Meet the family

Yvonne Pepin-Wakefield

The Dalles

Vote Richardson

Dan Richardson brings natural resource expertise. Dan's deep roots in Wasco County are evident in his education at The Dalles High School, his work in local orchards, and his commitment to his community through volunteerism, including his tenure on The Dalles City Council since 2022.

What sets Dan apart is his genuine concern for people and his ability to actively listen to their concerns. I recently had the opportunity to observe him in action at The Dalles Auditorium, where he engaged with residents, attentively listened to their issues, and took diligent notes. His commitment to understanding and addressing these concerns with thoughtfulness and balance was truly commendable.

Furthermore, Dan's professional background in soil and water conservation equips him with invaluable expertise in wildfire preparedness — a critical issue for our county, particularly in light of the ongoing drought and prevalent winds. Living in unincorporated Wasco County for two decades, I have witnessed the escalation of wildfires firsthand. Dan's knowledge and experience in this area will undoubtedly be instrumental in safeguarding our communities, especially those like The Dalles, which face severe risk due to their geographical location.

Dan Richardson's candidacy offers a beacon of hope for Wasco County's future. His dedication, compassion, and expertise make him the ideal candidate for county commissioner, and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy.

Lee Weinstein

The Dalles

Opioid crisis

Too many deaths and families have been shaken by the opioid epidemic. Here in Washington, an astounding 68% of deaths from drug overdose involved opioids in the last 15 years. We need to confront the fact that much of this crisis is the result of patients being prescribed opioids as a means to alleviate severe pain, as well as the lack of non-addictive alternatives for severe pain.

Thankfully, medical researchers have had a breakthrough: the first-ever oral non-opioid treatment for severe pain is likely to be approved by regulators this year. This news provides hope for so many struggling to manage pain and will prevent countless future addictions, abuses, and overdoses. It’s absolutely critical that non-addictive non-opioids for severe pain are made available to all patients as soon as possible.

Such a significant development in our fight against the opioid epidemic warrants legislative action. In my view, the bipartisan Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (PAIN) Act, which was recently introduced in Congress, offers a model for legislators here in the Evergreen State.

The Alternatives to Pain Act will combat opioid abuse by ensuring these non-addictive alternatives are accessible to Medicare patients and cost no more than more addictive, generic opioid pain medicines. In tandem with this national approach, Washington should enact a similar model for Medicaid recipients in our state, or push for broader education about non-addictive alternatives. Widespread coverage, along with educational efforts to inform patients of safer options, will reduce addiction.

Patients deserve safe options for managing pain, and with non-opioids for acute pain becoming available soon, that’s now possible. It’s essential that lawmakers act quickly to make these treatments accessible.

Brandy Miller

Bingen

Need parking

Upon arriving for the Underwood Conservation District Tree Fest at Rhingarten Park, parking was very limited for all but disabled spots especially, since one of the only two was filled by a vendor. I did ask some of the UCD personnel why; the reply, "Not sure, didn't think of it?" I did ask the vendor why they parked there, since that is illegal, and was told someone had given them permission. I will say that vendor did shortly move their truck, opening up the spot. Thank you bunches!

Just wonder who gave them permission to park there and why? Very disrespectful for elders or disabled! I did then find out that a lot of the other vendors, after setting up their displays, left their vehicles parked along the road, taking away many parking spots for those picking up trees or wanting to browse around. That has become a problem for any event at the park for a long time for all, but especially for the elderly or disabled, especially Spring Fest, when they block off the road completely for the vendors taking away all of the disabled parking, leaving only two more than a block away in front of school. No others even close except for one in front of the church.

Just a thought for the White Salmon officials to ponder and possibly find to solution for making it easier or possible for the elderly or disabled to attend any events.

Robert Davidson

Trout Lake

Yes-Yes for parks

OK, quick show of hands. For those of you on the south side of the Columbia River living in the Hood River Parks and Recreation District: Who wants a new year-round pool, community center, new and improved parks, extended community hiking trails, AND dedicated staff for recreation programs for youth and old farts, er, folks, like me?

Hey, not bad! Everyone wants something from this wish list. AND it’s affordable, in line with the cost to residents living in similar communities in Oregon. AND there is a sense of urgency as the maintenance and staffing hot potatoes have been tossed around so much that the present pool is a loose bolt or burst pipe or one less staff member from closing, as in permanently. Support for ongoing youth recreation opportunities, and more, will end in September 2024.

Not convinced? Go to www.yesyespnr.com.

Now for those of us on the north side of the Columbia, a show of hands: Who’s willing to pay as you go for the above? Don’t get me started about the bridge toll, its age, and passing log trucks coming the other way. But I digress, who’s in? Good, and it seems fair that folks like me should pay more for access to the pool and community center. It will clearly be worth it.

Which of course is the point, it IS worth it, to the entire region. But both measures must pass so please show your support for ongoing recreational engagement and success in the Gorge. Those of us outside the district and our families will forever be grateful.

Mike Pendleton

Underwood

For Richardson

I'm so pleased to have someone truly local to support for county commissioner who has experience serving others. That is Dan Richardson, a hometown man who returned to his roots in The Dalles to raise his daughter, and quickly dug in to make our area better.

