The town of Pateros has more going for it than we often realize! We are surrounded by a wonderful community and a handful of businesses that have been very loyal to the community. With that said I want to remind everyone that the Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet is right around the corner. It is time to get your ballots in and vote for the citizen and business of the year. Take some time to think and let us know who and what business you believe had the most positive and wide spread effect on the community in 2008. You can print a copy of the ballot, if you have not received one, from the Pateros Chamber of Commerce website, www.pateros.com. Please return ballots to the City Hall by April 10th. The banquet will be held April 27th beginning at 6:30pm at the United Methodist Church.

During a time of financial uncertainty, most of us realize that state budgets are being cut left and right. Over the past few months we have been informed that a handful of state parks may be in jeopardy of closing. Alta Lake State Park is one that is on a list of possible mothballing. Gov. Gregoire has asked the Parks and Recreation Committee to figure out a way to reduce cost by 10%. If they find this is not enough, Alta Lake State Park is in danger of closing. To find out more information about this issue you can visit the Washington Parks and Recreation Commission website at www.parks.wa.gov. I encourage you to voice your opinion and write your state officials. These addresses and phone numbers can be found at www.leg.wa.gov. Time is closing in on us. Final votes and decisions will be made near the end of April or beginning of May. Without Alta Lake State Park our community would economically struggle in more ways than one. We rely heavily on the State Park to bring visitors that stimulate our local economy. Every voice counts, so please contact our state officials immediately.