Your voice: April 17

Besides having fun, we want to demonstrate that walking, bikes, either electric or human-powered, and electric cars are great ways to travel and to save money, without fossil fuels! To learn more and sign up to participate go to bit.ly/Cherry-Fest and fill out the online form. There you can watch a one-minute video of our parade entry last year and find out more information. We want both kids and adults from all over the Gorge to participate, the more the merrier. We need drivers, bike riders and walkers! It’s much more fun to BE in the parade than watching it, so make this your year to participate.

Debi Ferrer for Protect

Oregon’s Progress

The Dalles

Peter Cornelison for Columbia Gorge Climate Action Network

Hood River

Vote “Yes-Yes”

Public parks and recreational facilities are a critical component of healthy, livable and equitable communities.

The proposed capital bond and operations levies will enable Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation to maintain and preserve existing assets, and invest in new parks, open space and recreational facilities that will provide opportunities for Hood River County residents of all ages to stay active and thrive.

Our public pool is nearing the end of its useful life. Building a new pool in conjunction with a community recreational center is a great opportunity to expand access to community fitness facilities. As Hood River County grows, acquiring new parks and open space amenities and extending trail networks will help maintain the quality of life of this special place we call home.

Tina McNerthney

Hood River

For new pool

I have lived in Hood River County since 1983, when we built our home in Oak Grove. I remember when the voters chose the cheap route in 1997 to maintain the pool and build the changing rooms and cover the pool with a big white tent-like cover. Unfortunately, the pipes from 1948 and mechanical system were not much improved. Now we have an almost broken pipe and water heating system, a cover that is leaking and tearing apart from age and our weather, and a decaying building where the tent meets the wall.

May 21, we have another choice to make whether to update the failing pool and add desirable additions to build a multipurpose community center west of Jackson Park. Do we want our kids to learn to swim and not drown? Do we want our kids to have after-school activities and community sports? Do we want to have a place we can walk when it rains and snows? Do we want a multi-purpose gym that can be used during the school day and in winter for pickleball and tennis? Do we want a place for kids to be with their friends in a safe and healthy environment? Do we want to continue to enjoy Indian Creek trail, Westside trail and the parks: Hazelview, Culbertson, Golden Eagle, Barrett, Morrison Disc Golf, and Odell Community Park? Does Parkdale want a park in their town?

Please vote Yes on the Bond measure and Yes on the operating levy. They add $1.70 to HRVPRD’s very low permanent rate of $0.3495. That’s an overall total $2.05 per thousand of ASSESSED value. We pay every month or yearly for several things. I hope you will vote YES-YES Parks and Rec because we pay for the quality of our community. When the bond is paid off, we will have a community center, pool, parks, and trails that will continue to last. I care about my grandchildren, the families of this community, and like me, the Seniors that are trying to enjoy their life to the fullest and stay healthy. Visit www.yesyespnr.com for more information.

Nancy Johanson Paul

Hood River

Against levy

On the Hood River County Ballot that we will receive on about May 2 will be two parks and recreation bond measures. The increase in property taxes will be extreme for property owners, but it will hurt renters too. Rent in Hood River County is very high and this will really drive rents up more. So even if you do not own property here, you should vote NO! Also business operations in Hood River County are going to be hit hard. This may cost jobs as well. Vote NO on Parks and Recreation bond measures.

John Cochran

Hood River

Davis for DA

I fully endorse Kara Davis for the Wasco County District Attorney position. Kara Davis has more than 20 years’ experience in the practice of criminal law, handling cases ranging from traffic tickets up to death penalty cases, all in Central and Eastern Oregon.

Experience matters when you cast your vote for the district attorney. Especially because, at a minimum to qualify to run for the DA position, a candidate must have an active Oregon Bar License. Travis Marston does not currently hold an Oregon State Bar license.

Kara has varied work experience as the current DA for Gilliam County, as a public defender, and as an attorney in private practice. Kara has prior governmental experience, which is integral for the DA position. She has a proven track record of litigating difficult criminal cases such as sex offenses, Measure 11 crimes, and other high-level criminal cases. The DA must be able to charge, and litigate, the worst crimes committed in the county; these skills come from courtroom experience and practice.

