Your voice: May 8, 2024

Thank you for providing news for those of us in the area.

My family has subscribed to the Mt. Adams Sun and The Enterprise for decades. They were great proponents of newspapers even when the local paper wrote of a dear son who was killed in World War I in 1918 and his body was returned for burial in 1921. Keep up the good work. You get better each year.

Mary Evans Childs

Trout Lake

'No' on 14-78

As Parks and Rec supporters since our arrival in 1972, we have concerns about the $72 million bond proposal and operating levy for a new pool and recreation center. Our property taxes increase 3% annually, and proposed levy requests will add $1.70 per $1,000 of assessed value. The Gorge News editor has stressed that assessed value is less than real market value, but for those of us on fixed incomes, any increase over the annual 3% increase is a hardship. Hood River’s pool is in dire need of upgrades, but the existing pool could be improved for FAR less than the requested funds for a new pool and recreational facility. 

However, Hood River does need more maintained ball fields and park space! The current ball fields throughout the valley are stressed from overuse and being under-maintained due to lack of funding. We cannot afford to lose another ball field and four perfectly good tennis courts. Possible solutions? The Fairview property has promise, but is located in the CGSA (Columbia Gorge Scenic Area) — lighting will be prohibited, there are wetlands on the property, and major grading is needed to ensure level playing surfaces. Adding lighting to Westside Elementary fields will face strong opposition from neighboring residents. The Barrett Road property is zoned as farmland and cannot be used as park or ball field. However, selling that property and using the revenue to upgrade current parks and/or to purchase more land to be used for ball fields might be an option.

There are too any unanswered questions and a lack of architectural design to determine the true cost of the project and future operating costs. After the initial local five-year operating levy expires, it needs to be renewed every five years in perpetuity with probable increases each time. If the levy fails, it could shut down the new facility. Lastly, these two tax measures ADD to and do not replace the current tax base. For these reasons, we plan to vote NO on 14-78. Lets improve what we already have!

Anthony & Margaret Dallman

Hood River

Habitat destroyed

I completely sympathize with the residents of Trout Lake who are being subjected to 106 acres of clearcutting and 40 acres of thinning by landowners who put profit above the environment, endangered species, global warming, and quality of life. It is worse in my neighborhood where the timber landowners are clearcutting and thinning up to 228 acres. In fact, Kirbish Road is now mostly demolished, and Oak Ridge Road is slated to be next. As a result, the endangered Western Gray Squirrel's habitat is being destroyed with no regard to its uplisting as an endangered species, and our enjoyment of the neighborhood is over. It is ironic that those going to visit the glamping campsites at Under Canvas will be traveling through miles of clearcuts to go sit next to more clearcuts.

Anyone driving the White Salmon to Trout Lake corridor can certainly see the increased logging over the last couple of years. Underwood Mountain is a disgrace. The blame lies squarely with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) who allows these forest practices applications with no regard for the environment, neighborhoods and endangered species. DNR allows the landowners and logging companies to act with impunity, and DNR has failed to follow its own rules in protecting the critical habitat of the endangered Western Gray Squirrel, leaving the species vulnerable to further harm, and perhaps complete destruction of its habitat. An appeal of the Forest Practices Applications indicates that the proposed harvest of 87 acres of land is occurring within the White Salmon Wild and Scenic River Management Area, and that roads constructed for this purpose may be visible from the river and may result in sediment from erosion entering the river. Yet, DNR has apparently allowed the Forest Practices Applications for these harvests without regard to the impact on the river.

At minimum, DNR should be protecting endangered species, and it clearly is not. It appears to be the fox guarding the hen house. DNR needs to do its job, follow its own rules, and ensure that we do not lose yet another endangered species to greed.

Lynn Walsh

Husum

Richardson for Wasco County

In the election for our next Wasco County Commissioner we are fortunate to have five willing candidates for the open position. Having made a concerted effort to evaluate all the candidates, I have found a clear choice in Dan Richardson.

