Harris, Walz have vote
Many of my friends and family count on Social Security and Medicare benefits. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz understand the need to protect the crucial funding that supports these programs. The Republican nominee has suggested cuts that could reduce benefits for three out of four recipients. I'm voting for Harris/Walz.
American veterans deserve respect and appreciation, and Vice President Harris and Governor Walz agree. The Republican nominee has repeatedly disparaged veterans in word and action. I'm voting for Harris/Walz.
I want my nieces and nephew, along with myself and every US citizen to retain the right to vote, and to have elections, to practice free speech, and freedom of worship. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz believe in First Amendment rights. I'm voting for Harris/Walz.
Affordable housing and affordable health care are a significant piece of the Harris/Walz plan for Americans. The Republican nominee has proposed tariffs that could cost the typical American household OVER $2500 A YEAR. I'm voting for Harris/Walz.
Jill Presley
The Dalles
Reasons for Harris
If you support freedom of speech and the First Amendment, then Harris is the choice for you.
Access to information is essential to a democracy, yet Trump has said he will exact vengeance on those who disagree with him.
Other reasons to support Harris include:
Restoring abortion rights for all Americans and not going back to the days of back alley abortions.
Combating climate change.
Not seeing the Jan. 6 insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol get pardoned for what Trump refers to as a “day of love.” Numerous police officers put their lives on the line that day and several died as a result.
Please join me in voting for Kamala Harris.
Sheila Dooley
Mosier
Yes on 33-111
I am supporting Measure 33-111, which will help our local community college remain strong and grow into the future. The passage of this relatively short-term bond (13 years) and modest amount ($0.27 per $1,000) will raise a total of $18.5 million for Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC), including $5.5 million that we will receive from the state as matching funds.
As the former director of the Port of The Dalles, I believe that a robust community college is essential for providing workforce training to support new and expanding businesses. This training is crucial for attracting and nurturing local enterprises, thereby creating employment opportunities for our youth and fellow citizens. Without a strong community college, our opportunities will be significantly limited.
In addition to local workforce training, it offers a more cost-effective pathway for our children to obtain higher education. By spending two years at CGCC, the total cost of a four-year degree is significantly reduced, alleviating the financial burden on parents and minimizing student loan debt.
Your vote is important, and I hope you will join me in supporting Measure 33-111.
Scott Hege,
Wasco County Commissioner
The Dalles
Vote Boyes for PUD
I am writing this letter to support Dan Boyes in his re-election as Skamania PUD Commissioner. Dan has served us well in his responsibilities as our representation on the board. His questioning of status quo and offering a perspective built from a career in the private sector has served the PUD well in looking at alternatives and thinking outside the box.
Since Dan has been a commissioner, he has pushed for prudent planning so we the citizens are not left with stranded costs and the utility is ready to face future needs.
The unfortunate truth is that costs are increasing in every sector and eventually that hits the utility and the ability to pay the bills that get the power to us. I find it hard to believe Dan’s opponent’s rhetoric that the board just says yes to everything without fully vetting, questioning, and pushing for options that lessen the rate impacts. I know Dan and he questions everything and is not afraid to stand alone.
The PUD is functioning productively and reliably. Don’t believe what his opponent says, call Dan or one of the other commissioners. This board with Dan as president works hard to keep Skamania PUD accountable, transparent and reliable!
I believe that Dan Boyes is the best choice for our Skamania County Public Utility District!
Matt Califf
Washougal
Email leaders
Just sent emails to Merkley and Wyden with the following message:
I hope you don't ignore the fact that Israel is occupying land they took with military force in 1967. The Palestinians and their neighbors are angry and fighting back. I wonder what would happen if we cut off all aid to Israel with the statement that they need to respect their neighbors and make friends with them? Wouldn't that be a good leadership position for you and the rest of America? Our goal is peace. Right?
Feel free to send the same to them: www.merkley.senate.gov/connect/contact and www.wyden.senate.gov/contact/email-ron.
Jon Nigbor
Hood River
Better off
Some facts to consider:
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was 19,173 in March 2020. It's peak during Trump was 29,298 on Feb. 10, 2020. Today it's 42,949, a 146% increase.
Migrants crossing the border were 56,408 for July. This is the lowest since September 2020.
There is a lot of scaremongering about transgender athletes. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) says there are less than 100 competing in sports. The organization behind these stories, "Save Women's Sports," has only been able to identify five competing students. Politico says out of 85,000 student athletes, they found four, and only one competing in female sports.
