Putin out
I’ll go out on a limb and forecast Putin being removed within a year or so by various factions of the Russian military, intelligence, and internal control bureaucracies. This could lead to the disintegration of Russia. This could in turn have a direct effect on our lives here, as various factions kill each other and squabble over the control and use of tactical and strategic nuclear weapons.
Jerrold Richards
Lyle
Be wary
As proposals for new data centers continue to surface in our region, our community needs to take a close look at what these massive facilities mean for our future. While we all rely on the cloud, artificial intelligence, and digital connectivity to power our daily lives and economy, the physical footprint of these operations cannot be ignored.
Data centers bring significant tax revenue and construction jobs, but they also place an unprecedented demand on our local water supplies and electrical grid. Residents are right to ask hard questions about transparency, potential noise pollution, and whether everyday ratepayers — rather than tech giants — will end up footing the bill for upgraded power infrastructure.
We should not shut the door on technological progress, but growth must be managed responsibly. Local leaders must insist on full transparency, strict environmental protections, closed-loop or low-impact cooling, and binding guarantees that developers — not local taxpayers — pay for the energy they consume.
Progress should benefit a community, not burden it. Let’s demand proper planning before the next shovel hits the ground.
Richard Deml
Mosier
Elect Gambee
Wasco County is facing many complex challenges, as are most rural counties. Decreased federal funding, housing shortages and lack of family wage job opportunities are to name a few.
As a former Wasco County Commissioner, allow me to endorse, once again, Lisa Gambee. Lisa won the primary vote by a wide margin, and now it is time to support her for the general election in November. Lisa possesses an intimate knowledge of county operations as she served as the Wasco County Clerk for nine years (think elections overseer, real estate recordings, marriage licenses etc.) and in that role, she rose as a team leader and helped shape a strategic vision for the county. She has what it takes to work on solutions for community challenges.
In addition, she will work to uphold ethical and transparent decision-making, call for accountability in county operations and strengthen public trust in county government. I know Lisa as a leader with integrity, a relationship builder and a nice person who truly cares about improving the lives of every person who calls Wasco County home.
Please cast your vote on Nov. 3 for Lisa Gambee as your next county commissioner. You won’t be disappointed.
Kathy Schwartz
Port Townsend
Former Gorge resident
Why I vote Democratic
The first time I ever voted, I chose all Republican candidates. Growing up, I was deeply influenced by my conservative (and loving) grandfather. However, the Republican Party in those years was very different from the party it is today.
The leaders of the Republican Party have evolved into individuals who put self-interest over what is best for our country, starting decades ago with legislation that continuously lowered taxes on the rich. Federal income tax rates for the top earners in 1965 were 70%. Today the top rate is 37%, and the top corporate rate is 21%, a decrease from more than 50% in the 1960s.
Furthermore, the vast majority of Republican leaders have shown a complete lack of backbone, refusing to stand up to the most corrupt president our country has ever seen.
Conversely, Democratic candidates offer practical solutions that invest in working families. They protect Social Security and Medicare, defend voting rights, and expand access to affordable healthcare and education. Democrats also champion policies that create American jobs through infrastructure projects, clean energy investments, and domestic manufacturing growth.
Voting is not just about party labels. It is about choosing leaders who believe the government can work for ordinary people, and who are committed to protecting freedoms and opportunities for everyone. I encourage voters to support Democratic candidates who are working to build a fairer, more inclusive, and more hopeful future for our country.
Ron Sadler
The Dalles
Another for Gambee
I’m writing in support of Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner, Position 1, because she has the experience necessary to get to work on day one for the people of our county, and she has a deep commitment to fairness, transparency, and non‑partisanship.
As Wasco County Clerk, Lisa managed our elections with steadiness and integrity. At a time when election systems across the country faced scrutiny, she made sure every ballot was handled securely and every process was open and understandable. She spent whatever time was needed helping residents learn how our systems work so they could feel confident their votes were counted accurately. That dedication strengthened trust in our local democracy.
Lisa is not afraid to make difficult decisions, but she does her homework first. She listens to experts and people who may be affected by the decision, looks at the facts, and focuses on what will benefit the entire county. She understands that the role of a County Commissioner is about stewardship and practical problem‑solving. It’s about making thoughtful choices that support our communities, our rural residents, our economy, and all of us who call Wasco County home.
Wasco County deserves a leader who will put people first. Lisa has already shown she does exactly that. Please join me in voting for Lisa Gambee this November.
Sheila Dooly
Mosier
Slow down
To The Dalles drivers: While you are out cruising on West 10th Street near Emmanuel Baptist Church and Pomona Meadows, PLEASE slow down and watch for deer.
Severely dry summer conditions plus lack of rain have eliminated their food sources, so these gentle, harmless creatures are grazing on green grass on lawns near Tenth Street. After a sufficient snack or when startled, they often dart across busy roads without looking.
YOU can keep them alive by driving extra slowly in this area, keeping watch for them, and remembering that if one deer crosses, others will surely follow. A protective doe mom with two spotted fawns regularly feeds in the area close to Emmanuel and Pomona Meadows. Please help them survive, thrive, and stay alive by watching for them and reducing your speed significantly. Give them all a chance to go and grow.
Thank you.
Karen Saunders
The Dalles
Commented