Dan’s impressive grasp of the important issues in the county stands out among the candidates but he also brings very relevant experience in the process of local government that will facilitate his taking effective action to address housing, childcare, public safety, economic growth, mental health and education.

With deep roots in the County and an easy disposition, Dan is approachable and makes the effort to listen to all perspectives on any concern or issue. At the same time, he is committed to transparency and accountability in government. This means we will know the basis for his decisions as he has demonstrated while on The Dalles City Council where he has not been shy about making nuanced and intelligent choices around difficult issues.

Dan is principled and thoughtful, not a reactionary ideologue. With his thorough understanding of issues and concerns from Maupin to Mosier, Wasco County will be in good capable hands with Dan Richardson on the County Commission.

Please join me in casting your vote for Dan, the best candidate for all of Wasco County.

Mike Ballinger

The Dalles

Vote for fire levy

The elected Directors of West Side Rural Fire Protection District urge you to vote YES on ballot Measure 14-79. The measure will fund operating expenses, including an important change from the existing coverage with paid firefighter/emergency medical technicians (EMTs) from 10-hours per day (7 p.m. to 5 p.m.) seven days per week to 24 hours per day, seven-days per week. Changing to a 24/7 schedule with paid staff will improve emergency response service by addressing long-term trends of increasing numbers of service calls, reductions in the number of State-certified trained volunteers and will reduce response times of trained staff during afternoons and evenings. The improved schedule will require two new positions, for a total of four paid staff in addition to the paid administrator and about 40 volunteers at various levels of training. The measure replaces the expiring levy of $0.50 per 1,000 assessed value with one at $0.97 per 1,000 assessed value, the first levy increase since 2015.

Jim Gray, John Beeman, Jeff Hasegawa, Ed Weathers

and Mark Beam

Hood River

Vote Richardson

Ballots have arrived! I hope you’ll join me in voting for Dan Richardson for Wasco County Commissioner.

Dan is a skilled leader. I know because I worked with him on the joint City of The Dalles/Wasco County Climate Resilience Committee. The committee had a relatively complex task and a year in which to complete it. Dan was elected to serve as the committee chair. He came to meetings prepared, did more than his share of the committee’s work, and encouraged a variety of viewpoints. By the end of our year, we had accomplished our task and then some. This was all volunteer work for Dan, as is his work on city council.

In his day job with a local soil and water conservation district, Dan helps landowners and communities develop wildfire resilience, restore healthy streams and native habitat, and much more. These are critical issues our county will increasingly face. Dan’s career experience in natural resources will serve us all well. On a more personal level, I believe Dan is the kind of person who wants to lift everyone up. He’s not running for this position because he has a pet project or because he has a grievance. He’s running because he truly wants to make Wasco County a better place for us all. And he has the attributes and skills to do it.

Debi Ferrer

The Dalles

Eye Openers: Vote yes

The Eye Openers Lions Club of Hood River urges a YES vote on ballot West Side Fire District Ballot Measure 14-79.

Our community has grown significantly over the last decade, as has the call on emergency services; simultaneously the number of trained and state-certified volunteers has declined — as it has over the vast majority of the state. During that time the levy funding emergency services has remained static.

The increase from $0.50 to $0.97 per $1,000 of assessed value will enable the West Side Rural Fire Protection District to increase coverage from 10 hours a day, seven days a week to 24/7. Importantly, this will be done using paid staff. This is only an increase of $8.50/month (per the County Tax Assessor for the average assessed value) over the existing levy. The benefit of having trained firefighter/EMTs ready to respond far outweighs the cost for providing this essential service. We urge you to vote YES on Measure 14-79.

Trudy Tallman, secretary

Eye Openers Lions Club

Hood River

Nash for senate

As a county commissioner deeply invested in the well-being of our region, I am proud to share my endorsement of Todd Nash's candidacy for Senate District 29. Todd's commitment to serving every unique county, community, and corner of our district is unmatched.

Over the time we have worked together as fellow commissioners, I’ve seen Todd embody the qualities of a leader: Integrity, experience, a listening ear, and genuine concern for the needs of all constituents. His extensive background in public service and leadership roles exemplifies the depth of character and expertise necessary to navigate the complex challenges facing our state and make him the best advocate in Salem.