I've been fortunate to observe his work on the city council, and have had the pleasure of working with him on the traffic safety commission and the city budget committee. Dan always comes prepared, has done his homework, and he brings fresh, good ideas and ways in which to implement them. One concrete example is his steadfast work on our area's climate resilience plan.

I know Dan's heart is here in The Dalles and only good things have and will come through his service to us. Join me in voting for Dan Richardson for county commissioner.

Sandy Haechrel

The Dalles

'National treasure'

The passing of former United States Sen. Joesph Lieberman may have escaped some readers. Or that to find a deeper, more enlightening, more politically productive friendship than that of Republican Senator John McCain and Democrat/Independent Joesph Lieberman one would have to go back in history 3,000 years to that of King David and Jonathan, son to King Saul. Or that the staff of Sen. McCain, when he was running for president, had to work long and hard to dissuade him from choosing then-Independent Lieberman as his vice presidential running mate. Or that to some in government Lieberman was known as the 'National Treasure." A definition: national treasure: An artifact, institution, or public figure regarded as being emblematic of a nation's cultural heritage or identity. "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew: 11:15).

Robert White

Mt. Hood-Parkdale

Keep dark skies dark

Do you like to look up at the night sky? See a full moon, some stars, maybe even a meteor or the Milky Way? So do we, and we want to keep it that way. But 80% of North Americans can’t see the Milky Way from where they live. Isn’t that sad — especially since this is International Dark Sky Week?

To save the Gorge from that fate, we’re working on three fronts. First, we’re trying to influence the lighting on the new bridge across the Columbia River. We’ve submitted suggestions to the new bridge’s Aesthetics Committee, plus we’ve pointed out some key topics that are important to consider in the bridge’s Environmental Impact Statement. We’re not sure we’ve had an impact, but we’re told that the Aesthetics Committee’s recent workshop included a lot of discussion about lighting. Kudos to them!

Second, we’re urging the City of Hood River to take another look at its old, outdated outdoor lighting requirements. The city was already planning to thoroughly review many of its codes, and we’re urging them to include outdoor lighting when they do. So far the city seems very receptive, and it doesn’t hurt that Sisters, Ore., just adopted two months ago a completely new, very thorough set of Dark Skies Standards based on scientific advice from the well-respected Illuminating Engineering Society and Dark Sky International. We’ve given the new Sisters ordinance, plus other possible models, to the Hood River planning department, and they promise to consider them seriously in their code reviews. Kudos to them, too!

Our third front could involve you, if you want. As we talk with friends about keeping our dark skies dark, a lot of them want to join the cause. So we’ve started a no-cost, no-commitment, informal group called Dark Sky Gorge, and we already have dozens of members. The only “obligation” is to receive an occasional, confidential email with an update on what’s happening. If you want to join the cause, simply write us at Dark-SkyGorge@gmail.com.

Mike Hendricks

Hood River

Mike McKeag

Mosier

Not fit for office

As of this writing, 38 of 49 Republican senators have endorsed Donald Trump for president. The March 3 issue of The Hill states that about 137 House Republicans and 12 Republican governors formally endorsed the former president. I’d like to share what a few of his former cabinet members have to say about another Trump presidency.

First, former Vice President Pence will not endorse Trump, saying he “cannot in good conscience” endorse the former president, citing Trump’s conduct on Jan. 6.

Next, former Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper stated that Trump wanted to deploy active-duty troops in D.C. and had no problem suggesting that they shoot citizens on the streets. Esper also stated that Trump is not “fit for office because he puts himself first and I think anybody running for office should put the country first” (Washington Post, op ed, Jennifer Rubin, March 19).

Finally, former Chief of Staff, John F. Kelly, spoke of the former president’s disdain for those who serve in the military. Kelly said Trump was “a person that thinks those who defend their country in uniform, or are shot down or seriously wounded in combat, or spend years being tortured as prisoners of war are all ‘suckers’ because ‘there is nothing in it for them’" (The Guardian, Oct. 3, 2023). Kelly also called Trump “a person who admires autocrats and murderous dictators. A person that has nothing but contempt for our democratic institutions, our Constitution, and the rule of law.

“There is nothing more that can be said,” Kelly concluded. “God help us" (The Washington Post, staff writer Aaron Blake, Oct. 2, 2023).

Along with these three former cabinet members, others who worked closely with Trump in his first term are warning us. Will we listen?

April George

White Salmon

Vote Davis

I am writing to support Kara Davis in her bid to become the next Wasco County District Attorney. I ask you to support her in the May Primary election. Kara has the broad base of experience necessary to be an excellent district attorney. I was a circuit court judge in Umatilla and Morrow County for a number of years. During that time, Ms. Davis appeared before me on numerous occasions. She is always well prepared, knows the law, and I consider her to be one of the best trial attorneys in the State of Oregon. The people of Wasco County would be very well-served with Kara as their DA. In addition to her legal abilities, Kara was born and raised in Wasco County, and has deep roots in the Columbia Gorge. She knows the county, and she knows the people. When you add together the fact that she is a knowledgeable and experienced prosecutor, who knows her way around a courtroom, with her deep knowledge of Wasco County and it's people, you have a winning combination. Please joint me in electing Kara Davis as our next Wasco County District Attorney — you can't go wrong!

Jeffrey Wallace

The Dalles