HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/01/2008 05 RE: Renaming Washington Middle School - Martin Luther King, Jr Park From: Connie Little < clittle @bentonrea.com> 5
TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS, THROUGH RICHARD "DICK" ZAIS, CITY OF YAKIMA
1 111AGER:
1 Gates is probably my most favoirte Washington State citizen. He is doing more good
than any of our Washington, DC or Washington State legislative bodies and I believe
millions of people will agree with the above.
I didn't appreciate being reminded of being in an impoverished area of District No. 3 of
the City of Yakima, but it is still very true. You have all been advised how the alumni
of Childs and Jefferson in which schools were demolished and left unsigned. Those of us
on the east side of the tracks, recognize that we have three distinct groups of people who
will use this Center, which I have tentatively named: GATES EDUCATIONAL CENTER. The
caucasian, the hspanic and the black community. This has always been a low income area
and probably will. Look at the property transfers as I do, and you can always find
someone selling for less man $50,000, when lots are selling for $50,000 west of the
tracks.
There has recently been a clamor to change the management of the Southeast Community
Center from the black community to that of the hspanic. Right now some of these folks
are looking for input of what they want and I, representing the caucasians, wish to advise
you of what I think would be fair and just.
Permit the Center to be built on the former Washington Park area of four acres, which was
renamed to honor MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
and name the new educational building, a gift from Bill and Melinda Gates, for them.
I am still working on getting signage on the properties where Childs and Jefferson schools
once existed. It takes patience but the EPIC school, where Jefferson stood, has written
in favor of the signage! No word from anyone, ever on changing the name of MLK TO RUTH
CHILDS SCHOOL Or permitting signage at that location. The alumni will settle for signage.
The packet I sent to Terry Bergeson, WA educational superintendent, was returned with a
e from one of her aides to reuse. Apparently they do not intend to do anything.
ave not had a reply from Governor Gregoire.
at is the information I share as of today.
Back to the MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BOULEVARD. I believe most of the city residents will
agree with me that choosing "B" street to honor the late Mr. King should stay. Not one
person coming to the courthouse or city hall can miss those big signs at each
intersection.
I wish to nominate Washington Middle School- Martin Luther King, Jr. Park four acre tract
to be named in honor of Bill Gates:
Either BILL AND MELINDA GATES CENTER
or GATES EDUCATIONAL CENTER. .
This should not be controversial. I cannot come in person to the city council meeting
because of my husband's situation. (He fell again, on his ramp, but didn't break any
bones but is pretty bruised, on Wednesday) .
I would like your secretary to read what I am saying during the "public comments" section.
I know that is unusual but I am a citizen of District No. 3 and have actively worked for a
better quality of life for all who live in this area.
Please bend the rules, if you have to.
Dick, please share this letter with the department heads as well as our honorable Mayor
and Council Members.
I also am planning a letter to the LETTER TO THE EDITOR for the Yakima Herald - Republic
spaper for March. I try to write a letter, now 200 words, every month and seem to have
I li fan "club who agree with what I am writing.
Thank you all, for being open minded and willing to see all sides of issues.
Respecfully, Connie Little, 2002 Simpson Lane, Yakima, WA 98901 -3908
(509) 453 -2815 e -mail: clittle @bentonrea.com