Your voice: March 4, 2026

The aquatic center is now well past its maintenance-life and the cost of repairs would be as much as the cost of a replacement. The pool bond will allow us to build a new facility to facilitate safety programs and community pride for the next 50 years.

The parks district tax base was selected to cover the costs of running the pool. That mandate has expanded to provide citizens with creating and maintaining eight parks, six miles of trails, and since 2022, the funding of Community Education programs that reach thousands of residents. As hard as they have tried, without new revenue, youth sports, camps, adult recreation, and after school enrichment can no longer be operated by the district after this summer. The parks and rec levy provides the funding to continue operating these important services.

On May 19, WE will decide to continue that original group’s heroic legacy by approving the pool bond and district levy. I encourage your YES votes on both measures.

Mark Zanmiller

Hood River

‘Equity’ flawed

The editor challenged readers to articulate why anyone would oppose use of the word “equity” (“Rethink the vote against ‘equity,’” Columbia Gorge News, Feb. 11). Actually, I have nothing against the word. It’s use in the financial world is fine. Where things get muddy is in the “social justice” world.

Equity certainly sounds warm and fuzzy, and the editor’s example seems harmless enough. Who could object to moving a few crates around to compensate for height “disparities”? But what about distributing those crates based on race? Or gender? Or how tall your ancestors were? That’s “equity” in practice.

A better example would be moving to the game behind that fence, but then (almost) nobody complains about inequities in sports, even as huge racial disparities exist there. With sports, though, meritocracy is recognized as fundamental. Sports “equity” would seriously erode the quality of the game, and everyone knows it. The reality is efforts to achieve equity insidiously erodes the quality of ANY endeavor (medicine, aviation, journalism, education, law-enforcement), even if not quite as obvious and immediate. And if you think that’s not happening, try counting the white couples in TV commercials these days.

In simple terms, “equity” is understood as promoting equal outcomes over equal opportunities, but the editor’s dictionary definition is a bit more expansive: “... Fairness or justice in the way people are treated ... freedom from disparities in the way people of different races, genders etc., are treated.” Sounds good to me, except that equity actually DEMANDS “disparities in the way people are treated”. THAT’S the problem.

At one time, almost everyone agreed the goal was equality of opportunity. Accordingly, we passed legislation prohibiting discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation and other immutable characteristics. Now, those laws are blatantly violated in an effort to achieve equal (or better) outcomes with unequal input. The remedy for the inequities of the past is renewed efforts at eliminating unfair discrimination altogether, not by moving the target around.

So, yes, I think it’s time to end ALL “… disparities in the way people of different races, genders etc., are treated,” and relegate the word “equity” to the financial world, where it actually makes sense.

Steve Hudson

The Dalles

For Gambee

I’m writing in support of Lisa Gambee for Wasco County Commissioner because she brings something rare and essential to county leadership: a deep understanding of public service grounded in fairness, transparency, and non-partisanship.

As Wasco County Clerk, Lisa oversaw our elections with a steady hand and an unwavering commitment to integrity. In a time when election systems across the country have been under intense scrutiny, Lisa ensured that every ballot in Wasco County was handled securely, every process was transparent, and every voter — regardless of party — could trust the outcome. Her work strengthened confidence in our local democracy, and that matters for all of us.

What stands out most about Lisa is her approach to decision-making. She listens first. She looks at the facts. And she focuses on what will benefit the entire county, not just one group or political viewpoint. She understands that the role of county commissioner is not about partisanship; it’s about stewardship. It’s about making thoughtful, practical choices that support our communities, our rural areas, our local economy, and the people who call Wasco County home.

Wasco County deserves leaders who put people first. Lisa Gambee has already proven she can do that. The choice is clear for Wasco County’s future, and I hope you’ll vote for Lisa Gambee.

Roseann Smeraglio

Maupin

Full support

I fully supported President Trump’s agenda to rid the U.S. of violent gangs like Tren de Aragua by any and all means necessary. Tren de Aragua is known for terrorizing the people of their country, throwing resisters to the ground, breaking out car windows and then dragging citizens out by their hair. Further resistance often results in acts of murder with complete immunity. It doesn’t matter that justification is lacking. President Trump thinks these gang members are brutal thugs that are a threat to our country.

Wait, please forgive me, I am getting old and I mix things up now and then.

Now I remember that the gangs that are terrorizing our country aren’t foreigners anymore but are federal officers from ICE and the border patrol hired by the federal government using our tax money. Tren de Aragua has apparently become irrelevant, so President Trump, his cabinet heads and all the newly hired federal agents now feel free to beat or kill immigrants and citizens to justify their existence. I am unsure what goals President Trump and his cabinet members are trying to accomplish with these mindless attacks, but I am sure these federal agents will be a great benefit to President Trump during the elections by keeping all the commie, pinko, leftists rabble away from the polling places. At least I will still be able to vote. Or will I?

Gary Wade

The Dalles

Unpatriotic

Last night (Feb. 24), the President of the United States told everyone listening that I was an unpatriotic American. Patriotism is a feeling of love, loyalty and devotion towards one country. It shows pride in one’s culture, history, and values along with actions to support and contribute to its wellbeing.

I have voted in EVERY election since I turned 18 in 1970. I was a military wife for 11 years, supporting my husband during his tour in Vietnam and living in two foreign countries. As a public employee, I said the Pledge of Allegiance in my classrooms every day and taught my students patriotic songs, earning me acknowledgment from the VFW. I have worked to pass bonds for our schools, pool, library, and parks and recreation system. I traveled to Tsuruta to encourage partnership between sister cities, representing our country proudly. I volunteer with multiple organizations hoping to make my community a better place to live.

