It’s finally done…except the lessons
Permalink +Mon, Aug 15, 2011, 10:49 pm // Tip Johnson
The CIty Council has just reported, on Channel 10, a decision made in executive session to purchase the Chuckanut Ridge development. This promises to end a debate that has been ongoing since 1981, finally preserving the only property that can expand Fairhaven Park to meet the City's own standard for the area's planned population, the only property that can bridge the park to prior Interurban Trail acquisitions, and the only property that in combination can form a regionally significant gateway to the Chuckanuts. This is vision on a scale with Stanley Park in Vancouver. Kudos to decisionmakers.
Needless to say, I approve, but with reservations. This is the best possible outcome and the highest and best use for a property that has been subject to divisive controversy for over two decades.
When saving important lands from development, arriving on an agreed price is always difficult. The public never wants to spend more than necessary, yet when competing against development, spending more than the developers is inevitable. Perhaps it costs more, but at least the potential is not squandered. We are spending a lot, but I believe time will show the wisdom of today's action. That said, there are still important points to ponder.
The City had a recent appraisal that showed a value of $8.7M. A previous, publicly sponsored appraisal came up with something over $3M. That's a big difference for property on which nothing has changed. Yes, prices went up. But they also came back down. Furthermore, the DEIS for the proposed project showed it was essentially undevelopeable at even half the zoned density. That's what we really need to look at.
The City, through bad public policy and bad (possibly illegal at the time) public procedure, zoned this property at a level of development that eventually proved unsupportable. The City created vast phantom value on this land - value that expanded to $26M before collapsing under the weight of the real-estate bubble to the $8.2M - $8.3M we will now spend. The City refused to follow its own guidelines, giving the project every advantage - even at the risk of public health and environmental protections.
The lessons?:
1) Follow zoning procedures for notification, advertisment, and review.
2) Assure consistency with area policies, goals, and objectives.
3) Enforce current regulations for public health and the environment.
4) Don't rush into vesting of private entitlements. Let projects prove their completeness and compliance.
5) Listen to the public, or, "Excuse us, but we live here." That's what representation means.
Finally, don't be such a weanie. Do some forensic analysis to discover why we spent so much more than should have been necessary. We know someone consolidated this property and pulled a fast one through the Council to get the "magical zoning" first described by former chief City Planner, Chris Spens.
6) When an error in zoning has been made, do not hesitate to reexamine it. That's your job.
What to do ?
7) The City should now issue a subpoena to the State of Delaware to discover the principals of the West Eden Land Development Corporation who assembled and sold this land, with basic entitlements, to the chain of intractable developers who claimed, "We bought density."
We might find several parties willing to volunrarily contribute generously toward this important public preservation project!
At the end of the day, we have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes, or not. What will it be?
BTW, it's time to vote the primary. Hint: Everyone should do it once!
Hue Beattie // Tue, Aug 16, 2011, 12:00 am
Mike Rostron // Tue, Aug 16, 2011, 7:38 am
If city leaders do not wish to fight a case by case battle with each new proposal brought by developers they need to start listening to the residents and property owners in the neighborhoods. Neighborhood leaders are motivated by a higher code of ethics. They wish to preserve and enhance the neighborhoods where they live. Their vision goes beyond mere profit or the latest development fads and fashions. Neighborhood resident’s concerns should have priority over those of development corporations. We in Sunnyland applaud this decision and hope it represents a general trend in the council (and we especially commend Mr. Knutson). We look forward to a new era where the neighborhoods and city council cooperate to ensure the preservation and enhancement of our city’s best assets. As for those who wish to remake our city into another version of Seattle or something similar—we suggest they invest elsewhere!
Mike Rostron Sunnyland Neighborhood board member
Larry Horowitz // Tue, Aug 16, 2011, 8:55 am
g.h.kirsch // Thu, Aug 25, 2011, 7:38 pm
With your thanks to the council, and conspicuous snub of the mayor, it’s surprising you didn’t point out that they were “just signing on.”
But I understand, acknowledging Pike’s role might have broken the Linville Boys Scout Honor code.
he he.