Brennon Center for Justice says migrants are 47% less likely to commit crimes and are incarcerated 60% less than U.S. born citizens. Also serious crimes (murders and rapes) have been declining since the peak in the summer of 2020 (when Trump was president).
New York City's comptroller has reported migrants take up 15,750 rooms in 157 hotels, dormitories and office buildings. Some owners of hotel properties have capitalized on this. Which would you rather have, a 50% occupancy or a guaranteed 100%? The population of New York City is 9 million.
Mortgage rates were higher throughout the 1970s and '80s, peaking at 16%. Under George Bush, the rates were 8% in 2000. In 2018, they had come down to 4.54% and reached the low of 2.96% in 2021 at the height of the pandemic, when unemployment spiked. The high under Biden was 6.8% and is currently 6%. So, in context, the current rate is lower than under George Bush.
The lowest unemployment got under Trump was 3.7%. At the end of 2020 (under Trump), it was more than 8%. Today it's 4%.
Are we better off? My answer is "yes." In February 2020, the world was entering an existential crisis with COVID; 763 million cases were reported and 7 million died. Today, for some this seems to be a distant memory. They are forgetting everything that went into righting the ship ... the PPP and infrastructure spending that helped people out and put people back to work.
For all these reasons, we are voting for Harris.
Gary Rains
Parkdale
Salvation?
Examine the reality of white christian attempts to "Make America Great Again." In the 300,000 years of DNA-proven human existence, well developed civilizations existed — Aztecs, Incas, Cahokia, Tasmania, and others throughout India, Africa, and the Pacific. The Garden of Eden was not unique. In 1494, Columbus returned with the mandate of the pope and kings. He began a destructive path characterized by "God, Glory, and Gold." His directions were to impose the salvation of Christianity on the “Indians." Astonished Americans first saw a sailing ship and had no understanding of the intruder’s Iberian and Latin gibberish. Columbus began the Christian salvation with torture and mass murder. Cortez, Balboa, Desota, and others continued the reign of terror. They returned with all the stolen gold and silver galleons could hold. A century later, the English, French, and Dutch joined the Christian salvation of terror with Jamestown and Plymouth. Sailors brought with them diseases of smallpox, influenza, and sexually transmitted diseases to punctuate this salvation.
The Christian salvation continues into the present day with Shoenbrunn, Indian wars, slavery, Wounded Knee, Jim Crow, Carlisle Pennsylvania assimilation, George Floyd, Charlottesville, Virginia, Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburg, Portland stabbing on the MAX, and Jan. 6 insurrection. The Christian salvation remains alive and vigorous.
The Christian nationalist and Trump work hard at denying the sordid “Christian” history. They attempt to ban books and curriculum. They honor slavery with statues of mutineers. They try to replace history with myths of glory. They twist their own violence into myths of their own martyrdom. They have their own commercial communication networks of deception and misinformation. They deny the catastrophe of global warming with faux news of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) encroachment. They dismiss massive storms as government conspiracies. They elevate Trump, the convicted felon, into the second coming of Cyrus their redeemer.
Make America Great Again means: Packing the Supreme Court, funding private “Christian” madrassas with public money, using the curse of Ham to deny citizens the right to vote, and reducing women into male possessions once more.
Vote for Harris and Walz!
Terry Armentrout
The Dalles
Holding America, Gorge together
With election balloting under way, there is an understandable focus on voting and the ultimate outcomes — on national, state, and local levels. Equally important is how we handle ourselves post-election.
It would be wise to prepare ourselves now for the election results, whatever they may be. We simply commit to keeping a grip on our emotions and to holding things together, regardless of the outcomes.
My own support for accomplishing this includes the Columbia Gorge Alliance of Braver Angels. This alliance meets monthly to evoke curiosity and practice dialog regarding differing political points of view, and to discuss important public policy issues. We’re working to bridge the partisan divide at the grassroots level, along with 110 other Braver Angels Alliances spread across the country. Our next gathering is Thursday, Nov. 7 at The Dalles UCC Congregational Church. All our meetings are open to the public.
Whatever the results of the election, let’s remain in robust political dialog with the “opposition,” keeping in mind they are not the “enemy.”
Doug Roof
Hood River
Equality
Transgendered people have existed for thousands of years before there was a term for it. Many Native American cultures recognized three, four, or more genders. When people migrated Westward, there was an opportunity for self-expression and fulfillment. There was a history of bravery, fear, obstacles, self expression, and acceptance.