As a social studies teacher, I taught middle schoolers about our constitution, the laws governing our country, and how courts protect us. Being a woman, I have experienced the inability to get a checking account or credit card in my own name, buy a car without a husband (a local dealer turned me down with cash in hand), and apply for jobs or educational experiences due to my gender. Having traveled to both communist and fascist countries, I understand the privilege of being able to speak out against such injustices. While the U.S. may not be perfect, it allows “the people” many personal freedoms others can only dream of.

UNPATRIOTIC?

Can someone, anyone, explain to me how my support of the values stated clearly in the Bill of Rights and my community is unpatriotic?

And now, the President of the United States and many Republican legislators want to limit my ability to vote with the SAVE Act, despite the 19th Amendment giving me that right. That feels downright UNPATRIOTIC.

Guess what? I have a passport. I will be voting. That is what a PATRIOT does.

Kim Vogel

Hood River

History lesson

England enacted the Townshend Acts in 1760, which imposed a tariff. Collection of the tariffs were at the Old State House in Boston. The tariffs were unpopular, and the Bostonians often demonstrated against them. The demonstrations were so raucous the regular army posted a sentry. The guard posting further inflamed the issue, and the demonstrations became more intense.

A 13-year-old, Edward Garrick, taunted the guard, Private White. They exchanged insults, probably flipped each other the bird. The encounter escalated into Private White striking Garrick in the head with the butt of his musket. The situation escalated further with a large crowd summoned by church bells and word of mouth. The guard captain marched in six more soldiers. Finally, the soldiers fired into the crowd killing, Samuel Gray, James Caldwell, and Crispus Attucks (a free Black man who was a sailor). The guards wounded eight others, two of which would die from their wounds.

This was the Boston Massacre of March 5, 1770. The situation in Boston became so intense, General Gage, who would become central to the war, withdrew his regiment. It was the first shots of the Revolutionary War. Britain made a grenade of the Intolerable Acts, and the Boston Massacre lit the fuse. The six soldiers stood trial for the murders. No one, except John Adams (second President of the United States) would represent them. The final verdict was two convictions and four acquittals.

Much of the Bill of Rights had its genesis in this incident — rights to assembly; free speech; redress of grievances; right to bear arms to defend against government belligerence; right to not be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process; rights to a fair trial; and no quartering of troops in private homes. The tariffs were “Taxation without Representation!” These colonists realized tariffs were taxes on consumers.

The Minneapolis Massacre is a replay of the Boston massacre: Government masked thugs disregarding the unalienable rights of people bestowed by the creator. Thugs lead by the Coward and Thief and his minions. The Coward and Thief imposing taxes without representation. Vote Trump and Bentz out!

Terry Armentrout

The Dalles

Vote Gambee

When I heard that Lisa Gambee was running for Wasco County Commissioner, I thought to myself, “AWESOME!”

When I went into the County Elections Office to file as a candidate for the North Wasco County School District Board, I found Lisa (at the time, the County Clerk) to be extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the process as well as the county as I had questions about the boundaries for the seat for which I was filing.

Additionally, I have volunteered several times as an online elections observer to provide additional presence on the processing and counting ballots.

From my experience and in interpersonal interactions, Lisa Gambee embodies the type of integrity, leadership, genuine character, and desire to serve this community. I am excited to support her in this race and urge you to vote for Lisa for County Commissioner.

Dawn Rasmussen

The Dalles

Integrity

I worked with Lisa Gambee when she was the county clerk and cannot speak highly enough of her warmth, intelligence, and integrity. I worked several elections as a ballot processor and admire her composure and leadership. When I heard she is running for county commissioner, I was just thrilled. Lisa is intelligent and thoughtful, and committed to serving our community. The fact that she is from south county means she will bring awareness of issues and a perspective from our wider community, not just The Dalles.

In these times, it takes courage to step up and take responsibility, and Lisa is just the person to help lead Wasco County. I sincerely encourage your vote for Lisa for county commissioner.

Join me in voting for Lisa Gambee!

Serena Smith

The Dalles

Community Ed essential

I spent many years coaching kids up and down the Hood River Valley. I’ve had kids and grandkids participating in Community Ed sports for nearly 40 years.

For many of the kids, Community Ed is the only accessible way to play a sport, join a team, or try something new without long drives or high costs. I’ve watched shy kids find their confidence and teammates become lifelong friends. These programs keep our kids active, connected, and supported.

All of these Community Ed programs will end after summer 2026 unless we pass the Parks and Rec Levy in May.

Community Ed isn’t extra, it’s essential. Our kids — and our community — depend on it. Please vote YES on the Parks and Rec Levy in May 2026.

Mike Kitts

Hood River

Dictators, then and now

Past enemies:

1. Stalin

2. Hitler

3. Ho Chi Minh

4. Osama Bin Laden

Now:

The present want-to-be dictator, in my personal view, is Donald Trump.

I fought in Vietnam for the freedom of men, women, and children, against a dictator. I’ll do it again.

Trump cares only about his family and power.

Proud veteran,

Steve Cochenour

The Dalles

Limerick

My friend wrote us a limerick:

Trump was elected our commander in chief

And now our democracy is stuck on a reef

We hoped he was wise

But it has been all lies

And instead we’ve elected a coward and thief.

Sandy Haechrel

The Dalles