Larry Horowitz // Fri, Aug 26, 2011, 1:03 pm
Had Pike addressed these issues – most notably the enforcement of the CAO – the city could have acquired the property for millions less while saving hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of time spent by concerned citizens fighting a project everyone knew was an abomination.
IMHO (and I’m probably alone in this), Pike blew it in every way imaginable. The resolution has been presented as a fair compromise, but is in fact a tragedy. Mayor Asmundson and the prior Council had committed at least $6 million and up to $8 million of the Greenways 3 (GW3) levy to acquire Chuckanut Ridge. The Greenways Advisory Committee, which refused to appoint anyone who supported the acquisition of Chuckanut Ridge onto the committee, chose to limit the amount to $4.145 million. A real compromise would have been roughly $6 million from the GW3 (midway between $4 and $8 million). Instead, Pike allocated only $4.5 million, or $1.5 million shy of a real compromise. And you want me to thank him for that?
As everyone knows, Pike’s plan does not solve this problem; it only delays its resolution. At some point in the future – when Pike is long gone - someone will need to come up with another $3.23 million plus interest. Failure to do so will place the property at risk again, and concerned citizens will be right back where we’ve been.
Greg, I know you’re fixated on Kelli Linville; but this issue has nothing to do with her. Pike had more than ample opportunity to address the key issues. His failure to do so artificially propped up the value of this distressed property and ended up costing taxpayers millions. Because you don’t pay city taxes (or contribute to the Greenways levy), you may not care. But for those of us who pay city taxes, it’s a big deal. I don’t need a runaway mayor… and I certainly won’t thank one who failed to enforce an essential public safety regulation. Thanks, but no thanks.
Larry Horowitz // Fri, Aug 26, 2011, 1:07 pm
g.h.kirsch // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 2:21 pm
True enough. But, as I recall, those Fairhaven Fat Cats (FFC) have been making a lot of noise for years about contributing, so Bellingham’s other citizens won’t bear the cost of their pet issue.
Every Monday Morning Quarterback could have played the game better than the guys who actually had to suit up. I’m sure you’d have beat up Washington Federal, straightened out the FDIC, and cut a few million off the price. (and saved the FFC from steppin’ up)
Coulda, whoulda, shoulda! And how much would have gone to the lawyers needed to take that hill?
The fact is Pike, not Linville, has secured the opportunity to take this from private to public property. A few steps remain.
After the FFC chip in their share, the rest of Bellingham, in 2017, will decide whether to pay off the balance to Washington Federal in another Greenways vote. If they don’t, Bellingham will have to sell some of the property to cover the balance.
And certainly, by then, Pike will be long gone.
But even if your girl, Kelli, knocks him out this time ‘round, has she promised you FFC folks $3,200,000? I doubt it, or, at least, I doubt here sincerity.
The fact is, as always, you’re depending on the citizens of Bellingham to give you what you want. And they probably will.
I repeat, you snub Pike, but he was the one at the table to get a deal done for you. Don’t vote for him. But at least say thank you.
You aren’t in the game if your sittin’ in the bleachers. And that’s where the bunch of you will be whether Pike wins or loses.
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 2:59 pm
Let’s say the Seahawks are playing the Rams for the Division Championship. With 4 minutes to go, the Seahawks begin their final drive on their own 20 yard line. For eight consecutive plays, the ball is handed off to Marshawn Lynch, who carries it for 78 yards to the Rams’ 2 yard line. On the final play of the drive, Justin Forsett scores on a 2-yard touchdown to win the game. Question: Who deserves credit for the touchdown?
You claim that Pike was the one at the table who got the deal done. What you ignore is the most critical aspect of the entire transaction: Motivating the seller to sell at a bargain price.
Who do you think is responsible for getting Washington Federal to the table? Pike? Council? Staff?
I don’t think so! If left to their own devices, the city would have approved the permit to build 739 units long ago.
You wrote, “You aren’t in the game if you’re sittin’ in the bleachers.” True enough. But I’ve hardly been “sitting’ in the bleachers.” And neither have many others. We’ve been sluggin’ it out with Horizon Bank, Edelstein, and Washington Federal, while Pike, Council and staff sat on the bench enjoying the show.
