‘Make America Poor Again’
The recent release of the Republican Study Committee’s 2025 budget plan is designed to make America poor again by eliminating the safety net policies and provisions serving most Americans. The plan, backed by 80% of the House Republicans, includes cutting $1.5 trillion from Social Security, raising the eligible retirement age to 69, privatizing Medicare so insurance companies can determine your access to and affordability of healthcare, eliminating funding for universal school lunches, shutting down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, whose mission is to protect and educate consumers about their rights and access to financial information, and cutting the budgets of Medicaid, Children’s Health programs and the ACA.
The same budget plan does include $5.5 trillion in tax cuts for the rich and corporations.
In 2022, Americans saw the largest increase in poverty in our history, attributed in part to Republicans’ refusal to extend the Child Tax Credit. Republicans are clear about what matters to them.
Sources:
Sue Kusch
White Salmon
Welcome immigrants
The Baltimore Bridge collapse was dramatic and impactful to many. The construction workers who lost their lives were obviously affected the most. Some people have hailed them as heroes for working under artificial lights in the middle of the night to repair potholes and otherwise maintain that vital piece of infrastructure for safe use.
But all of those workers were immigrants from Mexico and Central America (“The men who fell from that bridge are the people who build our nation” by Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, March 28).
So how can we possibly tolerate the widespread vilification of immigrants from south of our border — vilification, blame, and scapegoating by a recent former president, no less, as well by as many others, who might say to such men if they met them on the street, “go back to where you came from.”
Though foreign-born Latinos made up 8% of the U.S. workforce in 2021, they accounted for 14% of work-related deaths that year. Construction, landscaping, roofing, farm labor, garbage collecting, and creating and maintaining the nation’s highways (some of the most hazardous jobs in our country) are mostly done by immigrants. In those occupations and in many, many others, immigrants have built and continue to build America.
We don’t have to quote the meaningful poetry of Emma Lazarus at the Statue of Liberty to welcome newcomers. Look to Ronald Reagan, who said, “If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.” I would add that perhaps our sense of justice would be lost as well.
Tina Castañartes
Hood River
Thanks for clarification
Thanks for the timely clarification on the letters policy with election season seemingly upon us once again (“Reviewing letters policy in light of election season” by Chelsea Marr, Columbia Gorge News, March 20). Reminding us all to be civil with each other and use this forum to express our thoughts and opinions is a good idea any time. I appreciate being able to write about poverty issues both at home and globally. Currently, for some reason the Senate is waiting to pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, that the House passed two months ago by a large bipartisan majority. This bill would lift a half million children out of poverty and help 16 million children be able to count on food on the table.
Willie Dickerson
Snohomish, Wash.
Yes to parks bond, levy
I have had the privilege of serving our community as a board member of the Hood River Valley Parks & Rec District since 2017. During my seven years as your representative on the parks and rec board, the parks and rec staff, my fellow board members and I have worked diligently with the city, county, port, school district, and directly with you — our community — to update and implement a Parks Master Plan that identifies our community’s top parks and recreation priorities. Through multiple surveys, outreach events, meetings with partners and conversations with neighbors and community members, you have communicated that our community’s priorities are (1) replace our aging swimming pool, (2) acquire and develop parks with multi-sport playing fields, (3) connect our trails, and (4) facilitate accessible recreational programming for local families.
The reality is that our community can have a new pool with a rec center, parks with ballfields, greater trail connectivity and better recreational programming, but we all have to contribute to make that happen. Vote yes and yes to pass both the Hood River Valley Parks & Recreation Capital Bond and Local Operation Levy on the May ballot this year. Let’s make the investment in our community for our community.
Anna C. Cavaleri
Hood River
Vote yes for Parks & Rec
Please vote yes for Hood River Park’s bond measure for a new pool and sports center and ball fields. The current pool, now 76 years old, is failing. I’ve had the tour. It looks fine, except for the tattered tent cover. Yet underneath, the pool has multiple problems that are increasingly difficult to fix. It is time to begin dealing with it’s replacement soon or find ourselves without one.
Additionally, this valley has gone without a new ball field in a very long time (football, soccer, lacrosse). Some teams are not able to practice because there are not enough fields. In fact, parks does not own a single ball field. The good news is they have the right land on Fairview for construction of two regulation fields.
Separate from the pool and athletic center bond is a maintenance and operating levy that asks us to change the tax rate. This district is operating with one of the lowest tax rates for parks districts in the entire state. Surely we can support that modest increase.
Jeff Hunter
Hood River
Dan is the man
This is a letter of support for Dan Richardson, candidate for Wasco County Commissioner. Dan is currently a city councilor in The Dalles and has demonstrated his commitment to finding solutions for the whole community by reaching out and making time with individuals to personally listen to their perspectives on important issues facing local government.