At an exhibit at the Oregon Historical Society in Portland, many of these people are depicted. They are born one sex but live life and identify as another. Dr. Marie Equi, who lived in The Dalles, was a physician and an activist for the fair treatment of working women and children. She was a lesbian who became a noteworthy voice of change. Our history is rich with tales of different types of people who have contributed positively to society.
Discriminating against people is morally wrong. Our very history is woven by people of all kinds. We cannot tolerate inequality, name calling or abuse of any kind. Engaging in abusive behavior demoralizes our whole society which is founded by inclusion, respect and equality for all.
Lark Lennox
The Dalles
Support park, community center
Underwood has a very important ballot measure this election cycle. Proposition 1 under Skamania County Park and Recreation District 1 will appear on your ballot. How you vote will determine the future of our park and community center. If the measure passes, the Underwood Parks and Rec District (UPRD) board can continue maintaining and improving our community center and park, and continue providing programs, services and resources our community has grown to enjoy. This is not a new tax. It is a ballot measure to renew an existing tax levy. The tax secures a modest, reliable income source for maintaining operations and services at the Underwood Community Center. I urge all of my fellow Underwood neighbors to VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 1.
Robin McConnell
Underwood
Too new, radical
I know Marla. Her supporters would like to present her as a long-time community advocate, even though she moved here in 2016 after being a New Yorker for 16 years. She jumped into local politics right after arriving. So, while her backers paint her as a rightfully motivated activist rooted in Klickitat County, the truth is she’s a relative newcomer/do-gooder who quickly inserted herself into government.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to get involved, but should someone with just a handful of years here, most of them spent advancing her political agenda, really represent our district in the State Senate? Her record, especially as mayor, shows her pushing policies that don’t align with the interests of long-time residents. Take the fire department merger she helped facilitate, which cost homeowners, including myself, an extra $400 a year. I have the same services and pay more money. According to her, affordable housing is a priority, but what’s her frame of reference for affordability? Someone with a TV producer’s salary? Let’s keep people in their homes, not tax them out. Meanwhile, the city pays rent for people when they’re on the verge of eviction. Does the city pay mortgages too? If so, it may not be long before I give Marla a call.
While her supporters are quick to criticize "outsider" corporations for opposing her, they conveniently ignore that Marla herself is an outsider. When asked if she had a special connection to the Hood River Bridge, she said she needs it to take her kids to daycare. For those of us that have lived here most — if not all our lives — our connection to that bridge is that we’ve been shelling out money to the Port of Hood River, who in turn blows it on their froofy waterfront instead of a replacement bridge.
If anyone is pushing a radical agenda here, it’s not the people calling her out. It’s Marla Keethler, who arrived here less than a decade ago and has already made decisions that impact our wallets and our lives.
Kevin Herman
White Salmon
Vote for Keethler
Recently, I received a negative campaign ad targeting White Salmon Mayor Marla Keethler, candidate for the Washington State Senate, 17th District. The ad, funded by a political action committee (PAC) with ties to the oil industry, falsely accuses Keethler of “giving herself a raise”— a claim that is completely false and is intentionally meant to deceive voters.
As an elected councilor of the White Salmon City Council, I feel it is important to clarify that it was the council, not Mayor Keethler, who voted unanimously to increase the salary of the mayor. To be extra clear, the mayor has no authority to set or increase their own salary. The city council raised the pay for the role of mayor from $650 per month to $2,000 per month, reflecting the reality that the job had become a full-time commitment. This increase was driven by a need to recognize the value and demands of the role, not by any self-interest on the mayor’s part. In truth, the position’s compensation should be even higher, but our town operates on limited resources.
Mayor Keethler has shown exceptional leadership and dedication in moving our city forward on a multitude of fronts. She has been a key player in securing more than $300 million for the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge replacement and has tirelessly pursued grants to upgrade our critically outdated infrastructure, particularly our water system, which has faced years of underfunding.
It is disheartening to see the interests of oil companies and real estate groups target her for her support of affordable housing and climate action — two issues our community and our state need strong leadership on. I am confident she is well-prepared to advocate for the people of Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties as a state senator. I am proud of the vote we made to compensate the mayor’s role fairly, and I encourage others to look beyond these deceptive, misleading ads and consider who truly has the interests of our communities at heart.