You wrote, “You snub Pike…” Really, I snubbed Pike? What planet do you live on? I have approached Pike so many times I lost count. Most recently (for the past several months), I have been providing Pike with enough ammunition to save taxpayers at least $2-3 million on the acquisition. What did Pike do with the ammunition I gave him? Squat, diddly, nada, nothin’.
Why should the FFC pay an extra $2-3 million because Pike can’t negotiate himself out of a paper bag?
You wrote, “The fact is, as always, you’re depending on the citizens of Bellingham to give you what you want.” Not exactly… For more than six years, myself and dozens of others have spent thousands of hours and tens of thousands of dollars preventing the Fairhaven Highlands project while the city failed to enforce its own public safety regulations. We have contributed millions towards the Greenways levies that we’ll never see, most of which will subsidize parkland acquisitions in other parts of the city. We’ve done this on our own without depending on the ‘citizens of Bellingham’ who were not inclined to help. We have certainly not depended upon county residents – like yourself - who don’t pay city taxes or contribute to the Greenways levy.
Your fixation with Kelli is getting old. Kelli has nothing to do with the acquisition of Chuckanut Ridge. I like Kelli, but it is demeaning to Kelli to call her “my girl.” To my knowledge, she hasn’t made any promises regarding this property.
You have every right to defend your friend Pike; but your lack of information places you at a tremendous disadvantage. Of course, Pike’s actions aren’t helping you much either.
g.h.kirsch // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 3:29 pm
Washington Federal and the FDIC were last Sunday, and Pike was quarterback. You think he should have scored more points, or the defense should have held them to less, but the fact is you won. Get over it.
As fixations go, your’s and John’s vis a vis Pike, based largely on his unwillingness to let you trump Bellingham’s staff, legal and planning, at will; now that’s a real fixation!
“Pike, Council and staff sat on the bench enjoying the show.” is it any wonder you don’t get any traction with Pike, council or staff?
I’m as much a nuisance and liability to Pike as I am to most politicians. Doesn’t bother me, though. And not paying city taxes or voting in city elections is hardly a criticism, I’m objective by comparison to you.
It just shocks me that you and John find yourselves on the same side as Joe Wilson (AFY), Jack Petree, the BIAWC, Pete Kremen et al, and don’t get it.
g.h.kirsch // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 3:39 pm
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 4:06 pm
It’s not that I ‘think’ Pike “should have scored more points”; I KNOW he should have negotiated a better deal. I wouldn’t say we won; more like a $3 million Pyrrhic victory.
Greg, I have no fixation vis-a-vis Pike. He’s just an obstacle. I do have a fixation vis-a-vis Chuckanut Ridge.
I’m no judge as to whether or not you’re objective. I know for a fact you are not well informed.
As far as your friend AFY is concerned, I believe the two of you are on the same side regarding the traffic cameras. Are you not? Is that some kind of litmus test? By the way, I’m not alone in not supporting Pike. I believe Pike has lost the support of the author of this article as well.
I’m not too worried about gaining traction with Pike, Council or staff. Pike’s the third mayor I’ve worked with on this issue, and Jeff Thomas is the third planning director. On Council, only two remain of the seven who committed $8 million toward the acquisition of Chuckanut Ridge. With all that turnover, there’s plenty of opportunity to build bridges and very little concern over burning a few along the way.
By the way, since it looks like it’s just the two of us having a private conversation, I wanted to point out the difference between my criticism of Pike and yours of Linville. As far as I know, you have never sat down with Kelli to discuss your objectives and concerns, yet you criticize her constantly. On the other hand, I have met with Pike on a number of occasions and have communicated with him by phone, letter and email many more times. My criticism of Pike is based on my direct experience with him. Based on what I have experienced personally, I cannot support him.
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 4:29 pm
It’s true that I cannot get any traction with staff and several council members; but that started not as a result of my work on Chuckanut Ridge. It started back in 2005, when I was working closely with your ex-wife, Susan, you, Helen Green, and the Macombers to challenge the city’s Comp Plan and prevent urban sprawl. I lost traction with (and respect for) several staff and council members then, while fighting in front of the Growth Management Hearings Board on YOUR fixation to prevent the inclusion of Larrabbee Springs in Bellingham’s UGA.