In his effort to learn how an issue may impact the community, Dan does the research necessary to learn how a change, if needed, may be best implemented. This extra effort in finding solutions and providing leadership is what is needed now for Wasco County. When elected county commissioner, Dan will continue to actively listen and seek out perspectives from those throughout Wasco County. Here is an example of Dan’s concerns for our community in his own words.
“When people talk to me about their hopes and concerns and questions — whether in the "big town" of The Dalles or the other communities like Maupin, Dufur, and Mosier — they share many common ideas. They want local government to work, to take care of the infrastructure and the basic systems. And they also want elected folks to think bigger, to help address some of our housing shortage, be mindful of young people and our elders, figure out how to support neighbors in need of drug treatment (and drug accountability), and transcend the all-too-common meanness in our politics in order to really listen to people.”
Please join me and support Dan Richardson for Wasco County Commissioner.
Bill Lennox, retired
county commissioner
The Dalles
Uphold standards
It is disheartening to witness a recurring trend in our political landscape: Individuals seeking elected positions with no intention of fulfilling their terms. This unethical practice not only undermines the trust of the electorate but also deprives voters of their rightful voice in governance.
Whether it’s judges, sheriffs, county commissioners, or other officials, the decision to run for office knowing that one will not complete their term is a betrayal of public trust. Elected positions are not stepping stones or placeholders for personal gain; they are commitments to serve the community with integrity and dedication.
Moreover, when individuals abandon their elected posts prematurely to pursue better opportunities, they break the promise they made to the electorate. Running for office implies a commitment to serve for the entirety of the term, not until a more appealing option arises. Such actions reflect poorly on the character of those involved and erode public confidence in the political process.
When elected officials vacate their positions mid-term, they not only fail their constituents but also disrupt the continuity of governance. This instability can have lasting consequences for the community, impacting everything from policy implementation to public services.
It is imperative that we hold our elected officials to the highest ethical standards. Those who seek public office must do so with sincerity and a genuine commitment to serve the interests of the people. Anything less is a disservice to democracy and undermines the principles upon which our society is built.
In conclusion, let us demand accountability from those who seek to represent us. Upholding ethical standards in elected positions is not only a matter of principle but essential for the preservation of democracy. Individuals who enter public service must honor their commitments and respect the trust placed in them by the electorate.
Sheriff Brad Lohrey
Moro
Don’t be silent
Unfortunately, the United States has some history of staying silent when people in other lands are being brutalized and killed. Many of our national, state and local leaders stayed silent during the rise of Nazism in the 1930s and the persecution of the Jewish people. It was not it our country, they were not our citizens, it was so far away. Those were some of the rationalizations.
Once again, we are seeing a people being brutalized, killed and starved in the Gaza part of Palestine. You can think of them as far away, not our neighbors, not our problem. Or you can focus on the fact that innocent lives are being destroyed. While we are safe here, the least we can do is raise our voices in concern and support. Wouldn’t we want others to do the same if we were the ones in trouble?
The Hood River City Council on March 25 unfortunately voted down a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the violence, the delivery of needed humanitarian aid and the return of the hostages. It also called on our Congressional delegation to take action to bring that about. Those city council members opposed to the resolution mainly thought it was not their place to advocate for positions outside of our locality.
If you agree with us that we can’t remain silent in the face of this tragedy, here are a few things you can do: Join us from 4:30-5 p.m. on Fridays at the Second Street stairs to demonstrate for a ceasefire; write letters to your representatives, especially Sen. Wyden who has been silent; and send aid directly to Palestinians through a charity of your choice.
Leanne Hogie
Hood River
Explanation owed
I’ve read at least two “Letters To the Editor” recently printed in the Columbia Gorge News drawing readers’ attention to the White Salmon School District.
These letters focused on the school district’s letter to the Klickitat County commissioners stating its concerns over Under Canvas-generated traffic. Specifically it refers to road conditions inadequate to ensure the safety of children who ride the bus on a public road that Under Canvas’ operation requires use of.
It seems that just about every time the school district even sneezes, Gorge News covers it. Why are we not hearing about an apparent road safety issue involving Under Canvas and school children?
I very much doubt that Under Canvas and the Klickitat County prosecutor want the public to know of any irregularities that may have led to Under Canvas being granted a Conditional Use Permit to operate using a public road that the school district considers unsafe for its staff and students.
Also, I can imagine the investors standing behind Under Canvas and their spin at the Klickitat County Courthouse, feeding alternative facts to Gorge News in order to obfuscate this issue, hoping to kill an investigative news story.
Gorge News owes our community an explanation of why this important local news isn’t being reported.
Jill Barker
Mosier
Editor's Note: Under Canvas has not been an agenda item at White Salmon Valley School District board meetings. However, at the March 28 meeting, Superintendent Rich Polkinghorn confirmed writing a letter to the county to share concerns regarding the potential for increased traffic on what he referred to as a primitive road; in the letter, he asked for consideration requiring improvements to the road to the minimum of county standards. The district has no position on or authority over the development itself, which is currently under litigation. An update has not appeared due to limited staff, but we hope to publish one in the future.