Anybody who knows Todd knows he prioritizes people over politics, and works on behalf of the interests of all residents, rather than succumbing to the influence of a privileged few. He has built significant relationships at all levels, and has become a trusted voice in the legislature and state.

He is the only candidate with the proven track record of getting things done for the residents in Senate District 29. I urge voters to join me in supporting Todd Nash for Senate District 29. Together, let's elect a leader who will uphold the values of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the halls of government.

Steve Kramer

Wasco County Commissioner

Dufur

Supports Justesen

We are supporting Jeff Justesen for the position of Wasco County Commissioner. Through Jeff's many years of employment as a Wasco County juvenile counselor and director of NORCOR juvenile detention center, and his coaching and refereeing activities, Jeff has acquired extensive experience in working with people. Jeff is keenly interested in local government issues and he truly listens to the concerns of fellow citizens. We have known Jeff for many years as a friend and co-worker. He is honest, impartial, and reliable. He will be a dedicated and hardworking commissioner for Wasco County.

We urge you to join us in voting for Jeff Justesen for Wasco County Commissioner on or before the election on May 21.

Bill and Darlene Marick

The Dalles

Vote No-No

"We're Gonna Go Big!" was the announcement when HRVPRD introduced its proposal for the pool replacement and enhancement. Kind of like, "Go Big or Go Home." I'd rather see moderate and have a place to call home.

The current swimming tanks were installed when the current complex was built. The plumbing was deemed fit for the job by the project engineer. There were three options of sizes and amenities. The middle option, for year 'round use, was chosen. Cost was somewhat more than $1 million.

Here are a few points to ponder before you vote:

Hood River County will foot the bill (estimate of  $72 million). The complex will be used by the all Gorge area residents. Has thought been given about the user fees; a surtax for non-Hood River County taxpayers perhaps? Property assessment can increase by 3%/year, as will the operation levy. Our other tax obligations, Fire, Police, library, Port of Hood River, etc., will also increase.

Will your children be able to live here as adults and pay the maintenance, by that time, on an aging structure? This proposal further widens the income gap among people living in the county.

The proposed structure includes a gymnasium, workout areas, massage and meditation areas. These spaces compete with established businesses, but subsidized by our taxes. The presenter at a recent HRVPRD offering was asked for more specifics about design, costs, time to completion. The answer was that only the CONCEPT of the project is available at this time. Do you want to finance a concept?

We do need to improve the pool facility. But we county residents need to be given complete information from professionals and a range of accurate costs. If the General Obligation bond does NOT pass but the Operation Levy DOES, then we are obligated to pay the increased taxes, but without a pool.

HRVPRD needs to do its homework, collect more facts from experts and then resubmit a tangible proposal. Please, at this time, vote NO/NO on the pool complex concept.

Dennis Zimmerman

Hood River

Editor's Note: Hood River Valley Parks and Rec has been its own Special District for seven years. Hood River County does not contribute any funding to the district.

Reevaluate

The proposed bond and levy measures before the voters of Hood River Valley seem to be a bit of a big pill to swallow. I do agree with two aspects of request though. The valley needs a quality functioning public indoor swimming pool. The only other pool that the public could access (for a fee) was removed recently by the Hood River Athletic Club. Secondly, the district needs operating funds to maintain services. Without quality personnel and the resources needed for upkeep the public pool becomes a liability to the community. The more infrastructure and facilities you have the more it costs to maintain.

Beyond these two items, I feel the district needs to reevaluate their requests and the associated long-term costs to property owners. Currently within the valley we have at least six facilities that provide exercise and workout options. Although not free to the public, there are enough options for those that wish to engage in some form of fitness.

