Thumbs up to Lake Washington School District Board of Directors for choosing to hire Dr. Traci Pierce as the district’s new superintendent.

Thumbs up to the Lake Washington Institute of Technology for earning an accreditation at the baccalaureate level.

Thumbs up to the Lake Washington boys basketball team for going to state.

Thumbs up to Houghton Community Council members and residents who got involved at the state level and defeated a measure that would have ended the community council. This shows the power of action.

Thumbs up to the more than 50 businesses who showed support and pride for Kirkland History Month by displaying banners in their windows.

Thumbs up to the Secret Garden at the Evergreen Hospital that offers high risk mothers-to-be some serenity.

Thumbs down to the construction work on N.E. 116th Street. It took me about half an hour to get from Slater Avenue to the I-405 on ramp on N.E. 116th Street because traffic was backed up so far. This was a real traffic mess.

Thumbs down to  planners of both the Kirkland Little League Parade and the Kirkland Shamrock Run. Both events, which will bring many people to downtown Kirkland, are scheduled for the same day and approximately the same time.

The Kirkland Reporter publishes reader thumbs up and thumbs down on a space-available basis. We reserve the right to edit for length or content. Send yours to letters@kirklandreporter.com.