Re: "Can't shake that burning fire station subject" Star, Dec. 2

Roger, I enjoyed reading your (column). For one thing, I’ve always enjoyed your readable style, but also, in this case your pointing out once again how difficult it is to deal with the agencies of the Federal Government.

Having grown up in Grand Coulee, then returning for 13 years, I have been struck by the lack of humanity and/or transparency of the Bureau. I swear that I could list a litany of ‘grievances’ which they have shrugged off in  the last 20 years.

In my early years, the Bureau was a strong supporter of the community in a myriad of ways. I recall that when  we burned the dummy prior to the annual Football clash between the two towns, they provided materials to burn and transported them to our pile. Now I realize that today such things would be prohibited by regulations, but this  is an example of how close they were to the local communities.

I am really puzzled by the present-day attitude. I’ve written a few letters to the editor concerning silly or obtrusive decisions over the years but couldn’t stir up enough interest to make even that worthwhile.

The latest I’ve seen, I noticed last spring. While walking on North Dam, I discovered that fishing over the fence  near the gates was prohibited. There can’t be a rational or defendable reason for that decision, but I assume they  would hide behind safety or security. Of course, they have 

more than $100,000 invested in video security cameras, a security force, and, as I know how the gates work, they’re protecting gates that wouldn’t present a threat if disabled. 

Anyway, my point in all this is that even though I live in Liberty Lake, I still hurt every time I see things like what you’ve written.

Keep up the great work.

God Bless You and Yours,

Mick Palanuk