Stebner's Threat Confirmed

The News Tribune has an in-depth article on the latest controversy Council Member Stebner is stirring up (with support from his friends). He has an ordinance ready for passage to raise the gambling tax on the casino by 666.666% (3% to 20% - nothing scary about that number!)

Read it over and then come to the meeting Monday to give your input. Here is a snippet from Jason Hagey's article:

"Fabre spoke to Stebner about the proposal, and the conversation inflamed suspicion about Stebner’s motives. “He told me either the tax will close me, or I’ll have to close when Tacoma takes over,” Fabre said. The City of Tacoma enacted a ban on mini-casinos. Stebner admits telling Fabre that, but Stebner said he was trying to emphasize the need for Ruston to generate more revenue. “If we don’t start doing something, we’re going to run out of money,” he said. “We’ll be in Tacoma.”"

Good Food ~ Great Cause

The South Sound fire fighting community has come together to help one of their own fight for his life. You can help too, by eating! To read more about Matthew Simmons, click here...

Council Meeting: May 5, 2008

It's going to be a busy night Monday, to include a formal hearing on the Point Ruston Memorandum of Understanding and the controversial measure to increase the gambling tax from 2% to 20%. The full packet of background information can be viewed at Ruston Reports.

What Others Think

A friend made these comments yesterday. I thought they were worth sharing. Please add yours... Karen

There are people who see a need and create a solution, they are called business people. There are people who create a need, afix blame, and tax the former group, they are called politicians. There are people who live in the gap, they are called many things, by both sides...

What has happened and continues to develop in this quarter of a square mile is a microcosm of the state of our nation. Development of natural resources, government intervention, foreign ownership of business, bankruptcy, attempt to revive, citizen displeasure, carpetbaggers being elected with promises of solutions, result: further government control and intrusion. Human nature remains the same regardless of the role one assumes. There are those who speak lies with polite eloquence and those who speak truth with crass simplicity, and there are the rest of us.

No Tax Break

The News Tribune weighed in today on Point Ruston's idea of a Tacoma tax break on their project. While appreciating the risk Mike Cohen is taking with this development, the editorial board did not like the idea.

What are your thoughts?

The Transformation Continues

Ruston fire department has been working hard to set up inside the bunk house for our resident fire fighters in the house next to Town Hall. Today, it was our turn as community members began the work of clean up in the yard. There is more weeding to do - call Bruce at (253) 370-2851 if you want to join the fun. Thanks to all who helped today. Job well done!

Calling All Artists!

The 4th Annual Point Defiance Music Fest is now scheduled for September 6th. There will be great music all day, food, Kids Zone, artists in action and YOU! Sign up for your own booth (only $50) by clicking here.

We had 10,000 folks attend last year. This year will be even better ~ bring family and friends for a great celebration!

Ruston Police, Donuts and Special Olympics

The News Tribune is reporting Ruston Police are helping with a fundraiser for Special Olympics by camping on the roof of Krispy Creme Donuts at the Tacoma Mall. Our officers have helped in the past, and Ruston's new chief will be on roof duty Sunday at 10 am. Stop by for some fun and sweets, leave some cash for a good cause.

Smelter Weeds And The Meaning of Life

Check out this great description today of long-time Ruston resident and business owner Bev Wombacher and her inspirational story - with a few mentions of horsetails (smelter weeds) thrown in by Candace Brown. Candace has her own blog called Good Life Northwest.

Point Ruston Update

Point Ruston is giving an update each week at council meetings (regular and study sessions). Last Monday they noted these items:

• Stack Hill streets are expected to be paved within the next 10-14 days.


• Point Ruston is planning to request final plat approval for Stack Hill next month. This will allow parcel numbers to be assigned by the Pierce County Assessor's Office, and the property to be returned to the tax rolls.

From earlier discussions, we know Point Ruston has applied for the necessary changes so the Silver Cloud hotel development can proceed. A Memorandum of Understanding is scheduled for the next council meeting on this issue. It sounds like this will remove the formal application so individual council members can discuss the development with Point Ruston, while outlining a commitment to support the concept. All this is tied up with the state grant to update Ruston's codes for this area (see the April 28th council meeting notes)

The project has permits for at least two homes on Stack Hill. The first house will be a model home. The first permit on the lower section has been issued by Tacoma. The floating sales center is open on Thea Foss Waterway. Stop in and check out the beautiful plans. All in all, little bits of progress.

Karen