$41K copter bill
To the editor:
For years I have seen the First Aid helicopter flying to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and I wondered how much such a flight cost.
A few weeks ago I found out and wish I would have asked the price before agreeing to be transported by air to Harborview after I passed out for a few minutes. Since I was alive and kicking, I enjoyed the flight, the view from above, and the smooth landing.
I can also say that I had nothing but the best experience at Harborview. The staff was wonderful, concerned with my physical and mental well-being, and tests showed that I did not have a seizure or heart attack. That came when I received the bill for the helicopter transportation: $40,986. For about five minutes in the air.
While I have health insurance, I wonder how much of that nearly $41,000 I’ll be responsible for.
I write this letter so that your readers in Kitsap County are aware of the cost of air transportation. Had I known the transportation price, I would have asked my wife or the First Aid medics, who arrived within minutes, to drive me to St. Michael’s in Silverdale.
James U. Behrend
Bainbridge Island
Vote Timme
To the editor:
I am writing because I support Melissa Timme’s bid for Bainbridge Island Parks Commissioner.
She is a longtime resident and fixture in the parks and recreation community. As a mother of three school-aged children, her family participates in a multitude of programs, camps, classes and sports. As such, she brings a lived experience of the benefits and opportunities for change in the BI Parks District, one that is not currently represented on the commission.
She values all programs and recreational offerings, as well as sustainable and fair park development. As a business owner, she understands that this can only be achieved through careful stewardship of public funding.
She is a natural leader and consummate convener who ensures that all voices are heard and respected, no matter the context.
I encourage you to join me in voting for Melissa on Election Day.
Erin Phillips
Bainbridge
Approve Goodlin
To the editor:
Let’s approve Tom Goodlin for another term on the board of commissioners for the Bainbridge Island Metro Parks & Recreation District.
Recent survey information shared by the Bainbridge Community Foundation suggests that 93% of islanders approve of the overall quality of our parks and recreation opportunities. That’s consistent with the choices that we’ve made for years as a community—islanders of all ages love our variety of parks, places to play, and green spaces that support wildlife and our well-being.
Goodlin is someone we’ve trusted to steward our precious parks and facilities. Tom is a trained scientist and conservationist who understands our local landscapes. And he’s an enthusiastic parks user who values amenities in which we can all take pride. Perhaps most importantly, Tom listens to everyone and looks for solutions when needed. I can’t think of a better person to continue the job of overseeing our parks and recreation facilities.
Jenny Lange
Bainbridge
Sex offender
To the editor:
“AJ” Anthony Jon Fugitt was released from prison Sept.19. His victim was 9- to 10-years old at the time of the four rapes. He was allowed a plea deal that reduced four counts of rape to three counts of molestation and increased the age of the victim.
It is disappointing that anyone who looks him up will not get an accurate representation of what he did. Fugitt will be residing in West Bremerton. He is categorized as a “Level 1” sex offender, thus “the least likely to re-offend.” Once he registers, it will be up to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office to decide if it will notify the neighborhood where he will be residing.
Typically, the public is only notified of Level 3 sex offenders. It is alarming that his photograph has never been released to the public even though before he went to jail he owned a home in Poulsbo in a neighborhood full of families with children and within blocks of three schools and a church.
Also worrisome is that he has no geographical restrictions. Other offenders may not be able to live within 800 feet of a school, but he does not have that restriction.
This case is another heart-breaking example of how Kitsap does not care enough about public safety to prosecute sex offenders for the crimes they have actually committed. Nor do they care to inform us of dangerous pedophiles in our midst who could potentially prey upon our most vulnerable.
Layla Drowns
Fireworks
To the editor:
It seems that the person listed as a “private party” or as UHHC LLC is really a very special person whose birthday must be celebrated from Kingston to Silverdale to Woodinville. It appears that they are really a corporation named “Revelation Trust” that is at 701 5th St, Seattle, WA 98104.
In trying to track down who was responsible for approving these fireworks. I have been amazed at how many times the Coast Guard has flat-out lied. Things like “I don’t have a form 4424” when they do not have it on their desk. But the Coast Guard has a copy and appears to have approved the fireworks.
The Coast Guard says the fireworks were approved by the Bainbridge Island Fire Department but have no idea who they talked to. The fire department says they didn’t approve it as it is out of their jurisdiction. Kitsap County has yet to respond.
The Coast Guard finger-pointing has included the Seattle Fire Department, Kitsap Sheriff’s Office, city of Seattle, to name a few.
Now it appears that Revelation Trust is behind it. They identify themselves as a Christian business and gospel entrepreneurs, according to Google. Since all that fireworks money is supposedly to celebrate one person’s birthday, I would call it more business than Christian. If Google is misidentifying them as the same Revelation Trust involved in the fireworks I hope they can let us know.
George Beavis
Bainbridge
