Blaine Confidential

The 2016 film  Imperium  is based on a story by former FBI agent Michael German, who in 1996 worked undercover to arrest Christian Patriots in Whatcom County, one year after Christian Patriots blew up the Oklahoma City federal building. Initial leads used by the FBI were provided by researcher Paul de Armond and me. In 1997, the Christian Patriots were convicted in U.S. District Court in Seattle of making bombs to murder human rights activists.  In 2005, German gave an interview with Democracy Now! where he noted our contribution:  I was involved in a second case in northwest Washington in 1996 that involved...citizens who saw a problem and wanted to help law enforcement protect the community.  

It isn't often that a community has the chance to reimagine itself, but redevelopment of the Blaine civic center--adjacent to Blaine Public Library--is a golden opportunity. Located in the heart of downtown, the city-owned property formerly occupied by the demolished old city hall is now available for other public purposes. My suggestion to Blaine City Council is to combine affordable apartments with an art center where Blaine residents can take classes and attend presentations. If Blaine Police Department relocates, that property could be used for apartments and art galleries as well. To accommodate tourists, a parking garage could be built over the skate park. To move forward on its downtown revitalization plan, Blaine office of community development would benefit from hosting a visioning process--like we did for the new library plans--to gather public input on Blaine's future. Rather than having to travel to Bellingham, Mt. Vernon, Lynden and La Conner to enjoy the arts, let