Backs Gateway terminal for potential jobs
I have lived in Whatcom County all my life. Despite what some people suggest, it is not easy to find a good-paying job here.
It’s great to talk about recruiting software companies like Microsoft or giants like Amazon, but we shouldn’t turn our noses up when a business like the Gateway terminal wants to come to town. These aren’t the pie-in-the-sky jobs, but I believe real jobs that will not only employ hundreds, but also will support our community with the tax money we need to pay for things like a new jail. Whatcom County decided to place the heavy industry companies, like the refineries, at Cherry Point, and has set aside a spot for one more industry. This one won’t disrupt fishing, because there will be no dredging.
Gateway will provide the kind of steady, generations of jobs that have allowed families here to live comfortably. I don’t think anyone really wants to work at two low-paying jobs for the privilege of living here. We need to respect working people and move ahead with a company that wants to be here, instead of wishing for those that may never come.
Debra Scott
Bellingham
This story was originally published November 9, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Backs Gateway terminal for potential jobs."