Jim Ransier
White Salmon
City Councilor, position 4
Pro Trump
I confess a certain (small) part of me was OK with the Democrat takeover in 2020. Finally, I hoped, they would give up their obsession with Trump and start focusing on what’s best for the country. Also, I rationalized, maybe Democrats need to be put in charge periodically just to demonstrate you don’t want that to happen very often.
I was wrong to think Democrats might get over their obsession with Trump. Trump demonization is literally all they have, and they do seem genuinely fearful he would do to them what they’ve been doing to him. I was right about demonstrating what a mistake it is to put those people in power, but I honestly had no idea just how awful it would be this time. I assumed, like a lot of people, that Biden was more of a traditional Democrat and would moderate the radical impulses somewhat. It’s now obvious he is just a figurehead, and the radicals have taken over completely.
They’ve been in charge almost four years now. The end of the lockdowns was positive, but what else has improved? The border? Crime? Inflation? Interest rates? Energy independence? Fuel prices? Drug overdoses? Afghanistan? Israel? Ukraine? Homelessness? Lawfare? National debt?
Yes, I know, we had “infrastructure” legislation, a small fraction of which actually went to physical infrastructure, a “climate change” bill, which ultimately will have no impact on climate, the ludicrously titled “Inflation Reduction Act” which made inflation worse, and millions in debt transferred from people who took out loans to those who did not. Even if you like some of this stuff, does it make up for the chaos? America is in demonstrably worse shape with these people in power. Harris is both incompetent AND radical, and we may not recover from another four years of this nonsense. The people telling you Trump will make himself dictator and “end Democracy” if (democratically) elected again are the very same people telling you Biden was “sharp as a tack and fit as a fiddle” until they couldn’t hide it anymore. They lie. Vote accordingly.
Steve Hudson
The Dalles
Not normal election
This is not a normal presidential election where we can debate policy and proposals. This is an election requiring all of us to put our country ahead of politics.
My father was an Army Sargent First Class who risked his life to serve our county during World War II. He saw firsthand the evil that Hitler and his followers unleashed on the world. He would not recognize his beloved country now. My dad was a sensible Republican who embraced the values of the GOP, before it was taken over by extremists. He would be devastated and shocked to see all that he fought for at risk today.
Please join me in honoring all those who served to protect us from fascism and for the future of our democracy by voting for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Marolyn Wilks
The Dalles
For Tania Wildbill
As multi-generational Oregonians, we write to express support for Tania Wildbill for Senate District 29. As a “non-affiliated” candidate, she is working with Republicans, Democrats, and other parties alike to bring people together. Having raised her family and dedicated 25 years in Umatilla County, her qualifications and career are built upon a Columbia University journalism degree, professional communications to facilitate cross-sector relations and garner funding and resources for state and Tribal governments, nonprofits and small business.
She follows in the footsteps of many rural farmers and ranchers and her hometown New York City idol, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, hoping to be elected not being a politician. Having worked throughout the U.S. and abroad, Tania now calls rural Oregon home and will continue building networks and use her sharpest tools; community assessment, communications and relationship building to represent the people throughout District 29. She has traveled throughout the district, swam the Columbia River, walked many miles in the Blue Mountains and rural trails. During her campaign, she talked with residents about their needs, hopes and accomplishments of their communities.
For those confused by her opponent Todd Nash, listed as both a Republican and Democrat, it is important to know local Democrats do not support Nash (see www.wallowa.com/democrats-criticize-right-to-life-letters-for-nash-levy/article_72b91c14-0e40-11ef-92b8-df470b8c578c.html). From the southwestern part of District 29 in Warm Springs, we encourage you to join us to vote for Tania Wildbill.
Lewis and Jolene Pitt
Warm Springs
Vote Andrews
Commissioner District 1 candidate Todd Andrews has a lot of skills and experiences from which Klickitat County citizens can benefit. He has operated several successful ventures that put his clients first. Andrews has built relationships all over the country and the world, but he chose to live here. He cares deeply about Klickitat County and has experienced what happens when government works for the people, and when it works against the people. He is well qualified for the role of county commissioner.