Finally, in regards to baseball fields (Collins and Wy'east), the proposed removal of Collins Field would put an end to an iconic facility that many of us who grew up in Hood River have enjoyed for many years. It's like our valuable farm ground — once it's removed it's gone forever. Myself and several other former youth baseball coaches "refurbished" the Wy'east ball field around 2005-06. Wy'east field was a welcome addition for the community but it is not an "ideal" location. The field has drainage issues in the spring when it is mostly used, parking is very limited next to the field and finally, once the field is looking good and the grass is nice and healthy, the Hood River County Fair comes along and hundreds of cars park and drive all over it for a week in July. Collins is a better long term field.

I would support a pool and levy to operate it. The rest of the request is a bit much.

Jeff McNerney

Hood River

Vote yes

Nobody likes to pay taxes, much less have them increase, but without taxes and the services they provide our society would cease to function. There are taxes, however, that can be considered almost enjoyable to pay. I'm speaking about local taxes that provide immediate and positive services to us as a community that we can directly experience. The West Side Fire measure and the Pool-Park and Recreation measures are at the top of this category. All of these measures will improve health, safety and quality of life in our community in the short and long term and therefore deserve our support.

Brian Watts

Hood River

Craven

What is craven? A perfect example is the national Republican Party. For as long as Joe Biden has been president, the Republicans have been literally screaming about an invasion occurring on our southern border. It is somewhat inexplicable that the invasion is only happening in Texas, when California, Arizona and New Mexico also share a southern border with Mexico and are not allegedly being invaded. Anyway, certain Republican senators have been in discussions with certain Democratic senators and Joe Biden about a legislative solution on immigration reform to stem the alleged invasion. And surprise, surprise, after many months of negotiation, a legislative compromise was eventually reached.

But then an even bigger surprise occurred. Arch indicated DJT [Donald J. Trump] spoke up and said that there should be no compromise on immigration reform because DJT wanted to campaign on the issue of the alleged invasion and immigration reform and claim that Joe Biden and the Democrats had done nothing to protect our southern border. So then Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell stated that the Senate Republicans would not support the immigration reform compromise because DJT wanted to campaign on the issue. This is a perfect example of craven. Scream like a child for a coveted item and then renounce it when offered on the objection of a third-party interloper who is under multiple criminal indictments.

Lance S. Stryker

White Salmon

Opposed

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed sports complex within our community put forth by Parks and Rec. I am deeply concerned about the potential consequences of the proposed sports complex on our community’s affordability and socioeconomic diversity. The accompanying rise in property taxes could significantly burden local residents, particularly those living on a sub-median income, making it harder for them to afford housing and forcing many to relocate. This perpetuates the troubling trend of state-sponsored gentrification, which threatens the fabric of our community by displacing long-term residents and eroding the cultural and socioeconomic diversity that makes Hood River unique.

Primarily, I am troubled by the misleading nature of the informational material provided by Parks and Recreation regarding the proposed tax increase. While it is stated as 1.7 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed property value, this representation fails to accurately convey the true impact on taxpayers. In reality, this nominal figure belies the actual financial burden that residents, particularly those with lower incomes, will face as a result of the tax hike. Such misinformation undermines transparency and prevents residents from making informed decisions about the proposed sports complex. As stewards of public trust, it is imperative that municipal authorities provide accurate and comprehensive information to the community regarding matters of public interest.

It is also essential to recognize the current financial contribution residents make to Parks and Recreation. Presently, taxpayers already contribute approximately 30 cents per $1,000 dollars of assessed property value to Parks and Rec. However, the proposed tax increase would elevate this figure significantly, resulting in a total contribution of over $2 dollars per $1,000 of assessed property value. This represents almost a seven-fold increase in property tax allocated to Parks and Rec. Such a substantial hike in taxation not only places undue strain on residents’ finances but also raises questions about the proportionality and necessity of the proposed sports complex project.

Before resorting to property tax increases, I urge you to explore alternative funding sources for the sports complex project.

Adam Monaghan

Odell

Vote for Dan

I’m voting for Dan Richardson to be a Wasco County Commissioner. I’ve worked with him for over a decade as a board member on The Dalles Watershed Council. I respect his ability to listen to others, consider the bigger picture, and make thoughtful comments and informed decisions. I’ve enjoyed working with Dan to pull invasive plant material and to plant native trees and shrubs in local watersheds around The Dalles.

