers to me, I did not get their names and so I hope to say to them now, thank you for your kind help to me.
MARTHA GORDON
Bainbridge Island
