Cheer on sports teams
I have attended two Riverhawks football games this year. Each game had a little bit of everything. Very entertaining! Yet I was struck by the stoic nature of the fans in the stands. This is NOT how it was when I was in high school. There is so much to cheer for! Offensive plays (runs and passes), big defensive plays, amazing cheerleader stunts, and the pep band. Come on, people! Let’s hear something! Unplug from the cell phones and cheer! Bring out your cowbells!
The Dalles Riverhawks football team, cheerleaders, and band need your support! They can hear your silence. There are at least two more home games remaining. Shout out for your kids and team! They can hear you!
Brian Barrett
The Dalles
Vote Sanders
I have been a resident, business owner and nurse in Hood River County for 37 years. Never have state politics been more important to me than now. We need a fresh start, not business as usual in House District 52.
Hank Sanders is engaged in community. He is meeting us and listening face to face, door to door and understanding all sides of our issues. Hank is inspired to take action.
There is an ominous current threat to our way of life in our district: data centers. Last I knew, there are 14 proposals to construct these monstrous footprints. Sadly, Hank’s opponent has cast votes three times in support. Nothing is worth the giveaway of our water in this time of dwindling snowfall! Hank is against data centers because they create major resource, environmental and community challenges such as fossil fuel reliance, intense water consumption, high energy demand, heat and air pollution, e-waste and limited permanent jobs. Enough red carpet rolled out!
Cast your vote for Hank Sanders for House District 52 representative!
Jane Camero
Hood River
On sycophants
Sycophant: one who praises those in power in order to gain their approval (www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sycophant).
After Jan. 6, 2021, here are some of the statements from Republican senators:
“Jan. 6 was a disgrace … They did this because they had been fed wild falsehoods by the most powerful man on Earth — because he was angry he’d lost an election,” said Sen. Mitch McConnell on Feb. 13, 2021, who has not been to work since the middle of June 2026.
“When it comes to accountability, the president [Trump] needs to understand that his actions were the problem, not the solution …” said Sen. Lindsey Graham on Jan. 7, 2021.
Yet these two, and 41 other Republican senators, voted “not guilty” on the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump.
As I write on this on Sept. 11, 2026, I reflect on the ONLY time that NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization, created in 1949 by the U.S., Canada and several Western European nations) committed to the collective defense agreement. Yet under the current regime, NATO allies have been bashed by the current president because they did not want to get involved in an unprovoked WAR against Iran. As a candidate, Trump said he would end the Ukraine/Russian conflict in one day (www.cnn.com/2025/04/25/politics/fact-check-trump-ukraine-war). This did not happen; instead, Trump started a war of choice in the Middle East alongside Israel this year (six months and counting), and has created a tariff war with one of our two closest neighbors.
In Congress, only four of 211 Republican house members and only four of 52 Republican senators voted to remove the U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran, pursuant to the War Powers Resolution 5(c).
Finally, the “big ugly bill” (H.R. 1) passed last year, which cut more than 10% to Medicaid spending, will transfer more wealth from the poor to the rich, and require ever more work requirements to people needing basic assistance to have access to food. The Republican speaker of the house canceled two weeks of their September session after having a five week summer recess.
The antidote for sick elephants?
Join me in voting for anyone without a “R” by their name.
Adam Miers
Hood River
Long for mayor
Last night (Sept. 8), I attended the meeting of the Wasco County Democrats and heard both Timothy McGlothlin and Darcy Long speak to the group about their candidacy for mayor for The Dalles in this upcoming November election.
With McGlothlin, I heard someone who was relying too heavily on past service without a vision for the future. When I asked very pointed questions about McGlothlin’s rubber stamp votes approving Google expansion and subsequent access to the aquifers under the town, McGlothlin stumbled, and even didn’t recall that Google had paid for the study used by the city to inform the council for that decision.
While I am not a voter (live just outside the city limits) in this mayoral race, I want to emphasize that whatever the city does has impacts beyond the boundaries of The Dalles.
My well has gone down 15 feet (I am just up Chenowith Creek from Google) in the past 15 years.
That’s no accident.
I am extremely concerned about the future of water in The Dalles. Once Google runs us dry at 550 million gallons a year, like a vampire, they will move on to the next victim city. Meanwhile, The Dalles will be a dry ghost town. Then what? McGlothlin had a direct hand in this destiny and remains unrepentant about his role.
On the other hand, Long, as a fellow city council member, had raised concerns, asked questions, and wanted to proceed with caution but was overruled. She also pointed out in her presentation last night that there are some critical decisions coming up on the future of the city, and provided her vision of incorporating the voices of citizens in that decision-making process. She also made a point to say that as the next mayor, she will make sure that people attending city council meetings will have a say on the agenda, unlike the current format.
Darcy Long has my support. She has the vision, moral integrity, critical thinking, and leadership skills that will guide The Dalles towards a brighter future.
I urge you to vote for her.
Dawn Rasmussen
The Dalles
Gambee excels
Have you seen Lisa Gambee’s website, votelisagambee.com? Really impressive. Check it out!
I’ve had various opportunities to be around Lisa, to observe her, and to hear her speak. These are my main takeaways:
Lisa is very smart. She does her homework thoroughly. She’s kind, has top-notch people skills, and is a serious, experienced, passionate public servant, determined to help move our county forward through tough times.
Don’t miss this chance to help such a talented community leader become a Wasco County commissioner! Vote Gambee!
Connie Krummrich
The Dalles
Sanders has fresh eyes
I believe the future will be in the hands of our younger generation, who will bring the skills necessary to manage the complexities of an ever changing world. I believe Hank Sanders is an excellent candidate to be the next Oregon State Representative representing District 52.