Dan is familiar with Wasco County and regional issues. He has worked for more than a decade for Underwood area farmers, ranchers and private property owners to address agricultural concerns, wildfire resiliency, forest health, stream restoration, and water quality issues.

Dan has become a leader in Wasco County as an elected council member of The City of The Dalles. In that position he has demonstrated his leadership skills as a good listener, one who does his homework, studies the issues, asks thoughtful questions, collaborates with other members of the council and who makes informed decisions.

I know Dan as a friend who, with his wife, Judy, and his daughter, values his family. I have often sought his opinions on water quality and wetland issues in and around The Dalles. He has always been willing to take the time to help me better understand issues and to give me good trusted advice.

Like me, I hope you will also vote for Dan as a Wasco County Commissioner.

John Nelson

The Dalles

Vote Marston

As chairman of the recently formed Save Wasco County PAC, I am announcing our endorsement for candidate lawyer Travis Marston who has “legally” filed to run for the District Attorney of Wasco County. Travis has experiences that include a federal water rights case pending in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th District. We are excited about having his legal knowledge accessible in this office. Travis has been helping here to run the ranch after the passing of his father. He splits time between New Mexico and home. Travis manages his law firm in New Mexico remotely. He is a seventh-generation Oregonian, with roots in Shaniko and Ashwood. His college shingles are from both Mississippi College School of Law, Juris Doctor-Law, and the University of Oregon, practicing as a criminal defense lawyer while serving as a bill analyst for the Judiciary Committee for the House or Representatives in Santa Fe. He also served his community on the Ashwood school board. A community driven lawyer, as an Assistant District Attorney for the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, his experience is suited to handle this job well. He’s not a first time leader in a District Attorney’s office.

Wasco County has fallen short of exhibiting a safety record in dealing with crime. Our DAs office culture has been heading in the wrong direction. We feel it’s time to come in and return our streets to a more safe state of conditions. Law enforcement and first responders have enjoyed short visits with Travis, which has been very encouraging. These people are uniquely positioned to see the tragedies of a beleaguered public safety system play out every day in Wasco County. They agree that the DAs culture of "catch and release" is not working. Other communities have dealt with the challenges the legal system faces regarding the efforts to clean up crime. This committee felt it was time Wasco County did the same. We hope you join us in helping Travis turn crime around and make Wasco County safe again.

Terry Turner, chairman, Save Wasco County PAC

The Dalles

Not now

The proposed Levy/Bond for Parks and Rec in Hood River County needs to go back to the planning board. It includes far too many projects (pool, community center with fitness equipment, trails, etc.) for these times. We all like Parks and Rec, but this would increase the P & R taxes 500%, making it the second highest item after schools on property tax statements. (And double the upcoming West Side Fire Department levy amount.)

A property owner who formerly paid about $90 for P & R would now pay about $600, most of it for 25 years (based on Assessed Value of $300,000). Home and business property values have risen dramatically but that does not increase a property owners income. With fire and police also having upcoming levies, we must prioritize.

The Hood River Valley already faces housing problems. Rents will continue to rise as well as retail goods costs. Where will police, fire, education and medical personnel live? Or restaurant workers and retail clerks? Is Hood River aiming to be only a playground for the rich?

Another thought. What if a number of the wealthy in the Hood River Valley pooled their resources and built a community center? “Government” does not need to fund everything. In the past libraries and hospitals were built by the wealthy and gifted to communities. And these did not require funding from everyone, including property owners who are financially strapped. Maybe it’s time to return to that kind of charity.

Marcia Atkinson

Hood River

BOC recall

Recall Klickitat County Commissioners Lori Zoller and Jacob Anderson. Our commissioners are elected to benefit our county. To help fix issues and make positive changes that make us a better country. They were elected by the citizens of Klickitat County, not Wasco County, and not NORCOR.

County commissioners are supposed to bring jobs and money, but by trying to get rid of the jail, they are doing the complete opposite. This closure would cost the county untold amounts of money and the jobs of all the jail staff. But instead of finding ways to fix and improve the jail to make it safe and secure for jail staff, volunteers and inmates, they want to close it and pay a business to do a job that can and should be done at a county level.