You’re welcome!
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 4:41 pm
Regarding traction, how much do you expect to have if Kelli is our new Mayor and Erickson is our new County Executive? I have not seen you use much honey with them.
g.h.kirsch // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 4:44 pm
On the other hand, my opposition to Linville is based on her well established record in the Legislature as one of the “Roadkill” caucus who supported numerous compromises of Democratic initiatives.
Particularly when it came to legislation needed by the BIAW, supported gladly for campaign contributions and leadership votes.
Kelli remarked, after being voted out of office, how it irritated her that after years of compromising her principles for her Republican constituents, they voted her out anyway.
I only wish she had gone nobly, before she had to face the truth of standing for nothing but election and/or reelection.
g.h.kirsch // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 4:52 pm
But I was the first to understand what you were talking about, and make it an embarrassment. And only when I explained it to Pike did the city switch course and become the major obstacle to that project.
Now at stake is who will guide the revision of the Bellingham Comp plan, Pike, or the elected representative of the BIAWC and Realtors.
g.h.kirsch // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 4:55 pm
How ironic.
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 5:24 pm
I raised the issue about Larrabee Springs to point out that I had already lost traction with staff and council before Pike came on the scene. (And I lost that traction working on YOUR pet issue.) Pike, being nothing more than a bureaucrat, was never going to listen to me when challenged by staff and council. I never had any traction to gain or lose.
Regarding the future of the Bellingham Comp Plan, it’s possible neither Pike or Linville will be around at the end of 2016 when the next Plan is adopted, now that the city has accepted the state’s offer to delay our 20-year growth plan for five years.
Finally, assuming you supported Pike last time, you also supported Ted Michaikov’s candidate. Talk about irony!
I’m sure you’ll want the last word. I’ve got nothing, so please feel free.
Best,
Larry
g.h.kirsch // Sun, Aug 28, 2011, 6:16 pm
I think it was Anatole France who pointed out, “irony” is the joy of reflection with the benefit history.
In this instance, it was Ted whose expectations in Pike were misplaced, not mine or yours.
Till now, we’ve disagreed on very little. I do wish you wouldn’t push me to too strongly advocate for Pike, who I’ve shared with you, is just the least of several evils.
You know, I do agree with you regards his weakness for staff reasoning.
And, mis-describing CAITAC as my pet issue, you’ve certainly forgotten that development around Lake Whatcom is my personal battle.
CAITAC is part of my general concern for protecting rural and resource lands from rape by the BIAWC and Realtors.
Mike Rostron // Mon, Aug 29, 2011, 7:28 pm
To get away from your private battle a little (after all, this is a public forum), the city council is also way too susceptible to staff pressures. In this town, it appears the tail wags the dog. It is about time elected representatives start giving the staff direction, and not vice versa!
Larry Horowitz // Mon, Aug 29, 2011, 7:46 pm
Thanks for joining in. There was never any intention to prevent others from commenting, but no one else seemed to have anything to add.
My conversation with Greg is not a private battle with him. My battle is with Pike and Council. As you have correctly observed, the tail absolutely wags the dog in Bellingham. Both Council and Pike take direction from staff, especially the legal staff.
Our elected officials need to direct the legal staff, instruct them how they would like to proceed, and verify they are on sound legal footing. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in this city. I have worked closely with three Fortune 500 company clients and a number of smaller ones. In every case, company management tells the corporate lawyers what they want to achieve and relies on their attorneys to ensure they follow the law. In Bellingham, the mayor and council are told by the city attorneys what to do. It’s bass-ackwards to say the least. I guess that’s what happens when you elect bureaucrats. I hope we don’t continue to make that mistake.
Again, Mike, thanks for joining in.
g.h.kirsch // Tue, Aug 30, 2011, 5:36 am
In my career I’ve had altogether too much experience with the bar. And I agree with Larry, you have to tell the lawyers what to do. Sometimes their advice is good, but more often it’s self serving: avoid tough fights and avoid losing.
But as that great philosopher, Wayne Gretzky, observed, “You miss every shot you don’t take.”