What Andrews does not have to do is explain his support for keeping communities safe. He supports law enforcement as they serve the public daily in keeping our county safe. What he does not have is thousands of dollars in outside influence coming into his campaign from the west side and around the country. He has not accepted money from, for instance, the “Wend Collective,” run by one of the Walmart heirs. According to Inside Philanthropy, “It [is] secretive about its activities: It has no website to publish its past grants, no non-profit status to force it to report its grantmaking, and it even requests that its grantees keep the source of their funding anonymous.” Most of its activities lean towards things the “defund the police” people support. (Since my dad’s cousins were pretty much forced into “collectives” in the old Soviet puppet state of Czechoslovakia, I’m not real fond of the term.) And, if you go to pdc.wa.gov, you’ll see that Todd Andrews does know how to correctly fill out contributions and expenditures spreadsheets (you can review his opponent’s PDC reports there and compare the two). Todd Andrews can do the complex work required to develop and implement a budget. His heart is for Klickitat County. Please vote for Todd Andrews.
Dave Barta
Goldendale
Vote for CGCC
I am writing in favor of Measure 33-111. This measure will support Columbia Gorge Community College's (CGCC) efforts to educate our local workforce, a task I have had the pleasure of aiding for the past 13 years in the Gorge. It has not been an easy task, but throughout my entire career in education after leaving industry myself, CGCC has played a vital role supporting the entire Columbia River Gorge. My educational career started at The Dalles High School, where I taught automotive and later welding classes. Even then, CGCC provided immense support of trades education, even hosting The Dalles High School welding and fabrication classes on their campus before they even offered for-credit courses themselves. They could be relied on to share their equipment and to connect me, a new comer to the gorge to local industry.
I am now proud to be an instructor in the Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication Associate of Applied Science degree pathway at CGCC. We've been fortunate to bring in high quality equipment, and make it accessible to local startups, innovators, hobbyists, businesses and of course our students. Through economic development partnerships with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership, the AM&F program has kept $382,000 in our region. This is money that would have normally been sent outside to places like Southern California.
Measure 33-111 is a great way to support work like this, not just for students and our future workforce, but also for direct return on investment into our community. Not only does it not raise taxes, it provides matching funding from outside the Gorge of $5.5 million. There are many immediate impacts, one is that there are plans to create a parking lot at our building. Currently, we serve about 60 people daily — and we have three parking spots, one of which is handicap/ADA accessible. Another dividend on your vote is by allowing CGCC to pay off its debt for the Skills Center in full, saving lots of money on future interest payments. This is much like an investment in maintenance on a car — it pays off later.
Robert Wells-Clark
The Dalles
Kitchings, Ihrig
These are challenging times for Klickitat County. Revenues have fallen because the company operating the landfill lost some big contracts. We’ve got to figure out how to meet the needs of county residents while the costs of doing so rise.
We need county commissioners who have the skills to work collaboratively with each other in order to tackle these challenges. Two candidates, Amanda Kitchings for position 1 and Ron Ihrig for position 3, have demonstrated strong collaboration skills. They will both bring a “can-do” problem-solving mentality to the task. Amanda has a strong business background, and she wants the county to pursue grants to help generate the revenues needed to provide services for our residents. Ron completed a term on the Board of Commissioners in the past and continues to volunteer extensively. He’s running to serve as a commissioner again because he sees the need for someone who works well with others to step up.
Amanda Kitchings for Position 1 and Ron Ihrig for Position 3 — competent, caring, and collaborative. That’s what we need.
Rick George
White Salmon
Steele for PUD
Even though we have a secret ballot for a reason, I would like to publicly endorse Mel Steele for Public Utility District (PUD) commissioner.
I have talked with her and I have come to the conclusion she really will be a voice for the ratepayers. In the past it has been my experience that our PUD commissioners don't have a clue what is going on with the ratepayers. She has a ton of knowledge as to how the power grid works and how important it is to recognize the needs of those she would represent.
During the tenure of the current commissioner, the rates for electricity and water have skyrocketed. I have personally had conversations with locals who must choose between food for their families and paying their PUD bill. I have not heard a single conversation held by the current commissioners that address the needs of the ratepayers and owners of the PUD.
The current commissioner is saying the rates will go up, whether for electric charging stations or more equipment so they can do demand rates for their customers. There is already a rate increase that will go into effect this coming year. With the new meters they can track and charge more during demand times, such as dinner time and family time. The PUD manager has confirmed to me that it will be coming to our bills in the future. Even though there are relief programs for some low-income customers, not everyone who has a need qualifies.