Lori Zoller and Jacob Anderson need to be replaced by people that care about our county, people, and money. Instead, they are just using their position for a personal vendetta done by sneaking around to do county business behind taxpayers backs.

Audrey M. Bruce

White salmon

Editor's Note: Zoller and Anderson are on the record saying they have had problems with the sheriff’s office overspending and issues with safety within the jail, as previously reported in Columbia Gorge News. Commissioners are also on the record saying there have long been problems in the jail, and they are working to fix them. Potentially closing the jail and transferring to NORCOR was presented as one option.

Davis for DA

I am writing to express my support for Kara Davis for District Attorney. When I took office in 2021, Kara agreed to come on as my chief deputy. In doing so, she not only agreed to take a pay cut from her previous defense attorney salary, but also agreed to take on a difficult caseload. Kara prosecuted our sex crimes, child abuse, elder abuse, domestic violence cases, along with other high level person felonies. Coming from a background that involved managing a public defender office in Pendleton, she was essential in assisting to run the Wasco County District Attorney's Office. Kara is not soft on crime, nor tough on crime. She is smart on crime. Kara is compassionate when the situation calls for compassion, and she is an absolute bulldog when she needs to be. Many times, I found myself walking out of the courtroom, thinking, “I am glad she is on my team.” I've seen her work with vulnerable victims, and even attend their sporting events on weekends, so they know someone out there is on their side. Given her experience and knowledge, I honestly don't know how I would have made it through that first year without Kara.

Growing up in The Dalles, Kara has a pulse on the community that no transplant could possess. She is a walking encyclopedia of case law, and became the highest asset for attorneys and law enforcement for questions. Even after becoming the elected Gilliam County DA, she agreed to keep cases in Wasco County in the face of difficulty finding a replacement and a budget crunch. She did all of this, not for prestige or money, but because she has a deep love for the community that raised her. Kara is truly a daughter of The Dalles that made good, then returned home to serve her hometown. Kara loves Wasco County. Kara is Wasco County. And on top of all of that, Kara has the chance to become the first woman ever to be elected Wasco County District Attorney.

Matt Ellis

Wasco County District Attorney

Elect Kara Davis DA

I strongly believe Kara Davis should be elected to serve as our next District Attorney. Her “letter of application” in the voters’ pamphlet coupled with her “job interview” at the candidates forum on April 30 at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center provide powerful support for reaching the conclusion that Kara Davis is most definitely a much more qualified candidate than her opponent.

Kara’s educational credentials, her previous job experiences, and her knowledge and understanding of the law are all significantly superior to those of her opponent.

A District Attorney must also possess strong, effective communication skills. The forum made it obvious that Kara excels in this regard. She persuasively explained some on the nuances and intricacies of Oregon law. Kara was clear, concise, and articulate as she discussed the thorny issue of plea bargaining. She emphasized her deeply held belief in balancing the needs and views of the community, the victim and the accused.

Kara Davis has shared with us a thorough set of job-related skills. She is eager to serve the community that she grew up in. She deserves to be the voter's choice.

If you still have doubts, reread the voters’ pamphlet or go online to view the candidates forum at columbiagorgenews.com. Your vote for Kara Davis is also a vote for our community.

Robert Haechrel

The Dalles

You may want to vote ...

If you are working two or more jobs to make ends meet — you may want to vote no. If you can not afford to buy a home in Hood River — you may want to vote no.

If you think rent costs are unaffordable in Hood River — you may want to vote no.

If you don’t like the idea of $5-plus a gallon gasoline— you may want to vote no.

If you think your grocery bill is way too high these days — you may want to vote no.

If you have to make payments on your property taxes— you may want to vote no.

If you struggle to survive on Social Security payments — you may want to vote no.

If you’re on a fixed income — you may want to vote no.

If you receive financial assistance or aide — you may want to vote no.

If you find it difficult to pay your student loan(s) — you may want to vote no.

