Letter to the editor: April 27-3

The Editor:

A recent rash of letters complaining about traffic violations in Blaine has prompted this observation that Birch Bay seems to have become a free-for-all traffic zone. This is not my first letter detailing the blatant disregard for traffic laws and dismal lack of police enforcement in the area. I have even posted complaints on the Sheriff’s Facebook page.

Vehicle operators routinely park in no-parking zones, blocking the bicycle lane and public right-of-way, and sheriff’s deputies cast a blind eye at these infractions. I have been stopped on the side of the road waiting for a break in traffic because a truck was parked in the bike lane not five feet from a sign that clearly said “No parking on paved shoulder” while a deputy drove by without a second look.

In fact, sheriff’s deputies routinely ignore the speed limit and stop signs themselves. How can we expect the public to obey the laws when police don’t set a good example?

It seems nobody knows or cares on what side of the road you are supposed to ride your bicycle. I see more people riding the wrong way than the right way. When I recently confronted a lawn service employee about his illegally parked truck blocking the bicycle lane, he suggested I ride on the other side of the road. This is not just ignorance of the law. In many cases, when I point out that someone is riding their bicycle on the wrong side of the road they just say, “Yeah, I know,” without even slowing down.

I am getting tired of apparently being the only person in Birch Bay who obeys traffic laws. I cannot enforce traffic laws myself, and my pleas usually fall on deaf or belligerent ears. I need backup! Birch Bay needs more police presence. A casual once- or twice-a-day drive through is not enough. People know no cops are around and they behave accordingly. It is even more discouraging when I see the police not only ignoring the lawbreakers, but ignoring the law. Birch Bay residents pay taxes, but we are not getting the benefit of taxpayer-funded law enforcement.

Jeff Sterling

Birch Bay

The Editor:

I would like to thank the gentleman who found my wallet by the Grandview golf course Monday evening and turned it into the Blaine Police Department. Thank you!

Christopher Doll

Birch Bay

The Editor:

I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and filled it with seed. It was beautiful and I enjoyed filling it with seed. Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the free and easily accessible food.

But then the birds started building nests around the patio. Then came the poop. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table, everywhere.

Then some birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try to peck me even though I fed them out of my own pocket. Others birds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.

After a while, I couldn’t even sit on my own back porch. So I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone and I cleaned up their mess. Soon, the backyard was like it used to be: quiet, serene and no one demanding a free meal.

Now let’s see our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care and free education, and allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.

Then the illegals came by the tens of thousands. Our taxes went up to pay for more free services, apartments, emergency room doctors and my child’s second grade class is behind other schools because half the class doesn’t speak English. I have to “press one” to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving foreign flags are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free stuff.

Maybe it’s time for the government to take down the bird feeder.

Gordon Bennett

Custer