Ms. Davis is well regarded in the criminal law field, which is a necessary skill because the primary goal of a DA is to seek truth, pursue justice for victims, and provide checks and balances in the justice system. Kara was raised in her family’s cherry orchard in Wasco County. The Wasco County DA must work to offer solutions to improve the criminal justice system while respecting the values of their community. She has lifelong experience with community members in Wasco County. She is the best person for this job! I fully support her!

Shannon Tissot, attorney

The Dalles

Breaking policy

I feel compelled to reply to the letter of March 6, “Woke Gangsters,” for many reasons.

First, the letter’s facts are wrong. The argument starts with Israel being attacked from Syria, but he leaves out how Israel was formed and how Palestinians were forced to leave their homes. The letter continues by mentioning that the UN voted approvingly to let Israel occupy land (I assume this is referring to Resolution181), but doesn’t mention the 45 times the UN Human Rights Council has condemned Israel.

Next the letter states that Israel gave the Gaza strip to Palestine, but neglects to mention that they seized it during the 1967 war. I am not an expert, but there are places to get better information if you so choose. The book, The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan, CFR.org/global-conflict-tracker and un.org/en, are just a few of many resources. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but not their own facts.

Second, directly below the letters are the Columbia Gorge News’ rules for submitting a letter to the editor. The letter was printed despite not following the listed rules: “Letters must be civil…”, “Letters attacking a class of people based on their gender, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age will also be rejected.” I do not consider “liberal voting gangster” or “woke gangster” to be civil. It is name calling. And even more egregious is the racist language the letter uses by repeatedly referring to “the Muslim” when Palestine would be the correct term. Israel is not “attacking the Muslim,” Israel is attacking Palestine. I don’t know that there is hope of changing the letter writer, but Columbia Gorge News, you can do better.

Amy Wheeler

Hood River

Work for peace

I write on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Mid-Columbia Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. We urge an end to hostilities in the Middle East and an immediate ceasefire in the brutal conflict between Israel and Palestine.

We call upon the leaders of Israel and Palestine to have the courage and the wisdom to find peaceful means to resolve the differences and grievances that have accumulated over generations.

Our hearts are broken by the suffering and cruelty we witness daily. We join our voices with those of many other peoples of faith and goodwill. We call upon the leaders of the world — political, social, economic — to martial the resources and creativity needed to relieve the pain and suffering of the millions who are caught in this bloody conflict.

We particularly ask our elected officials to take all action within their power to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire allowing the peoples of both Israel and Gaza to return to their homes, restore their families and rebuild their communities free from violence and fear. And we further urge our elected representatives to offer humanitarian and compassionate assistance to immediately meet the basic needs of displaced populations.

We also urge all members of our Gorge communities to contact their representatives and ask them to tell us what they are doing to promote peace and provide humanitarian assistance in the Middle East.

The Unitarian Universalist Association, representing congregations across the nation, has taken a strong stand for peace; to learn more, go to www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/uua-condemns-violence-urges-ceasefire.

Praying for peace is not enough. What are you doing?

Richard Withers

Hood River

For Richardson

Next month, we will be voting for a new Wasco County Commissioner. I will be voting for Dan Richardson for this position, and I invite you to do the same. Here is why:

Dan is a local Wasco County Resident. He was raised in The Dalles, and with wife, Judy, raised their daughter in The Dalles. They continue to make their home in The Dalles.

Dan cares about Wasco County. As just one example, he served for more than 10 years on The Dalles Watershed Council, helping the Council address urban and near-urban water quality, stream restoration, and pollution prevention issues.

Dan knows Wasco County and Mid-Columbia Ag Issues. He has worked more than 10 years for a Mid-Columbia Soil & Water Conservation District (Underwood) assisting area ranchers, farmers, and private property owners in addressing agricultural issues on their properties.