If you think police and fire protection are important — you may want to vote no.

If you carry a high balance on your credit card(s) — you may want to vote no.

If you feel like you, in general, have a difficult time affording to live to day to day, can’t really afford the general costs of daily life, ever wish there was more money than month then you just may want to vote no on the proposed Hood River Parks & Recreation levies on this May’s ballot. I would love for Hood River to be affordable, so I — you may want to vote no on higher costs of living.

Loran Ayles

Hood River

Teacher appreciation

Each year in May, one week is designated as Teacher Appreciation Week. It's a week to honor these "superheroes" in our lives and give them the credit and recognition that they deserve.

I have been blessed in my life to have had many dedicated and loving teachers in school. While I know it might be impossible to recognize all of the teachers who have touched my life over my many years, I'd like to mention a few of them here. I'm not sure how many of them are still living, but maybe one of their surviving relatives will read this and see the impact that their loved one had on a child.

I have always loved school. Unfortunately, our family did not have the money to send any of the four children in our family to kindergarten since it wasn't offered free to all that wanted to attend yet. Therefore, my early childhood education was from my mother and older brother. They both taught me to read, write, and do simple math for which I am forever grateful.

When I turned 6, I was able to start school in The Dalles, at Dry Hollow. It was a brand new school and a brand new adventure for me. I will never forget my first grade teacher, Mrs. Wilma Smith. She had the most beautiful smile and kind words for all her students. My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Brower, introduced me to square dancing, the Oregon Trail, Beverly Cleary books and to Weekly Readers. In grades 7-9, my art teacher, Mrs. Loretta Smith, and my PE teacher, Mr. Allen Miller, were like a second mother and father to me. They were instrumental in helping me pick a lifelong career.

I wish I were allowed more space for this letter, because there is so many more teachers I'd like to recognize and thank. Teachers like Mrs. Fleck, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Price, Mr. Harmon and so many more that played an important role in my life. Please, if you have a chance this week, thank a teacher.

Courtney Kiser

The Dalles

Polarized?

The media thinks we voters are polarized, but are we? Like me, you defend your right to have your vote count, know the truth, speak the truth. You believe in our court system, in evidence, in the common sense of juries and that no man is above the law. Like me, you agree that a president is not a king and that Democracy’s core principle is the peaceful transfer of power as expressed by the vote. We have that much in common. But here's the rub where we might disagree: The vote count, the will of the people, was called into question by the loser in 2020, Donald Trump. But no election fraud was ever found; that is a fact.

A year of lawsuits in late 2020-2021, more than 60, filed by Republicans in many states across the country, provided no evidence of the alleged voter fraud. But the lies did not stop. There were and still are big profits and enormous political power to be had by both the media and by politicians enabling Trump’s Big Lie. Inspired by election fraud lies, overzealous Trump supporters assaulted Congress. Laws were broken and people died. We all saw it live on TV news. Rioters were charged, found guilty, fined and imprisoned. Until now, those at the top, whose lies inspired and directed such lawless behavior, have gone free.

Trump’s accountability for his lies, for inspiring riots and fake elector conspiracies, has yet to play out in the courts. But Trump's “appeal and delay” legal tactics are working against you and me, the voters, preventing us from ever seeing the whole truth come out before the presidential election. Unless retired, most people are just too busy to pay attention. We are too tired of years of political spin, tired of trying to sort out what is true from what is a lie. But this next election is not just some Superbowl football rivalry, a little air allegedly squeezed out of the ball. Truth itself is being squeezed out of the game of politics and the courts struggle to save us from ourselves.

James McKee

White Salmon

Justesen for commissioner

I am writing this letter in support of Jeff Justesen as a excellent candidate for Wasco County Commissioner. Jeff has lived in Wasco County in for more than 30 years. Jeff is know in communities throughout Wasco County as a 30 year high performing and fair and objective volleyball and basketball official. Jeff has also volunteer many hours supporting youth athletic using a level and kind smile and personality as he coached and served on boards and committees.

