Seattle Sun Newspaper - Vol. 8, Issue 2, February 2004

Copyright 2004 Seattle Sun. Please feel free to use the article below in your research. Be sure to cite the Seattle Sun as your source.

Seattle Sun Letters to the Editor

Setting record straight on Maple Leaf Grill

After reading your article on Ed Beeson and the Maple Leaf Grill (Seattle Sun, January 2004), I wanted to write you concerning a couple of points of chronology and credit.

David Albert and I got the Maple Leaf rolling in 1990. I left at the end of 1996 to be in on the remodel of Hattie's Hat (here I must agree with Mr. Beeson's observation I miss the old dive aspect sometimes).

After leaving Hattie's in 1999, I worked at the Century Ballroom (another wonderful music and food venue) and Cyclops. By the mutual instigation of David Albert, Mr. Beeson, and myself, I returned to the Maple Leaf Grill in December of 2001. I have neither been employed by nor had any association with the Maple Leaf since May of 2003.

The 'Why burger' was the creation of Pauline Wickey, who took over at the Maple Leaf when I decamped to Hattie's. The 'Mars' Oyster stew' is named after my friend Margaret Clark (a.k.a. Mars) of New Orleans, from whom I purloined the idea if not the exact recipe. Just wanted to give credit where credit is due.

HARRISON ("Rip") RIPLEY

Monorail recall

Given the massive overestimation of monorail tax revenue, recall of the monorail may become a strong possibility in the coming year.

According to the State law in the authority statute (RCW 35.95A.120) "The City transportation (monorail) authority may be dissolved by a vote of the people residing within the boundaries of the authority if the authority is faced with significant financial problems." This error in estimated revenue certainly appears to constitute a "significant financial problem".

Such a revenue shortfall will mean a system not built to the standards set forth or implied in the voter approved plan. Stretching the tax duration from 25 years to 40 years should also fall under the interpretation of "significant financial problems."

Withholding this error of tax revenue is only one of many manipulative strategies by the "Authority"

Even in the voting booth, the monorail agency strategically did not include on the ballot the anticipated number of years we will pay the tax.

Don't kid yourself exercising only half the tax this first critical year was not because they are such nice people. It was a clever ploy to lessen the impact of this tax during this critical time when we can still say no.

Seattle never really had a chance to vote on alternative routes. The current route was set in place by special interest groups. Yes, there were opportunities for public opinion, but that was a long shot from a vote on alternatives. Building an elevated train in front of personal and commercial property is bound to have an endless string of lawsuits. Parking has also been ignored - businesses close to terminals will find regular customers may go elsewhere due to a lack of available parking.

Seattle deserves better. We are collecting e-mail addresses of those interested in signing a recall petition: tkbawulf@aol.com. We need to pursue this

dissolution.

TIM WULF, West Seattle

Fan Mail:

Keep up the good works

Thanks for the great article in the Seattle Sun on Spirit Cafe at Maple Leaf Lutheran Church ("Spirit Cafe serves coffee, music, film clips, fellowship," by Clayton Park, November 2003 issue). I have received many comments on it and we all really appreciate it. ... May God continue to bless your ministry and life.

PASTOR JULIE BLUM,

Maple Leaf Lutheran Church

Thanks for the plug

Just a note to say that was a terrific article in the Seattle Sun on the Homewaters Project ("Homewaters Project links classroom with natural world," by James Bush, January 2004 issue). It really captured the spirit of the project and why it's so unique; nice photos, too.

ELISA MURRAY

League says thanks for the assist

I was so-o-o pleased to read your article about the Assistance League of Seattle activities ("Assistance League provides clothes for kids," by James Bush, Seattle Sun, January 2004). You described each project with straight-forward clarity. You covered Operation School bell so very well (and no mention of "poor little children"...) Your quotes from the Family Support workers are very welcome. They are our lifeline to the children. Thank you for the kindness of putting the Assistance League of Seattle into your readers' minds. We'll probably receive several donations to Operation School Bell because you've reached people who are unfamiliar with O.S.B. I'll let you know.

GEORGIA OISTAD,

co-chair, Operation School Bell Assistance League of Seattle

Funds needed

Maple Leaf Lutheran Church (at 10005 32nd Ave. NE in the Meadowbrook neighborhood) is in the midst of purchasing a portion of the Maple Leaf School site from the Seattle School District. Providing for future growth and to alleviate a potential parking crisis, the church is seeking to raise approximately $1.5 million dollars to continue its commitment as a community partner. As a partner in emergency housing, music and arts, civic affairs and cooperative education, we at Maple Leaf Lutheran welcome any interest from the community in our continued efforts.

Peace to all in this new year. For information, please contact me by calling 524-2448 or visit our Web site at www.reachoutchurch.org.

TERRY VOGEL, community outreach director,Maple Leaf Lutheran Church