I have lived in Wasco County for nearly 50 years and know how important it is to have a candidate who will bring fresh ideas to some of our more complex issues such as affordable housing and lowering costs for working families. While data centers were welcomed in 2006, we now understand how they can negatively impact our communities through higher utility bills for everyone in the Mid-Columbia area. Hank Sanders has the energy to work with other leaders to help solve these concerns. I cannot stress how important it is and how lucky we are to have a candidate with Hank’s energy, who will attract our younger generations into becoming involved in community service.
Please look to the future and vote with me for Hank Sanders for State Representative.
Bill Lennox
The Dalles
Patriotism
The recent letter to the editor “Voting Against Yourself” attempts to criticize Republicans by asking, “Why do people vote against their best interests?” Easy answer: Some vote for the best interests of their country rather than their own self-interest — a concept known as patriotism. Conversely, voting solely for personal gain can be viewed as selfish.
The letter inadvertently highlights a fundamental difference between Republicans and Democrats, and through its own thinking, provides a straightforward argument against its own premise.
Bill Perconti
Goldendale
Gambee a trusted leader
Lisa Gambee is a trustworthy, thoughtful, and smart commissioner candidate. She has a proven record in nonpartisan leadership, is strategically minded, and ethically grounded. Lisa spent nearly a decade in public service as the Wasco County clerk. It was in this role that she gained valuable insight into Wasco County government, proved her worth as a skilled leader, and earned the public’s trust through her many citizen interactions.
Lisa recognizes that Wasco County faces difficult challenges. It needs a commission with leadership backbone and savvy to envision and employ pragmatic solutions for meeting those challenges. If elected, Lisa Gambee would bring her exceptional personal and professional qualities and public service experience to the commission table. Her presence and participation would be impactful to the benefit of the county.
Lisa’s experience and understanding of the county’s challenges have led to her thoughtful assessment of priorities, along with strategies, for meeting some of these challenges (www.votelisagambee.com).
Lisa’s top priorities include: 1) access to affordable housing, 2) wildfire and public safety, 3) data centers and community benefits, 4) economic development and resilience, and 5) rural water infrastructure and community health and safety. Lisa knows that these priorities target issues that need to be dealt with at the county level to help support the efforts of rural communities as well as the city of The Dalles.
Lisa’s county-wide experience, from south county to the whole county, has instilled in her a clear understanding of community needs. Knowledge of how county government works and the needs of communities are crucial to a commissioner’s effectiveness at the job. Lisa has that knowledge and she would be an effective commissioner on day one. Given her experience, knowledge, and “can-do” attitude, Lisa has developed a strong resolve to step into a leadership role, positioning herself to help improve the lives and livelihoods of residents in Wasco County. You can help her do that.
Trusted leadership is rare. Don’t let this opportunity to elect a true and trusted leader slip by. Your vote counts. Your community is counting on it.
Sue Knapp
Maupin
Defend the Gifford Pinchot
I live on the doorstep of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GP). I regularly enjoy accessing the trails and roadless areas of the GP as a way to retreat to one of the most beautiful places on earth and enjoy the true wilderness experience it offers.
This gem, our beloved GP, is now under threat in the most egregious way. The Trump administration’s effort to overturn the 2001 Roadless Rule is barely a step away from criminal, with the sole motive to appease multinational donors who only want to exploit the GP’s vast natural resources for personal and shareholder financial gain. There will be ZERO positive impact for those of us who live in the area and enjoy the GP in its current state. The negative economic impacts on the communities that rely on the tourism the forest generates will be felt deeply by all of us. But the ultimate victim will be the GP itself and its fragile ecosystem.
There are many negative impacts the proposed rule change will have on the GP. A few include:
1. Loss of major carbon banks (old-growth forests) that are desperately needed to combat global climate change.
2. The undermining of current ecological conservation work that has taken decades to administer and produce positive results.
3. Riparian devastation resulting from runoff and heavy erosion caused by old-growth forest logging, mining, and road construction.
4. The siltation and warming of cool oxygen-rich water required by salmon and steelhead.
5. The fragmentation of critical habitat needed by animal species, including those currently under threat: Northern Spotted Owl, Pacific Fisher, Bull Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, and Coho Salmon.
6. The increased risk of forest fires caused by humans and motorized activity.
Anyone can help defend the GP by writing a letter in opposition to the “Roadless Rule Repeal” and submitting it through the Regulations.gov website. It is a very simple process once you are on the website. The deadline for comments is Sept. 21. It’s important to make the letter personal and speak about why the GP is important to you. Your voice matters!
Hank Rolfs
White Salmon
Sanders will stand up
I’ve been a voter in Wasco County since I turned 18, more years ago than I care to admit! But I’ve never seen the kind of energy and grassroots support that Hank Sanders has brought to the campaign trail. He’s running for State Representative, District 52, and he’ll be getting my vote.
Hank and dozens of volunteers have knocked on nearly every door in our community, and I have heard from friends and neighbors that they admire his sincerity and work ethic. I know Hank to be deeply engaged and willing to fight hard for us.
Hank’s opponent, Scott Hege, has been one of the central players responsible for all five data centers we have in The Dalles and all the very lucrative tax breaks and other incentives they have received.
Hank is calling for a data center moratorium. He has exposed corruption as a reporter. He’ll stand up to data centers and others that are not paying their fair share. Please join me and cast your vote for Hank Sanders.
Deborah Ferrer
The Dalles
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