Jeff has governmental management experience as a long time NORCOR Juvenile Detention manager, so he has budgeting and fiscal management experience, as well as an understanding of how the various county government department function to meet the needs of the county's residents.

Jeff is honest, fair, a great listener and is keenly interested and vested in the well-being of Wasco County, it's communities and citizens. Without an preconceived agenda or ax to grind, Jeff will do what is right as he fairly and objectively represents Wasco County, its businesses and its people throughout the county.

Please join me in voting for Jeff Justesen as a Wasco County Commissioner.

Eric Nerdin

The Dalles

Border solution

On May 11,1846, then President James K. Polk declared war on Mexico. Mexico and the U. S. disputed land between the Nueces and Rio Grande rivers. In-stead of just clearing Mexico from the disputed region, President Polk annexed all of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada, and portions of Utah, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Among other sources, one might read “The Wicked War” by Amy S. Greenberg for more details.

In March 2014, Russia, under the direction of Vladimir Putin, invaded the Crimea and then in 2022 invaded the whole of Ukraine. His goal is to rebuild the USSR. Most everyone is familiar with that recent history.

President Polk and czarist Putin used the theory “You have it! We want it! We are taking it! It sucks to be you!”

Step back a century or two, the discovery of the American continents fell under the “We are taking it!” rationalization. The Americas were not vacant! Advanced civilizations were present throughout both continents, Aztecs, Incas, Iroquoian, Powhatan, Cahokian, and others. South of the Rio Grande and bordering the Caribbean, new countries integrated the European and Aboriginal cultures. People from those countries have a high probability of Aboriginal representation in their respective DNA. People of Mexican descent certainly have native American ancestry.

Which brings us to the current world situation. We cannot change history. However, we have no obligation to perpetuate it! Just because our ancestors stole the whole of the United States Southwest from Mexico does not obligate us to anoint Putin’s aggression in Ukraine.

Just because General Custer was implementing the unspoken policy, “The only good Indian is a dead Indian” does not mean we have to perpetuate it. The Aboriginal people were here before the Europeans. We must recognize our part in creating the conditions in countries adjacent to the Caribbean. We are part of the problem at the border. A border solution requires a redemptive solution to the economic exploitation of the Caribbean region.

Christian theology argues forgiveness requires redemption. The “Arise my son. Go and sin no more! (John 8:11)”

Terry Armentrout

The Dalles

'Uncommitted' in Primary

In the primary election now underway, Democratic Party voters can send a message to Biden to put real pressure on Israel for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. We can write in "Uncommitted" on our ballots, rather than automatically checking the box for Biden.

This has been done in many states already with surprising support. Here is why it can work:

To date, more than 34,000 people, nearly half children, have been killed in Gaza by the Israeli army. Even if one condones the notion of an-eye-for-an-eye in vengeance, that is nearly 30 Gazans for every one Israeli lost Oct. 7. Despite this, Israel continues incinerating homes and entire neighborhoods, blowing families into pieces, and deliberately starving the survivors.

Seventy percent of Israel's weapons are supplied by the United States — by you and me. We may as well have our names on them. Those supplies make us complicit in what a federal judge recently called "plausible ... genocide" by Israel, which is inhumane and is also illegal under U.S. and international law.

The weapons giveaways that do this "plausible genocide" are leverage the U.S. can use to pressure Israel to permanently end its destruction of Gaza. An "Uncommitted" vote sends a message to explicitly tell Israel: "No ceasefire? No weapons."

This is not a small thing. In the words of that federal judge: "It is every individual's obligation to confront the current siege in Gaza." Where we see the destruction of an entire people happening in front of our eyes, on our dime, we must do what we can within the scope of our influence, even if it seems like a small step. Every journey begins with just that.

This will help, not hurt, Biden's chances for re-election. Americans of all political stripes are increasingly dismayed by his unflinching, unconditional — and expensive — support for Israel. He is particularly alienating the young and minority voters he badly needs to win in November. If he heeds the ceasefire message now, he increases his chance for success. If he does not, Democrats will have only themselves to blame in November.

Susan Crowley

Hood River