Akre sworn in as new school board member OpiniOn Letters

s From l.; Blaine school district superintendent Christopher Granger swears in Kimberly Akre as school board member at the start of the February 27 board meeting. Akre will represent district 1, covering western downtown Blaine and Point Roberts, until her term is up during the November election. Akre co-owns Pacific Building Center and has served as a former Blaine Chamber of Commerce president. Akre has two children who have attended Blaine schools.

The Editor: Although we are only part-time residents, we are happy to support and glad that there is a local newspaper that we can read online to see what’s happening in our favorite little getaway place.It really keeps us in touch with the community.

Victoria and John Kros Blaine and Folsom, California

The Editor: I wasn’t sure to whom I should address this note, but given the most recent train derailment and toxic chemical release in Palestine, I am curious if any dangerous cargo, chemicals, etc. pass through Blaine by train?

If so, what chemicals or materials are transported? Does Blaine and/or Whatcom County have an emergency plan in place? Are there any special consider- ations because of our proximity to the water and border?

Kevin Faulkner Blaine

The Editor: HB 1513 may support equity for some but I do not believe it will improve public safety. As Ms. Rodgriquez expressed her concern for “excessive policing,” perhaps she should ask residents about the increase of criminal behavior in their communities. And who exactly are “losing their lives to police violence” in Washington state?

Although expired tabs or other vehicle defects may not be the cause of deadly crashes, stops made for these minor offenses may be critical. I suggest Ms. Rodgriquez research the minor traffic stops made of Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma

CiviC Meetings

Birch Bay Water & Sewer District: Second and fourth Thursdays, 4 p.m., district offices, 7096 Point Whitehorn Road, Birch Bay. Info and Zoom meeting link: bbwsd.com.

Blaine City Council: Second and fourth Mondays, 6 p.m., Blaine City Council chambers, 435 Martin Street. Info and virtual meeting login: ci.blaine.wa.us.

Blaine Planning Commission: Second Thursday, 6 p.m. Info: blainepc@cityofblaine.com. Info for joining Zoom meetings: bit.ly/3EwWiZi.

City bomber, or Ted Bundy, the serial rapist and murderer. Had it not been for those traffic stops, these horrific criminals may not have been arrested.

And for traffic safety, I believe many of these minor traffic stops lead to arrests for drug trafficking and drunk driving. As for the “disproportionally impact people of color” effect, is it too much to ask everyone, regardless of race, to keep their vehicles in proper road legal condition? Police are not the enemy and I encourage state senator Shewmake, and state representatives Rule and Timmons to vote against HB 1513.

Doug Tomaso Blaine

Please send letters to letters@thenorthernlight.com no later than noon on Monday.

Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation: Second Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., location varies. Info: bbbparkandrec.org.

Blaine Park and Cemetery Board: Second Thursday, 9 a.m., council chambers and virtual meeting. Info: 360/332-8311, ext. 3330.

Blaine School Board: Fourth Monday, 7 p.m., Blaine school district offices. Info: blainesd.org.

North Whatcom Fire & Rescue: Third Thursday, 11 a.m., Station 61 at 9408 Odell Road and via Zoom. Info: nwfrs.net.