May 14 Letters to the Editor

System is incomprehensible

Our son and I went to the assessor’s office the first part of January asking what I need to get property tax relief and was told I needed proof of income, 2008 prescriptions, and IRS retirement payments.

On April 6, our son and I went to the assessor’s office with all the papers I thought we would need: copies of my income tax statement, copies of my medical expenses, proof of my income. Because it was the first of April, I was told that I would have to pay the first half of my taxes because if they processed the paper work, then it would not be in time for the first half of my taxes. Also, we were told I needed my W2 forms as well as all the paperwork I had with me.

So, on April 22 we went again. This time with my 2008 W2s and the previous papers I had taken and a copy of the death certificate for Dale. Guess what the woman said then? We can't help you, come back in January 2010 and file then.

I never get my W2 forms until February, so in 2010 will I still have to make three trips to the assessor’s office to get any answers? Never in the three visits to the assessor’s office was I told about waiting until 2010 to wait to apply.

As I am in my late 80s and need a walker to get around, it is hard for me to make these trips, so will someone please help me to understand this system?

Margaret Zbaeren

Kelso

What to do with Gitmo prisoners?

With all the domestic and European desires to close Gitmo, we don’t seem to be finding any ready solutions. I read that U.S. Attorney General Holder recently went to Europe in an attempt to find suitable places for these terrorists. None of the countries visited wanted to take any of them, even though these countries are all in favor of closing the prison.

One good solution to this dilemma would be, simply send one or two to the home of any politician who is in favor of moving them. At least two at the White House, one at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s house, one at Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s house and, of course, Sens. Edward Kennedy and John Kerry could each take several at one of their big houses. This would spend almost no additional money and bring about an acceptable solution for all.

Allan Schwindt

Silver Lake

All do a wonderful job

I have end-stage renal disease, which means my kidneys are dead and kidney dialysis keeps me alive. I get dialysis three times a week from the absolute best RNs and techs working. I know it is their job, but they go beyond their job. They really care about me and the other 22 people in my shift. The people in your near vicinity become family. The people in my “Pod,” Handsome Loren and Beautiful Janice, are also part of my family. I truly love them and the people who take care of us.

The Dialysis Center is at St. John’s Broadway site and everyone should visit and see what a wonderful job the people are doing. From the top down they are all caring people. I don’t have space to mention everyone, but they all know I appreciate them so much. I love life and hope to be here a lot longer. Kidney disease doesn’t usually “take” people; it is the “other” problems that do. All of these people make every day happy days for me.

Thanks also to my wonderful husband who gets out of a warm bed at 5:30 a.m. every other morning to take me to dialysis.

Gloria Beverly Sapinsky

Longview

Community is one of a kindRyderwood is one of a kind. It is unique in that it is at the end of the county road, surrounded by forest owned by timber companies without access. Since 1950 it has been a 55-plus community governed by its own constitution and bylaws, and is a village run by volunteers. We moved here in 1994 simply because we were looking for such a place.

During the last three years we have had some people move into town who have made it their objective to change this village. First there was a group that wanted to build a trailer park; then the present group wanted to make null and void our bylaws. In both cases the court has ruled against them.

The present group has changed tactics from time to time and now they are demonstrating because they want to have children living in town.

There is no one living in Ryderwood who did not know this was a 55-plus community when they moved in. I am sorry that sometimes grandchildren have to live with them, but if this is happening there is only one thing they can do, and that is move to an area which accepts children. You cannot move into Ryderwood without seeing the signs and the courts had no choice but to rule against them.

Jerry Brass

Ryderwood

Craigslist ad too obvious

I have just read the article in your newspaper (“House ad takes Longview family by surprise,” May 8, by Erik Olson) about people coming to an owner’s home and inquiring about renting the property.

I admit I may be a bit naive, yet please allow me get this straight:

S-end

T-ender

U-nilaterally

P-ronto

I-n

D-ollars

Oh, and to Africa. Doh. Even Homer isn’t that stupid. Well, maybe I could be wrong. People actually came and looked, didn’t they? Have we not already heard about these scams?

Maybe we should let Darwin take its course.

Michael R. Lee

Longview