Letters to the Editor: October issue

The Editor:
First, I’d like to thank Samuel for bringing up the issue regarding past- or close-to-date products. As I’ve always said, if I don’t know there’s a problem, I can’t fix it. So having this brought to my attention is important. Over the past few days, our team has taken a deep dive into the shelves, reinforcing the need to check expiration dates with every new load. While our workload increases significantly in the summer, this is no excuse, and we’ve reiterated our procedures with every team member to ensure improvements moving forward.
Addressing a few concerns from the community, some have noted that our cases may appear 'junky' or 'tired.' However, we recently invested a significant amount of money to replace the systems that run these cases. While older equipment might have looked sturdier, the new mechanisms ensuring the cases function properly are brand new and working excellently. It’s tough to spend large sums on things customers can’t visibly see, but these investments are crucial to keeping us running smoothly. Just like the new roof we’re installing this fall – although it’s out of sight, it’s an essential upgrade.
We strive to do our best, though we know we can’t be everything to everyone. We’re immensely grateful for our loyal and supportive customers; without you, we wouldn’t be here. Samuel’s post generated some fantastic suggestions, and I’d like to address a few. We receive fresh produce twice a week – on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Produce always tends to last longer in your home refrigerators, as they’re kept in colder, darker and more humidity-controlled environments. In the store, we have to expose the produce for easy browsing, which unfortunately leads to shorter shelf life. Summer is particularly challenging. We place large orders in hopes that demand will match, but with fewer border traffic flows, we sometimes end up with items on the shelf longer than we’d like. We’re actively working on ways to improve this, and your feedback is vital in helping us adapt.
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you have concerns, it’s best to direct them to either Dave or me, as our team members are busy with their daily duties. You can reach us at ptrobertsmarketplace@gmail.com or message me through the NextDoor app. I’ll respond as quickly as possible.
Lastly, I want to give a huge shout-out to our team members. They work incredibly hard year-round, but during the summer, their efforts increase exponentially. Since Covid, they’ve gone above and beyond, and I’m deeply grateful for their hard work and perseverance. Please continue to treat them with kindness and compassion, as they strive to provide the best service possible.
Thank you for your support. We’re not perfect, but we do our best to positively impact this community.
Sincerely,
Ali Hayton
Point Roberts International Marketplace
Point Roberts

The Editor:
I am writing to express my strong support for the upcoming bond issue on our ballots for the renovation of Blaine Middle School. This project is not just about building new facilities; it’s about improving safety, enhancing community spaces, and investing in the future of our children – without increasing our taxes.
First and foremost, the safety of our middle school students is a top priority. The current school design has limitations in visibility, making it difficult for staff to effectively monitor students throughout the day. The new facilities will prioritize better sight lines, enabling a safer, more secure learning environment. As a parent and community member, I know how crucial it is for our schools to ensure the well-being of every child.
Secondly, the bond will also fund improvement to the Performing Arts Center and the Pipeline Fields bathroom and concession facilities. These upgrades are not just for school use but for the broader community, making these spaces more attractive for events that can generate additional revenue for the school district. With these enhancements, we can increase local engagement and bring more activities to our town, benefitting students and residents alike.
Additionally, the bond includes plans to create a much-needed playground space for children in Point Roberts. Our kids deserve safe, accessible places to play, and this investment will provide just that.
Most importantly, it’s vital to remember that there will be no increase in our taxes. The current state tax rate for our bonds will remain the same, and Blaine will continue to enjoy one of the lowest tax rates in the county. This is a responsible investment in our schools and community without putting any extra financial burden on taxpayers.
I encourage everyone to vote in favor of this bond. It’s a win for our schools, our kids, and our entire community, and it comes with no new taxes.
Donald J. Leu
Blaine