Here is some of the news you may have missed this year:
• For those of you who think our government spends money on questionable projects, check out the British. They released a report on whether or not fictional agent 007 James Bond had a drinking problem. As if the speeding, car crashers, gambling and shooting up neighborhoods all over the world wasn’t a clue. They decided he should seek help, although they seemed to admire his “stamina.” Love British humor.
• “Chippers Jewelry,” odd name for jewelry store where employees are so careful with the delicate items. But they also do repairs.
• And the Gates Foundation doesn’t spend all its money on education. According to the New York Times, the foundation just awarded 11 winners $100,000 each for ideas on how to design the condom of the future. The new ideas include “shape memory” and “pull tabs.” Researchers have all the fun, and The Mirror columnist Amy Johnson gets all the best topics.
• In the recent race for Mayor, Skip Priest held a fundraiser that was hosted by my kind of group – “Aging Solutions.”
• “People don’t understand, this (Washington) is my dream job,” said Washington football Coach Steve Sarkisian. That was just before he left to take the USC job.
• In most areas, recycling has long since passed being a controversial issue. Not so in Island County. When Republicans gained a majority on the county board of commissioners, they decided to cancel the program – on Earth Day.
• New term for behavior that employees can’t do in the workplace that should be added to the Federal Way Human Resources manual: “be in direct mode,” meaning “not Cary Grant.”
• Commenting on why crime was up, one city official said, “Crime is up because we asked more people to report crime.” Ah … think that one through.
• While discussing a $65,000 expenditure for the Performing Arts and Conference Center (PACC), a Federal Way City Council member said, “The city has spent more money on other things that have never gone anywhere.” Really? That certainly improves my confidence.
• Under things the Federal Way school board may have thought but probably didn’t say aloud, “Let’s take a couple of trips, who’ll notice?”
• “What do you mean poor people don’t like the PACC and the patron room? They can use it to.” PACC supporter.
• Associated press story: “Republicans hope to reach out to blacks.” Another story the same week: “Southern University sororities still segregated.”
• The political quip of the year goes to Mirror Publisher Rudi Alcott. After watching angry exchanges between the candidates for commissioner of South King Fire and Rescue that bordered on calling each other liars, and contrasting that with the Lakehaven Utility race where the challenger actually congratulated the incumbent on doing a good job, Alcott asked the audience if they had any questions “for the Hatfields and McCoys, or the Waltons.” Brought the house down.
• And to those who will leave office at the end of the year: Mayor Skip Priest, Councilmember Diana Noble-Gulliford, school board members Angela Griffin and Ed Barney – a profound thanks to you for your service. You all contributed to making the community better. Lastly, thanks to former Editor Andy Hobbs who also made our community better.
Happy New Year!
Contact Federal Way resident and former mayor of Auburn Bob Roegner at bjroegner@comcast.net.
