KIRO Newsradio Commentaries KIRO Radio 97.3 FM

It’s the 100 thousand dollar question.

Why is enrollment declining at Seattle Public Schools?

It received a grant of that amount to investigate the matter.

But in today’s commentary brought to you by WAFed bank - Angela Poe Russell offers some answers - free of charge.

A pastor friend of mine has a personal policy that whenever a street beggar asks him for money, he gives them whatever he has in his pocket.

 

He says sometimes it painful when he pulls out a couple of $20 dollar bills – but he gives it away – asking no questions on how it will be used.                                                                                                                               

 

I’m not that generous – some might even say - I’m not that compassionate.

 

I want to be a good steward of my hard earn money.  So when someone approaches me – I ask them questions – what do you need the money for? If you need a meal, I’ll take you to that McDonald’s over there.   When this has happened – nobody has taken me up on my offer.

 

So when King County dug into its pocket and pulled out $2 million dollars last week to help house dozens of asylum seekers and refugees in Tukwila – I took pause.

 

It’s the latest instalment in the saga of the Riverton United Methodist Church that open its grounds last year to asylum seekers from Venezuela –  at first the church didn’t reject anybody – but word got out – others started camping on their grounds – it got overwhelming.

                                                                               

Supporters begged elected officials for help – to solve a problem of their making.

 

The City of Seattle had already stepped in with 100’s of thousands of dollars for hotel rooms – Now the County is handing out $2 million more.

 

I’m not heartless person – and people truly seeking a better life need help – but I expect elected officials to be good stewards of our hard-earned tax dollars – and ask questions before digging deep into our collective pocket and hand out millions. 

 

Maybe their being compassionate – just like my pastor friend. 

 

But when it comes to our money – elected official’s ‘compassion’ needs to held accountable – how that money is being used – and being used wisely.  Their track record is not that great.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

Dave Ross shares his thoughts on being in the path of totality duirng his recent vacation 

Spike O'Neil loves art, but thinks the plans to convert an old Bed Bath and Beyond to an art space, isn't the right move. 

O.J. Simpson death reminds the U.S. of its persistent judicial problem. Angela Poe Russell says. 

“I gave a stranger on the internet money for bras” is a phrase which will usually illicit a series of uncomfortable questions. ‘Was it an onlyfans girl?’ ‘Was it for naked pictures?’ ‘why are you paying people for naked pictures?’ would all be acceptable first reactions to that statement. But Jack gave a stranger on the internet money for nothing in return.