In my opinion, our legislative bodies lack an independent staff. (not that it would do any good at the county, they’ve got Belcher-Swanson to advise them!)
As a result, it’s the administration’s agenda that goes forward, and the legislators are left to go along with largely the advice the administration thinks they should have.
Now, that’s “bass-ackwards”!
Padden Trails is Chuckanut Ridge Lite
Wed, Feb 22, 2012, 12:04 am // Guest writer
3 comments; last on Feb 22, 2012
Congressional Candidates and Overstreet’s Town Hall
Sun, Feb 19, 2012, 4:37 pm // Riley Sweeney
Riley at The Political Junkie attends a forum of Congressional Candidates, and a town hall meeting in Lynden0 comments
Squalicum Mountain development gets favors from county
Sat, Feb 18, 2012, 2:03 pm // Guest writer
0 comments
Chilling Effect on Comments Created by Council Chair
Fri, Feb 17, 2012, 6:54 pm // Wendy Harris
Attempts by the County Council Chairperson to move the open public comment period to the end of a Council meeting will reduce public input.0 comments
A Vision for Fairhaven
Thu, Feb 16, 2012, 2:38 pm // John Servais
0 comments
This Is What Conflict Of Interest Looks Like
Wed, Feb 15, 2012, 11:38 am // Wendy Harris
Lesa Starkenburg, former County contract attorney for GMA appeal, demands recusal of Council members who oppose development proposal by her private client, Nor'West Gravel1 comments; last on Feb 15, 2012
The Big Business of Breast Cancer
Wed, Feb 08, 2012, 8:14 am // Guest writer
2 comments; last on Feb 11, 2012
An inexpensive way to save children’s lives
Tue, Feb 07, 2012, 1:41 pm // John Servais
2 comments; last on Feb 09, 2012
UPDATE: City of Bham Moonlighting Issue - More Documents
Mon, Jan 30, 2012, 10:58 pm // Riley Sweeney
Riley updates us on the latest facts coming to light about City of Bellingham employee moonlighting2 comments; last on Feb 01, 2012
Compliance, Noncompliance and Invalidity in Whatcom County
Sun, Jan 29, 2012, 10:16 pm // Wendy Harris
The County's rural planning actions have not just failed to comply with the GMA...they have contradicted the goals of the GMA.3 comments; last on Feb 05, 2012
A Worm’s Eye View of our local WorkSource Center
Wed, Jan 25, 2012, 9:42 am // Riley Sweeney
0 comments
Watch out for basement flooding
Thu, Jan 19, 2012, 9:03 pm // Paul de Armond
5 comments; last on Jan 21, 2012
The Political Junkie interviews Kathy Kershner
Thu, Jan 19, 2012, 4:29 pm // Riley Sweeney
1 comments; last on Jan 20, 2012
SOPA - A Step in Destroying Democracy
Thu, Jan 19, 2012, 12:17 am // John Servais
NWCitizen.com went black for Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012, as a protest against proposed legislation, SOPA and PIPA. Here is what was posted.1 comments; last on Jan 19, 2012
Why SOPA is so terrible
Tue, Jan 17, 2012, 6:28 pm // John Servais
On Wednesday, thousands of websites will go dark to show opposition to SOPA. I will be posting a single article explaining who SOPA is so bad.0 comments
Planning Commissioner Mocks Environmental Concern For Coal Terminal
Sat, Jan 14, 2012, 11:06 pm // Wendy Harris
Planning Commissioner Onkels should recuse himself from review of environmental impacts at GPT.3 comments; last on Feb 08, 2012
Jack Petree, Olympia, the Whatcom Council and Obama’s Inner Circle
Wed, Jan 11, 2012, 8:04 am // Riley Sweeney
7 comments; last on Jan 15, 2012
Commmunity Governance at its Best
Mon, Jan 09, 2012, 8:27 pm // Tip Johnson
4 comments; last on Jan 10, 2012
Property Rights Protected Under Lake Whatcom Stormwater Proposal
Sun, Jan 08, 2012, 11:02 pm // Wendy Harris
The County's proposed stormwater regulations for Lake Whatcom will increase development without improving water quality2 comments; last on Jan 20, 2012
