Water damage
There was a water main break in Bingen several months ago, causing real damage. I read about it in this paper, not on social media. I avoid social media like the plague and use the spared attention span on city council meetings. Boring? No! Sometimes I spice things up with a public comment.
Since moving to Bingen, I have only known Bingen’s elected leadership and city staff to be practical, friendly, and functional. In my interactions, each of these people knows how to get things done in life and for our city. They care and want to help.
Which makes it disappointing that a small group of affected business owners and their throng thought the best method to get increased support from the city was to create a social media squall and subsequently compel immediate response and action under threat of animus and recall. Did they never learn about catching more flies with honey than vinegar? An all too common occurrence these days. One person began their comment with an insinuation that city staff had somehow failed by not being able to, in that instant, confirm receipt of a purportedly pre-submitted comment that he had someone else submit for him. Never mind said staff was busy running an overcrowded city meeting and taking notes. Next a threat of recall election under RCW 29.A.55.something. They weren’t sure. No matter, that seemed to excite some folks. RCW 29A.56.110 outlines how recall elections can proceed upon acts of misfeasance. It doesn’t mention any acts of following the tedious insurance claim process.
Finally, to our stalwart City Admin Krista. If she’s not one of the best city admins in the world, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle. We are lucky to have her. I’m sorry you had to deal with what I consider unwarranted churlishness and we thank you for what you do and how you do it. She and all of the city staff and elected leadership raise the city up. They are the future of Bingen. In the meeting we also had a glimpse of its past.
Brian Mattingly
Bingen
Fill Brady’s seat
With the untimely and tragic death of County Commissioner Phil Brady recently, the two remaining commissioners have the opportunity to choose a replacement. So far they not only have not done so, they have suggested that maybe they will not fill the seat, maybe they will leave it empty (Columbia Gorge News, July 1). At a recent board of commissioners meeting, Commission Chair Scott Hege suggested that two commissioners could manage county business because they generally agree with one another and would never have a tie vote. With respect, that misses the point entirely.
Democracy is about ensuring a variety of voices and perspectives are heard. Phil Brady brought a unique point of view to the commission, one that voters chose and valued: he got the most votes in the election that happened the day he passed. That perspective is now absent, and no amount of agreement between the remaining two commissioners can replace it.
A number of people highly experienced in county government have offered to fill the seat for the rest of the year. Either would be ready on day one and would offer the needed counterpoint. Please, commissioners, honor Phil and choose a replacement.
Dean Myerson
The Dalles
Vacancy
At recent Board of Commissioners meetings, one argument offered for leaving Commissioner Brady’s seat vacant is that the two remaining commissioners “generally agree” and can function without a third vote. But democracy is not built on agreement — it is built on representation. Phil Brady brought a distinct perspective shaped by his experience, values, and connection to the community. That voice is now missing, and the county is weaker for it. The board has been presented with five legal pathways to fill the vacancy. None are easy, and none are perfect. But hard decisions are part of the job. Delaying indefinitely is not leadership; it is avoidance. Wasco County deserves a full board that can operate without fear of deadlock or disruption.
Most importantly, voters chose Phil Brady to serve a full term, and early results showed strong support for his re election. The board should honor that choice by appointing someone who reflects the values and priorities Phil championed. The people of Wasco County deserve continuity, stability, and respect for their vote. It’s time for the board to act.
Gene Parker, chair
Wasco County Democrats
Respect position
On May 19, Oregon Primary Election Day, our community suffered an unexpected loss with the passing of Phil Brady. This also crated an unanticipated vacancy on the Wasco County Board of Commissioners. At the BOC’s regular session on June 17, the staff presented to the Board five options (Pathways) for dealing with the challenges of filling this non-partisan Board vacancy. A decision was not made at that time, and the item was forwarded to the July 1 commissioners meeting. The options/Pathways were again reviewed at that meeting, but commissioners postponed a decision on selection of a process until the next meeting, July 15.
I attended Phil Brady’s celebration of life event on July 2, and, as many community members who attended, felt inspired by Phil’s lifelong compassion for the underprivileged and his respect for all. I would hope that the Board of Commissioners would move quickly to appoint someone who reflects Phil’s values and approach to public service.
Dave Mason
Mosier
Vote Duresky
Election integrity is in the news for good reason. Trust in the security of our elections is foundational to democracy, and the Trump administration is putting that trust at risk by withholding required cybersecurity support. The federal government has an important role in protecting elections: defending infrastructure from cyberattacks, disrupting foreign influence operations, coordinating threat information with states and localities, and supporting election officials with training and technical assistance. Congress created and funds the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, to conduct security assessments, perform physical security reviews, and help state election officials strengthen systems.
In 2024, the federal government took a coordinated approach to election cybersecurity. Treasury, the Justice Department, the State Department, and the FBI acted against foreign influence networks, including sanctions and domain seizures tied to the Doppelgänger campaign and other malign efforts. Federal officials also moved quickly to debunk fake videos and false claims.
CISA helped election officials prepare by running tabletop exercises, publishing operational guidance, and assigning Election Security Advisors in each of its 10 regions. The FBI also created a 24/7 National Election Command Post to triage threats and share information with election officials.
But threats are growing. On June 27, The Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese AI systems have now surpassed the most powerful U.S. models in some cybersecurity scenarios. The Chinese models can be downloaded and used by hackers.
Despite stable congressional funding for CISA, the Trump administration has sharply reduced election-security support. Reported changes include cuts to election-security funding, staff reassignments, and a rollback of CISA’s election-security work. That has real consequences. State officials and election experts warn they may lose access to threat intelligence, cybersecurity help, physical security reviews, and the coordinated support that once connected federal agencies with election administrators in real time.
Congressman Dan Newhouse has done nothing to address this failure by the Trump administration. John Duresky said, “We’re going to have to send grown-ups that know how government works and know how it’s supposed to work to Congress.” This August, vote for a grown-up. Vote for John Duresky.
Ann Anderson
White Salmon
Etiquette
In many communities, there are municipal codes governing placement and removal of garbage cans. Garbage cans at the curb can block the view of cross traffic, children playing nearby or pets and wildlife. The Gorge winds can blow them over into the street spreading trash. And, they are unsightly for your neighbors. Lacking such codes in our communities does not eliminate the responsibility to follow proper etiquette.
The following guidelines are from codes in other cities in Washington & Oregon. Cans should not be placed at the curb prior to 6 p.m. the night before scheduled pickup. Cans should be removed from the curb by 6 p.m. the day of pickup. Ideally, cans should be stored behind or beside the house or in the garage. If your garbage and recycling are picked up on different days these guidelines apply to each of them individually. If you will not be at home to place or remove your cans at the appropriate times ask a neighbor to do it for you and offer to do the same for them when they need assistance.
If you are uncertain when your pickup is scheduled log in to your account with your service provider and check the calendar there. Also, watch for text, voice message or email alerts of changes due to weather, holidays, etc.
Following these simple guidelines will improve safety and give our neighborhoods a cleaner look for all of us.
Carl Trabant
White Salmon
Commented