Last year was a great year for Federal Way.
Yet, the paper has chosen to highlight death, dying and crime as your top stories. It troubles me that the opinions in the paper have become so negative. Those deaths were so sad, but I doubt that Roger Freeman or Dom Cooks would place themselves in the top 10. And, why highlight crime when we are a city on the move, trying to grow. Is this the picture you want to project of Federal Way?
On a more positive note, these were stories I believe should have received a nod. For any prospective new business, these are stories their studies would look for:
• The Neighborhood Connection meetings at local schools where residents in those areas were given the chance to ask questions and encouraged to bring their “beef.” All city staff is represented to answer questions and follow through. It’s a great way for neighbors to meet and to learn about their city.
• The city was gifted Brooklake, which adjoins the Hylebos Creek Trail and is one of the key areas in the city’s history.
• Our new Town Square Park is a wonderful place to meet and greet fellow citizens while viewing free movies complete with popcorn. It houses our Farmer’s Market and our Christmas tree. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony this year was so inspiring, complete with great entertainment, free hot chocolate, Santa and Mrs. Claus and a game for children.
By the way, the choir from Brigadoon Elementary School was tremendous. Such talent for little people. Additionally, the park has basketball courts, which I saw in use almost daily this summer and fall, giant chess game pieces, a grassy area and picnic tables with barbecues. The park is a wonderful addition to the heart of our city. And that is only the beginning.
• The city was gifted (for a period of time) space in a building strategically located in our downtown area and near the Transit Center for a police sub-station.
• How about the long overdue Veteran’s Flag Plaza and the naming of that stretch of 320th Street Veterans Memorial Drive? The ceremony on Veterans Day was memorable and touching.
• The Public Health facility in Federal Way, which serves several thousands of citizens, was saved from closure. That’s a story and a half!
• Another huge story would be that the Performing Arts and Conference Center is on its way to fruition, after many years of controversy. Thanks to our mayor, who thoughtfully decided to put an end to the question whether we could afford it and whether it would be a catalyst to inspire new business to land here, he appointed a Blue Ribbon Panel of experts, in their respective fields, to discuss every aspect of the subject. While initially against building the project at this time (as was I), he found a way to learn from the experts. When the panel came back with their comprehensive findings in the affirmative, he did not hesitate to put his stamp of approval on it.
The economy picked up, the city has had money in reserve for these projects and the mayor does not let any grass grow under his feet. We are moving forward and moving quickly. It is time, after all.
All of the above has brought our citizens together, has shown we are a progressive city, which would be a wonderful place for new business to locate. What, I ask, is more newsworthy than that?
Sheryl Nevers, Federal Way
Editor’s note: The Mirror’s top stories of 2014 were selected from the Mirror’s website based on the amount of web traffic each story received.
