Too much growth detrimental to citizen's quality of life
Have you seen the quality of life go down in Cheney due to growth? I grew up in Cheney, have a parent that was raised in Cheney and a grandfather who started teaching at Eastern in the 40's. I've always wondered why Cheney was so low key and had very little growth. My conclusion is Cheney leaders up until the last 10 years or so didn't promote growth and expansion above what the existing farm and education sectors needed.
Cheney now has growth in all directions. It has become a community of commuters. Why? In my opinion, Cheney has zealous pro-growth elected officials and leadership with a mission that growth is desirable. Their viewpoint is: “Look at all the new revenue we now receive. We can spend more on water and sewer and expand the city services and raise more money.” An endless cycle which lowers existing resident's quality of life. One small example of the negative aspect of growth is the traffic on 904, an endless stream of cars commuting 24/7.
Look at Liberty Lake or the Spokane Valley. Cheney will be similar in the not-so-distant future. Not the quality of life that I'd like to see. How does our community change this bleak outlook? Vote for officials that have stringent growth controlling platforms. Have elected officials and staff develop plans that require developers to pay for increased traffic, water and sewer use, and growth of students in our schools.
Make developers demonstrate a community need for their development. Developing a parcel of land shouldn't infringe on other citizens' quality of life. If developers build, make them pay for the infrastructure. Why should the community pay for the profits a developer reaps? Let Airway Heights and other West Plains communities encourage and support growth and keep Cheney's quality of life.
Chip Magnuson
Cheney
History proves Tom Trulove deserves second mayor term
History is important and Cheney has a rich one. It provides us a heritage and helps us know where we have traveled. It helps shape our identity as a community.
I have known Tom Trulove for 35 years. I served with Tom in city government for over 17 years. He is a practical person who will provide hands-on experience that is proven to work. He is willing to get involved and roll up his sleeves.
Many of you remember the day that Mt. St. Helens came to visit in 1980. Tom was directing and physically helping city government to respond to a real crisis and making sure the needs of all the residents were met. He provided real face-to-face leadership.
Tom currently is chair of two statewide economic development boards. His expertise and contacts in economic development are needed to fill the new Business/Industrial Park and bring real jobs to Cheney. He has “old school” experience with “new and fresh” ideas.
Leadership is important. Experience is important. History is very important, Please join me in supporting a proven leader.
Dwayne J Paul
Cheney
Cheney Historical Museum thanks volunteer helpers
The Cheney Historical Museum extends a huge thank you to the volunteers who moved our big heavy display pieces on Oct. 3.
Thank you to the farm guys Paul Trethewy, Tom Cooney, Randy and Colton Bafus and Pete Montague for giving up a morning of field work to help us.
Thanks to Bill of the city of Cheney for coming in on his day off.
Thank you to the interested ladies of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority: Maria de Jesus Alvizar, Cristina Alvizar, Andrea Herenas, Lizbet Pacheco and Kendra Guevara. And thank you to the men of Omega Delta Phi Fraternity: Edgar Montoya, Victor Torres and Juan Caberra for volunteering their time.
Thanks to Steve Fabre and Allen Hale for directing operations. Thank you to Kaye Hale, Bruce Abbott, Jeff Lichoroviec, Gil Murray and Brian Hale for helping out. Thanks to Barbara Curtis and Cathie Abbott for help and food. Thank you to Ann Heehn for the U-haul truck. And thanks to Helen Boots for cookies.
These folks made a hard job go very quickly and smoothly. We are so grateful for their help.
Joan Mamanakis
Cheney Historical Museum
Yes vote on Proposition 1 a rare opportunity for Cheney
Cheney is defined by a number of things – friendly people, home of EWU, an excellent school district and great youth sports programs. When people are considering moving to Cheney to live and possibly to bring their companies and needed jobs they look at the amenities our city has to offer. Parks are definitely something that people considering living in Cheney look at.
We have a rare opportunity to vote yes for the new 50-acre park on Betz Road. This park will bring needed play fields for Little League, soccer, Pop Warner Football, Cheney recreation leagues and families to use.
The chance to build a new community center designed specifically for our seniors, kids, teens, brides, party planners and the community in general is an opportunity we can't pass up.
With money from the insurance settlement from the destruction of the old community center, low building material and contractor costs it is the right time to build. Once phase one has started we can work on the new water park.
Daily in my job as a realtor, I tell people about this community and why I love it here. Our city is growing, lets do it right. Vote yes on Prop 1.
Curt Critchlow,
Cheney
Pollard is best choice by far for Cheney council Position 1
Fred Pollard, Cheney City Council candidate for Position 1, is the best man for the job. As a Cheney business owner (Cheney Delights), and as a leader and active member in several key city organizations (president, Historic Downtown Cheney Partnership; co-chair, Cheney Merchants Association; manager, Cheney Farmer's Market; member, Citizen Advisory Committee; member, Cheney Kiwanis, commissioner, Spokane County “No Shoot” board), Fred models what a true servant leader should be.
Earlier this year, Fred was honored by the West Plains Chamber of Commerce and was presented with the 2009 Community First Award, given to individuals who make a substantial commitment to their community, entirely altruistically.
As your City Council member, Fred has promised to continue serving our community at the highest level. He is a very approachable man and is welcoming citizens who have questions, comments, concerns or complaints to talk.
He will serve as a watchdog over our precious tax dollars, and will take the lead on initiatives to enhance the livability of our neighborhoods and our city.
Fred is guided by several key interests: Children, families, neighborhoods and economic development.
He has promised to preserve the unique character of Cheney in the process of balancing stability and change for the future. It is Fred's desire to ensure Cheney remains a high quality city in which to live, work, learn and play.
Join me Nov. 3 in electing Fred Pollard, a man of character and integrity, as our newest city council member.
Jason Alvarado,
Cheney
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