The View From Here

People, politics and the lay of the land in Issaquah

Everything old is cool again

December 2nd, 2009 at Wed, 2nd, 2009 at 6:43 pm by Jake Lynch

I was stoked to see that Tuesday night’s budget discussions at Sammamish City Hall proved to be a historic moment for the beleaguered Sammamish Heritage Society.

Following our story last week on the lack of support the society receives from the city, I heard from a number of residents outraged at the situation, and deciding to make financial contributions of their own.

Heritage Society co-President Helen Baxter approached the council Tuesday night with a request for $5,000 to support their activities, in light of the number of other groups in the city which receive regular financial contributions. There she stood, waving a copy of The Reporter in her hand.

Maureen Santoni backed her up too, pledging her own contribution and suggesting the council open their own checkbooks.

Despite many years of disinterest in supporting the society, on Tuesday night the council had a change of heart, with a number of councilors speaking of the importance of its work and of finding the necessary funds in their budget.
“I would like to see us find the $5,000,” said councilmember Lee Fellinge. “And if we find them a space to provide free storage, then that could offset that amount. I don’t want us to increase the total budget of the city, but I’m sure we can find a little bit here and a little bit there.”
Fellinge’s comments were echoed by councilmembers Kathy Huckabay, Michelle Petitti and Don Gerend. Wonder of wonders.

All of a sudden, the heritage society is the flavor of the month, and the history of the area is super important. With any luck amidst all the pontificating there will be the check to secure the future of this vital group.

Jake Lynch Editor of the Issaquah and Sammamish Reporter.

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