Mel Steele understands that we the people need a voice on the board, that we need to be truly represented. She has shared with me her deep respect for the PUD workers. But she has also expressed her concern for we the people and the current state of the economy that makes it difficult sometimes to keep the lights on. We need a new voice on the board that is willing to be our voice and someone who sees a need to keep our utilities affordable.
Vote Mel Steele, someone who sees the people.
Jean Foster
Carson
Pres. vote
Just a short letter to ask that you please, please, consider voting Democratic for the presidential ticket this go-round, be you of Republican, Independent, Pacific Green, Progressive, We the People, Working Families, Libertarian, Constitutional, nonpartisan, or Democratic Party affiliation.
Like Joe Stewart, our courageous, life-long Republican and longtime The Dalles community member, who has called us all out to vote for our democracy over party for president, I believe this is the most important election that has taken place in our lifetimes, to do this.
If this situation was reversed, and the Democratic candidate for president was a wannabe tyrant, I would hope that I had the courage to do what Joe is doing now — voting for our democracy for president, and that is to vote for the Democratic candidate this significant time.
That’s the only part of your vote that I’m asking that you consider changing. I believe that future generations of our children will thank you over and over again.
Bruce Lumper
The Dalles
Fascists among us
Fascism is a far right, authoritarian, and ultra nationalist political ideology, and movement characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived good of the nation or race and strong regimentation of society and the economy. This form of government is associated with Hitler and Mussolini who were responsible for the murder of millions of people, especially Jews, during World War II.
During the past weeks and months, three highly respected generals who served in the Trump administration have stated that Trump is a fascist. The past joint chief of staff, General Milley, said Trump is a Fascist to the core. Last week, General Kelly, who was Trump’s longest serving chief of staff, said Trump fits the definition of a fascist and doesn’t have the character to be president.
The overwhelming evidence has established that Trump is a fascist. Trump has said he will be a dictator on day one. Among other things, Trump has stated he will use the military to go after the “enemy from within,” including the former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Adam Schiff and other political opponents. Trump has a fascination for Putin and other dictators around the world. He has also said he wants generals like Hitler had and that Hitler did some good things.
So the question is: “How many Trump voters are Fascists?” Probably not all Trump voters are Fascists, but to ignore the evidence that Trump is a Fascist, and still vote for Trump raises the question. A vote for Trump is a vote for Fascism reversing 250 years of democracy. A vote for Kamala Harris is a vote to preserve democracy and our way of life.
Robert Havig
White Salmon
Boyes for PUD
Dan Boyes has my vote for PUD - Public Utility Commissioner.
I have been an elected official in the past, and serving the general public takes a lot of work and dedication. It is my opinion Boyes does a commendable job when dealing with those of us that ask questions about the workings of our local PUD and also the regional power goals, both contemporary and future. A vote for Boyes assures us of continuous excellent representation.
Bob Talent
Stevenson
Steele speaks
Your utility bills and services for the next 6 years are at stake.
Hi, I’m Maria Mel Steele in Skamania (16-years, Pacific-Northwest 44-years). I’m retired from Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Building, Department-of-Interior-NW as a regional planning forester. Being a public servant most my life, included planning balancing transmission lines with power grid sources. The areas of public policy I’m most passionate about are Skamania County Public Utility District’s (SCPUD) management policies.
Washington State Utility-Transportation-Communications says our PUD is Self-Regulated by local PUD Commissioners (Source-UTC, WA-Auditors). The incumbent Dan Boyes admits to raising rates (Source-Voters-Pamphlet, SCPUD-Resolutions) and has what I call “lunchbox excuses.” SCPUD Strategic Plan states that “rates will be stable.” Upon presentation, the PUD Commissioners argued against stable rates saying that they have to raise rates. Then, the general manager responded by saying “stable” means they will always increase rates (SCPUD-Public-Meeting Strategic Plan 12/5/23).
I’m against the 2019 to 2024 rates price gouging and definitely consider it unfair and unjust.
Learn more about my plan to lower utility bills and reduce debt for public utility in Skamania County. Visit pud2024steele.com/videos/. I can be contacted at 509-637-3720 or pud2024steele@gmail.com. You can also view my “Meet and Greet the Candidate Skamania County Public Utility Commissioner Hopeful Maria Mel Steele" on YouTube at youtu.be/RNRtq8hbeTw.
Maria Mel Steele
Skamania County
Editor's note: This is the last day for election letters ahead of the Tuesday, Nov. 5 general election. Any received after press deadline will appear online only at columbiagorgenews.com.