Dan is a leader in Wasco County. He will complete four years of elected service on The Dalles City Council in December of this year. During that time he has consistently demonstrated his leadership abilities in this position by doing his homework, seeing the big picture, listening carefully, asking the hard questions, speaking up, and working collaboratively with the other members of the council to achieve well thought out decisions.

For more good reasons to vote for Dan, see his website: dan4wascocounty.com.

Bruce Lumper

The Dalles

Yes-Yes

I am a mother of two, a real estate agent, and an active community member, writing to advocate for the Yes-Yes for Parks and Rec initiative. This measure on our ballots extends beyond parks and recreation; it’s about our community’s future, our families’ well-being, and preserving our natural spaces.

The proposed $72.2 million bond will fund critical developments such as a new pool with a gym and community center, the creation of Westside Park, the acquisition of Parkdale Park, and essential trail connections. These projects are vital for enhancing the quality of life for all community members.

As a real estate professional, I recognize how community amenities contribute to maintaining and boosting property values. The facilities and programs financed through this initiative will attract potential homeowners and foster a stronger, more cohesive community.

Our current pool is outdated and inadequate. A new aquatic center, considering our proximity to multiple rivers, is crucial. It will provide a safe, modern space where children can learn to swim and families can come together, with gender-neutral changing rooms and improved accessibility ensuring inclusivity.

The $0.43 levy is equally important, providing operational funds to maintain and expand parks and trails, enhance recreation programming, and restore natural areas. This supports outdoor activities and learning opportunities for children, including mine, allowing them to thrive in a secure, supportive environment.

Additionally, the initiative addresses the clear need for more park space and recreational facilities, which are currently limited. The new gymnasium and multipurpose ball field will serve as essential resources for community activities.

In an era where digital engagement is rampant, it is imperative to preserve and enhance outdoor play and nature experiences for our children. Moreover, with the current low tax rate, this initiative remains a cost-effective investment in our community’s future, preventing more expensive issues later. I urge our community to vote Yes on both the bond and levy, supporting our children’s future, our community’s health, and the vibrancy of our home.

Jen Dillard

Hood River

Thankful

As a 100% disabled combat veteran, TBI patient, and sapien, I wish to express my sincere and profuse thanks to Mid-Columbia Community Action Council for providing me with transitional housing, enabling me to attain a full-time job and a more permanent, safe, secure rental situation. Born and raised in the Hood, I relocated to the area last September to be closer to family and childhood friends. My budget was swiftly overcome by hotel living while looking for an affordable rental situation. The MCCAC’s Annex, not far from my dad’s old sheet metal shop, proved a safe, secure environment where I stayed from October until February, attaining many local friends to include fellow combat vet Steve Lawrence and the position of full time snow board instructor at Mt. Hood Meadows. I then encountered a housing solution that became untenable during a month, and I was once again homeless. MCCAC came to the rescue once again, allowing me to stay at the Hood River Warming Shelter until I secured a rental room lease for a year in Parkdale, which I love and is absolutely a perfect fit in a family environment in the shadow of the Hood. My profuse thanks to Kenny Lapoint, Glenn, Cara, Rob, Sky, Miriam ... I’m here to tell you the MCCAC is an extremely positive and integral community partner, working to mitigate homelessness in the Gorge, along with many other aspects falling under their care umbrella. Their capacity continues to expand with the opening of The Gloria Center in The Dalles and continually creating solutions to unforeseen opportunities. If you aren’t yet familiar with all of their programs, check out their website and if able, donate or volunteer!

Flynn Davidson

Mt. Hood-Parkdale

Time to vote yes

Were you one of the 65,000 visitors to the pool last year? The Hood River pool has been an integral part of our family since the late 1990s. From swim team for my own children, masters swimming for myself, free swim lessons for the students I taught at Westside (and every kindergarten, second and fourth grader in Hood River), to teaching adults how to swim, I can tell you firsthand that the lifespan of the current 76 year old pool is coming to an end. The equipment is failing, the “temporary” roof is being patched constantly, the boiler breaks frequently, and the HVAC needs replacing, just to name a few of the repairs needed. The May ballot will include a general obligation bond to build a new community rec center/pool, parks, and trails, as well as a local option levy to pay for operations and maintenance. While the community center is the biggest focus, the bond will also develop Westside Park with multi purpose ball fields, and make trail connections. Please join me in voting “Yes-Yes” for Parks and Rec.