Riley Rouses Row Over Domestic Violence
Sun, Jan 08, 2012, 1:21 am // John Servais
Issue is County Council member Kathy Kershner and how our social service programs are funded.3 comments; last on Jan 08, 2012
Some thoughts on the Occupy Bellingham issue
Sun, Jan 01, 2012, 12:05 am // John Servais
A third note on Jan 1 about the Herald photos with links. And previous thoughts on the trivia around the militarized evictions.9 comments; last on Jan 10, 2012
Kelli Linville has taken oath as mayor
Fri, Dec 30, 2011, 2:07 pm // John Servais
Kelli assumes office of mayor at midnight Dec 316 comments; last on Jan 02, 2012
Bellingham Herald removes comments
Fri, Dec 30, 2011, 11:59 am // Wendy Harris
Decide for yourself if this blog comment, posted under my own name, should have been flagged and removed from the Bellingham Herald Online Edition.1 comments; last on Dec 30, 2011
Herald Permits Censorship of Pro-Occupy Bellingham Comments
Fri, Dec 30, 2011, 11:14 am // Wendy Harris
Anyone can "flag" a blog posting, resulting in immediate removal of your comment, regardless of merit. This is occuring for comments supporting OB.1 comments; last on Dec 30, 2011
City Exceeds Scope of Occupy Bellingham Eviction
Wed, Dec 28, 2011, 8:26 pm // Wendy Harris
The City infringed on the public’s right to peaceful assembly in a public park by enforcing an inappropriate public safety law2 comments; last on Dec 30, 2011
Dan Pike Issues Order to Evict Occupy Bellingham
Tue, Dec 27, 2011, 11:55 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley questions Pike's timing, and Occupy's choice of tactics2 comments; last on Dec 28, 2011
Updates from The Political Junkie
Tue, Dec 20, 2011, 2:19 pm // Riley Sweeney
0 comments
Dock Increases Risk of Invasive Species on Lake Whatcom
Sun, Dec 18, 2011, 8:43 pm // Wendy Harris
Relocation of a dock to Bloedel Donovan Park underscores failure to protect Lake Whatcom from invasive species0 comments
Sam Crawford Faces Ethical Concerns . . . AGAIN
Thu, Dec 15, 2011, 12:44 pm // Riley Sweeney
3 comments; last on Dec 16, 2011
Planning Commission Fails to Remove Cherry Point From Birch Bay Mitigation Plan
Wed, Dec 14, 2011, 7:05 am // Wendy Harris
Claiming it is unfair to treat large property owners different than small property owners, the Commission refuses to remove industrial areas from buffer mitigation proposal.0 comments
Rick Perry, Can We Talk?
Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:58 am // Riley Sweeney
2 comments; last on Dec 16, 2011
For Gift Ideas, Think Beyond Parker Brothers
Sat, Dec 10, 2011, 9:32 am // Riley Sweeney
2 comments; last on Dec 11, 2011
The Political Junkie needs your input
Thu, Dec 08, 2011, 12:47 pm // Riley Sweeney
0 comments
Loophole Benefits SSA and Undermines Birch Bay Mitigation Proposal
Wed, Dec 07, 2011, 7:00 am // Wendy Harris
Tell the Planning Commission to eliminate this loophole2 comments; last on Dec 14, 2011
Washington United for Marriage: It’s Time!
Tue, Dec 06, 2011, 11:12 am // Riley Sweeney
0 comments
The Cole Train: Loads of BS
Sun, Dec 04, 2011, 4:53 pm // Tip Johnson
2 comments; last on Dec 04, 2011
Update on Cherry Point Buffer Mitigation Proposal
Fri, Dec 02, 2011, 1:08 pm // Wendy Harris
Planning Staff's recommended revision will not prevent SSA from reducing wetland buffers.0 comments
UPDATE: City’s response focused on favoritism, not lost revenue
Wed, Nov 30, 2011, 5:51 pm // Riley Sweeney
More on the city employee moonlighting issue0 comments
TPJ Exclusive: Little Documented Oversight for City Employee Moonlighting
Mon, Nov 28, 2011, 4:29 pm // Riley Sweeney
7 comments; last on Nov 30, 2011
Deer me!