Ethics Should Matter: Reason's not to vote for Trump
1. Draft dodger https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2019/02/27/trumps-lawyer-no-basis-for-presidents-medical-deferment-from-vietnam/
2. Marriage to more than one wife and had affairs with others! Paid others to hide any evidence of his sexual predator nature. https://www.google.com/search?q=trump%27s+wives&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS923US943&oq=trimps+wives&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDAgBEAAYChixAxiABDIGCAAQRRg5MgwIARAAGAoYsQMYgAQyCQgCEAAYChiABDIJCAMQABgKGIAEMgkIBBAAGAoYgATSAQg4NDkyajFqNKgCArACAeIDBBgBIF8&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#sbfbu=1&pi=trump's%20wives. https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-stormy-daniels-karen-mcdougal-payoffs-40dd9d1f3590dfcd5c494b1815e9eaa2
3. Used corporate bankruptcy as a way to increase personal wealth cheating suppliers and took advantage of his employees retirements! https://www.abi.org/feed-item/examining-donald-trump%E2%80%99s-chapter-11-bankruptcies
4. Started a trade war that killed American jobs in his first two years! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/China%E2%80%93United_States_trade_war
5. Signed a tax bill that flatlined the stock market and forced the Fed to start lowering interest rates to try to prevent a recession. https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-tax/the-2017-trump-tax-law-was-skewed-to-the-rich-expensive-and-failed-to-deliver
6. Said a global pandemic was a liberal hoax to kill the economy. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna114572
7. Set the record for largest deficit in history. 3.3 trillion! (Didn’t pay his bills!) https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1145721
8. He was investigated and found to have welcomed and encouraged election interference by a foreign government and to have obstructed justice to cover his crimes. https://swalwell.house.gov/issues/russia-trump-his-administration-s-ties
9. Was impeached for abusing his office to try to coerce a foreign leader into helping him smear a political rival. https://swalwell.house.gov/issues/russia-trump-his-administration-s-ties
10. Impeached again for inciting an insurrection to try to stay in power after easily and predictably losing his re-election bid. Jan 2,2021
11. Indicted for almost 100 felonies after leaving office. https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2023/07/politics/trump-indictments-criminal-cases/
S. Michael Carlson
Tygh Valley
Tired of lies
I’m tired of the political divisiveness, the nasty campaigns and the lies, which is why I’m voting for the candidate who kept it clean, has a track record of accomplishing set goals, keeping his word and working across the aisle for the betterment of everyone. David Stuebe is my choice.
David Stuebe puts people over politics. He has spent his life in service to his community and to his country with 30 years in the Marine Corps, retiring as a Colonel. David’s resume is impressive and speaks to how he will be as a legislator — compassionate, moderate and collaborative.
Holly Metzner
Washougal
'Fired for good reason'
If you had a friend who complained that everyone was against him, and the firm you both worked at before you retired fired him for no good reason, you might ask friends why he got fired. Say that a good percentage of the people said he was just awful to work for, and that they couldn’t recommend him, or ever, ever, hire him back. If enough of them said he nearly ruined the company as the CEO, and would surely do so if he was hired back, then you might rethink any sympathy you had for his sorry-ass story.
And that is Donald J. Trump. Half his cabinet and his former vice president are not endorsing him. His longest serving chief of staff, John Kelly, said he praised Hitler and fit the definition of a fascist. As did his chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who also said he was “the most dangerous person to this country.” Yeah, you say, that’s just a couple of disgruntled losers who are out to get Trump. But they are all Republicans who worked for him, who he hired (as “the best people”), who voted for him, and believed in him until they couldn’t anymore. The list is long.
Mark Browne
White Salmon
Re-elect Richardson
I’m writing to express my support for re-electing Dan Richardson to The Dalles City Council.
Dan has deep roots in our community, and he cares deeply for his neighbors. Dan is an independent leader who shows up prepared, listens, and finds common ground. He knows that details matter. He keeps a watchful eye on our city’s budget, and he asks hard questions to make sure local government is serving the community.
Dan has also delivered for The Dalles. He’s working on big issues like keeping our community safe, investing in local businesses, making sure we have clean drinking water, lowering housing costs, and beautifying our downtown.
Dan has proven he can get things done to improve our community. Let’s send him back to City Council to keep delivering for The Dalles. Please join me in voting to re-elect Dan Richardson to The Dalles City Council.
Marcus Swift
The Dalles
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