Fire commission
Let’s stay focused on the goal
A huge thank you to everyone who supported me over the past several months in my campaign for fire commissioner. You endorsed, you donated, you hosted and waved signs, you urged me on, and you voted. I couldn’t have done it without you. And an extra-special thank you to my wife, April, who didn’t realize what she was getting into when she agreed to be my campaign manager.
I’d also like to thank my opponent, Craig Harmeling, and his supporters as well. As the campaign went on, it became obvious to me that regardless of whether the Islanders wanted Harmeling or Philip to be fire commissioner, the vast majority of us want the same thing: a professional to show up at our door quickly when we call 911. It doesn’t matter to us if that professional is a volunteer or is paid, the job of the fire department is to get someone there fast. I hope to work with the board and the community to make sure that, above all, our focus is on that primary goal. Thanks to all of you!
Neal Philip
Thanks for the support
I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all those who voted for me for fire commissioner during the recent election. It is with deep appreciation that I acknowledge the endorsements and letters received from my friends and neighbors. I would also like to thank the people who supported and helped me with my campaign.
Craig Harmeling
Coyotes
What’s the fuss?
What coyotes? I spent the first 20 years of my life on Vashon and never once saw or heard a coyote. Nor were they, as far as I know, living there over the 50 years my parents spent on the Island. Lots of raccoons, deer, otter and of course the occasional bear that swims over from the mainland — but no coyotes.
Having now lived in Eastern Washing-ton for the past seven years, I have seen coyotes on several occassions. I’ve even been within 100 or so feet of them on horseback — but never on Vashon. There is truth in that they are not a significant threat. But on Vashon, I can’t see how they are a threat at all. I’m sure coyotes can swim the Sound as well bear can, but I can’t see them taking up residence on the Island. So what’s the worry?
Shannon Hullet
Pullman, Wash.
Sandy Tillman
Coach put VHS b-ball on the map
The replacement of Sandy Tillman as coach of the girls’ high school basketball team, after 20 years of service, could be the end of an era. As the parent of three children who played basketball for the girls’ and boys’ high school teams from 1993 through last year, I can say no one deserves more credit than Coach Tillman for putting Vashon High School basketball on the map. Although the coaching of both teams has been terrific, it was Coach Tillman’s creation of a competitive youth basketball program that produced the talented girls and boys pouring into the high school program.
High school basketball is very tough, requiring a tremendous commitment. Playing time is earned. Winning is difficult. To succeed, players must respond to the challenge with hard work and determination. No one worked harder or was more determined than Coach Tillman.
I am proud I had the opportunity to work with Coach Tillman over many years. I hope she stays involved with Island basketball, and I hope she stages a comeback. Her players need her.
Ray Davis