Vote for Dan
We need public officials who are honest and dedicated, like Dan Richardson is. I’ve seen him serve on city council. He works hard to understand complicated issues. He asks good questions and really listens to people. He cares about our seniors, and working families, and our young people, too. I know when he votes, it’s a decision in the best interest for the whole community. I think he’ll be an excellent commissioner for Wasco County.
Corliss Marsh
The Dalles
No vote for Trump
I enjoy our freedoms! I think that it is great that I live in the only true democracy on earth. I do not want to lose this and this is why I will never vote for Trump! Trump has closely followed the path that Hitler took to a dictatorship! In a recent statement, he stated that on day one he would act as a dictator.
In case you doubt this, double check his actions during his past administration. Efforts to remove our nation from NATO were very damaging to our image. His continued statements and actions regarding dictators only highlight his belief that this is OK.
Name anything that he did that helped the average citizen. Taxes were cut for the rich while services for the poor were cut. This is still being pushed by the Republicans.
His statement about turning the Justice Department into a weapon for himself should cause every American a lot of worry.
I now realize how so many Germans could be convinced to vote for Hitler. We have the same situation occurring now with Trump. Many Trump believers are intelligent people, but they cannot comprehend the possibility that any person would want to be a dictator.
I truly hope that we do not wind up with a dictator, but the chances are greatly enlarged with a person in charge who wants to be a dictator! Why take a chance?
Leonard Hickman
Hood River
Vote Drotzmann
With the May primary election fast approaching, we as voters have the opportunity to elect new leaders with a proven track record of supporting Oregon cities. That is why I am supporting ave Drotzmann for state senator in District 29.
Through his work as Hermiston mayor and the League of Oregon Cities, Dave has helped secure $100 million for cities like mine to improve our infrastructure, and also recently testified on key reforms to Measure 110 — re-criminalizing drug possession, prioritizing pathways for treatment, and making our communities healthier and safer places to live.
As a small business owner, Dave understands the struggle of Oregonians working to afford everyday expenses like groceries, medication, and housing in the face of record inflation. During his time as Hermiston mayor, Dave has overseen investments to grow the city’s economy, creating a business-friendly environment that in turn has produced more family-wage jobs for citizens to thrive. During his terms, Hermiston has added 1,200 new jobs, seen wages increase 54%, and built new facilities like EOTEC and the Harkenrider Senior Center to improve residents’ quality of life, all without bonded debt.
Dave knows that, when businesses are allowed to succeed, it means communities will benefit through reduced poverty and a higher overall standard of living. His focus is to make sure businesses of all sizes have the tools they need to compete in regional and global markets, providing incentives for them to stay and invest locally.
Vote for Dave in the Republican primary May 21.
Rich Mays
Mayor, City of The Dalles
Yes-Yes
Do you walk on the Indian Creek Trail and wish it connected from Columbia Gorge Community College to the high school? Have you taken a child to the pool only to find out lessons are canceled, or the pool is closed due to mechanical issues? Have you walked on the Westside trail and wondered when the adjacent empty field will be turned into a park? Or maybe you’ve lived in another town where there is a community recreation center and you’ve wondered why we don’t have one. With one of the lowest parks and rec district rates in the state, the Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation (HRVPRD) can’t keep up with the demand for recreation programs and facilities, or with maintenance. It’s time to invest in our parks and trails, and replace the failing pool. Our May ballot will include two proposals from the district — a capital bond and an operations levy. Both measures are needed to ensure our community has a reliable aquatic facility, signature trails are fully constructed, and park facilities meet community needs. That’s why I’m voting Yes-Yes for Parks & Rec!
Jennifer Ball Kaden
Hood River
Open letter from public works
I wanted to reach out to you all in an effort to open the lines of communication more. As some of you may be aware, the Skamania County Public Works and Community Development departments often play a critical role in your operations and abilities to continue your business. As a lifelong resident, I want nothing more than to ensure we are serving our citizens in the best possible way. As the current director of both Public Works and Community Development, I stay very busy; however, I want to know when we have areas needing improvement. Some of our functions are starting from scratch, so it has certainly created a learning curve for us.
Currently, I have been assigned to oversee county roads, buildings and grounds, information technology, planning, building, environmental health, code enforcement, engineering and solid waste. Each of these has its unique services we provide. Some examples include the fire marshal, building permits and inspections, food establishment permits and inspections, county road improvements an more. We have regulatory control over many things and we do maintain some local controls when it comes to the interpretation and enforcement of these laws and rules. We in no way have flexibility if it’s a life safety issue. For obvious reasons, these are not subject to interpretation.
I want to be sure we are helping, not causing issues. With that being said, I would love to hear from you if you have concerns or constructive criticisms for us. I would encourage you to reach out to me directly with these. Thank you all for helping make our community what it is and again, do not hesitate to reach out if I can help with anything: 509-427-3909 or davidw@co.skamania.wa.us.
David Waymire
Public works director
Skamania County
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