Carolyn Welty

Hood River

Open letter

To Rep. Dan Newhouse:

I find that the language in your recent mailing list article, "The Cartels control the Border," misleading at best, and just downright hypocritical. You said that you "demanded answers from Secretary Mayorkas” about his failure to control the border at his questionable impeachment hearings. This was after you refused to ratify the border bill that gave you and your Republican colleagues most of what you had been asking for through the years. That bipartisan agreement was hammered out by members of your own party, who apparently weren't as cowed by former President Trump's demands to scrap it as you were. Yes, it included funding for Ukraine and Israel, but, in any former incarnation of the Republican Party, that would have been a no-brainer national security decision. Your "job" in Congress is to craft laws and to develop the budgets to solve the problems of our country, especially those at the border. Sometimes that involves compromises to get things done. Your “job” is not to get former President Trump re-elected by keeping the border in a crisis so that he can use it as a political weapon. Your job is to work for the best interests of the American people, and I fear that you are failing us. I respectfully ask for answers from you as to why you aren't doing your job (repnewhouse@mail8.housecommunications.gov).

Mark Browne

White Salmon

Not fit for pres

Dementia is defined as the loss of memory and other mental abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life. The most common form is Alzheimer’s disease. Trump’s father suffers with it. Now, unequivocally, so does Donald Trump. Watching and seeing him speak at his rallies is both sad and worse, frightening. In my opinion, he is unfit to hold any office. Why is it people refuse to recognize his state of mind? Do they really want a president with Alzheimer’s disease? Why?

Gary Fields

Hood River

Overreach

Hood River Parks and Recreation put forth a bond and a levy measure for the May ballot. No on the bond. The proposal calls for taking over the land that is Collins Field and the tennis court. The current pool area will be parking. This is a costly and ill-conceived idea. A mega sports complex that obliterates the area across the street from Hood River Middle School by creating a massive building. One that we need to live with and maintain. It does not enhance the area. Hood River has a small-town community feel. Our parks, play fields, and trails create spaces for all people to gather and play. This bond calls for a mega sports activity center such as those in Portland suburbs. It is too big, too much, not well thought out. Hood River doesn’t need all the pieces that are proposed. This bond oversteps what is right for Hood River. Vote NO and make HR Parks and Recreation go back to the drawing board. Hood River can do better.

On the levy, a yes vote is needed to maintain the wonderful parks and spaces and keep the pool operating. It has been a while since a levy increase has passed, and the facility is in need of funds for continuing maintenance. It seems parks and rec wants it both ways, new money to build and ongoing tax levy to maintain. Not this time.

Marbe Cook

Hood River

Editor’s Note: The community center design can only be confirmed voters approve the bond and levy. However, the draft concept was based on a 58,000 square foot building with a competition pool, recreational/instruction pool, single court gymnasium, and fitness space.

Love the pool

My family loves the pool. For my kid, it’s a fun place to play. For me, it’s a place to workout or socialize while my kid learns lifesaving skills. The pool is older than its expected life span. The boiler breaks, the piping is rusty, and the basement is rotting. On the May ballot are two measures to fix these problems — one, a bond to build a new pool with community rec center and other facilities; and two, a levy to pay operating costs and for recreational programming. I urge you to vote yes-yes for the pool this May: Vote yes for the bond and yes for the levy.

Naomi Tsu

Hood River

Editor’s Note: With election season comes greater than usual submissions to Your Voice. Please keep in mind the following before submitting your letter:

Writers must include their name and hometown (for publication) and daytime phone number (for verification, not publication). 

Letters must be 350 words or fewer.

One letter per letter writer per month will be accepted.

Cite your sources.

Letters must be civil. Vulgar or inappropriate language will not be considered, nor malicious, false or misleading statements.

Letters attacking an individual, rather than an expressed opinion, are not acceptable. Letters attacking a class of people based on their gender, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age will also be rejected.