Sat, Nov 26, 2011, 3:30 pm // Tip Johnson
O.K. Who's in charge of all these ungulates?14 comments; last on Dec 01, 2011
County Proposal Includes New Cherry Point Buffer Mitigation Requirements
Tue, Nov 22, 2011, 9:29 pm // Wendy Harris
The County's new mitigation proposal is unlikely to be adequate for Cherry Point's industrial impacts to habitat buffers3 comments; last on Nov 24, 2011
New links
Colbert Super PacCurrent Interest
Bham Camera ScamColbert Super Pac
Local Blogs & News
Bellingham HeraldBham Politics & Economics
Bhm Herald Politics Blog
Bob Sanders
Cascadia Weekly
Citizen Ted
Ferndale Record
Foothills Gazette
Get Whatcom Planning
HamsterTalk
KGMI
Latte Republic
Lynden Tribune
MikeatthePort
Northern Light
Northwest Review
Sweeney Politics
Twilight Zoning
Wally Wonders
Western Front - WWU
Whatcom Watch
Local causes
Bham Camera ScamBham CofC political blog
Chuckanut Mountains
Citizens of Bellingham
City Club of Bham
Community Wise Bellingham
Conservation NW
Cordata & Meridian
Futurewise - Whatcom
Jail - local mega plans
Lake Whatcom
N. Cascades Audubon
N. Sound Conservancy
Neighborhood Schools Coalition
No Leaky Buckets
NW Holocaust Center
RE Sources
Transition Whatcom
WA Conservation Voters
Publisher recommended
Americans Elect 2012Bham Politics & Economics
Community Wise Bellingham
Guardian Unlimited
Paul Krugman - economics
Redistricting WA state
Sweeney Politics
Watts Up With That? - climate
WikiLeaks.ch
NwCitizen 1995 to 2008
Early Northwest CitizenWeather & Climate
Cliff Mass Weather BlogClimate Audit
NW Radar
Two day forecast
Watts Up With That? - climate
Cascadia
Crosscut SeattleJoel Connelly
Orcinus
Portland Indy Media
Seattle Indy Media
Washington Votes
Leisure
Adventures NWEdge of Sports
Entertainment NNW
Famous Internet Skiers
Sailing Anarchy
Worth checking out
Al-Jazeera onlineAlaska Dispatch
AlterNet.org
Americans Elect 2012
Antiwar.com
Arab News
Asia Times
Atlantic, The
Buzz Flash
Common Dreams
counterpunch
Daily Beast, The
Daily Kos
Daily Mirror
Drudge Report
FiveThirtyEight
Foreign Policy in Focus
Guardian Unlimited
Gulf News
Haaretz
Huffington Post
Innocence Project, The
Intrnational Herald Tribune
James Fallows
Jerusalem Post
Juan Cole
Le Diplo
Media Matters
Middle East Times
MoveOn.org
Nation, The
New American Century
News Trust
NMFA
numbers
Online Journal
Palestine Daily
Palestine News
Paul Krugman - economics
Personal bio info
Politico
Progressive Review
Project Vote Smart
Reuters
Sea Shepherd
Slate
Talking Points Memo
The Onion
Tom Paine.com
truthout
War and Piece
WikiLeaks.ch
ynetnews.com
Governments
Auditor election pageBellingham
Bham - PFD
Candidate Filings
Election Results
Redistricting WA state
Skagit County
The White House
WA State Access
WA State Elections
WA State Legislature
Whatcom Auditor
Whatcom County
Other - for whatever
Ban Red Light CamsBushFlash.com
Chickehhawks
Coal quandary
Doonesbury
George Bush
Info Clearing House
Mainstreampolitics
Michael Moore
Nat Geo on Coal Trains
Reality News
The Crisis Papers
Third World Traveler
Unity08
Washington Outsiders
Less active
Bellingham RegisterCarl Weimer
Eye on Whatcom
John Watts
Post-Oklahoman Confessions
The American Telegraph
Quiet, offline or dead
David HackworthGitmo prisoner 345
Mega Awesome
Not in my county
Parkenfarker
Pro-Whatcom
