Your voice

For more than 50 years, the pool has been a place where Hood River learns to swim, stays active, and finds community. Events like this remind us how many people rely on it every day — from toddlers in lessons to seniors who depend on warm water exercise, and people doing physical therapy for recovery.

The Splash Bash is not a drop off event, and all kids must have a parent or guardian on deck. Local swim groups and volunteers will be there sharing water safety information and celebrating what this pool means to our town.

In a season of big decisions about the future of recreation, it feels good to gather for something positive. I hope to see you there.

Kate McBride, chair

Hood River Valley Residents for Parks and Recreation

Support Gambee

I have known Lisa for around 25 years as a friend, but when I was part of the election board, I saw her as an extremely effective professional. She could listen, take in information, and solve problems on her feet many times. Every year, the election process became more efficient. No matter who won, who you supported, if you witnessed the election process in Wasco County, you knew it was accurate.

Lisa listens, is fair, and will work very hard for Wasco County as she does with all she takes on.

Kathy Kelsay

Maupin

Shell game

Trump is counting on you to forget what he said he stood for. He is like a street hustler performing a never-ending three shell game. Try to keep your eye on the pea underneath the cups, as he moves them about rapidly, amid distracting vocal patter and diversion tactics. He once revealed he was the peace president: no more endless foreign combat, he declared. Now, he starts a war (his word). He says it may go on much longer than five or six weeks. There will be casualties, he announces. It happens, he says.

In 2011 and 2012, he ominously warned that President Barack Obama would start a war in the Middle East, to distract us, to look tough, so that he could win reelection. Well, that didn’t happen. Instead, President Obama negotiated a treaty limiting Iran’s nuclear program, one which Trump unceremoniously broke in 2018. In June 2025, after bombing Iran’s nuclear facilities, Trump proclaimed the program “obliterated.” But the story has morphed again, and Iran’s nuclear capabilities are now suddenly an emergency. Does he think war is a good tactic to distract us from his falling poll numbers, his federal police violence and murder against American citizens, and his failure make America affordable again?

He campaigned on the promise of the release of the Epstein files. He really had little to do with the guy, he repeated. But upon reaching office, that changed. The files languished on Pam Bondi’s desk and he was compelled to sign the discharge petition law requiring their release. Nevertheless, this administration has repeatedly scoffed at the law he signed, missing the legal deadline for the release of the files, still producing only half of the existing documents. Where are the 3 million files that remain undisclosed? Its a shell game. Keep your eye on the pea.

Jennifer Ouzounian

Hood River

Fire and ICE

In 1920, Robert Frost, who later became Poet Laureate of the United States, published a brief poem titled “Fire and Ice.” It dealt with the end of the world as we know it. Below is a modified version of “Fire and Ice” that describes the downward spiral of the United States today:

Some say our world will end in fire,

Some say in ICE.

From what I know of Trump’s deep ire

I side with those who favor fire.

But if we had to perish twice,

I think I’ve seen enough of hate

To know that for destruction ICE

Is also fierce and would suffice.

Richard Iverson

Hood River

Gambee for all

During her decade as County Clerk, Lisa Gambee worked closely with communities from Mosier in the northwest to Antelope in the southeast — Dufur, Maupin, Tygh Valley, Wamic, Pine Grove, and Shaniko among them. She learned the character of each place, the challenges they face, and the people who keep them going. That experience matters. It means she understands that Wasco County isn’t one community,  but rather many, each with its own needs and strengths.

Just as important, Lisa built strong, respectful relationships with local leaders across this wide geography. Whether supporting elections in the smallest precincts or collaborating with staff in larger towns, she earned trust by showing up, listening, and following through. Those relationships don’t disappear when a job title changes —they become the foundation for effective, responsive county leadership.

As commissioner, Lisa will bring that same grounded, county-wide perspective to decisions that affect all of us. She knows rural voices matter, that small towns deserve attention, and that good governance starts with understanding the people you serve.

Wasco County needs a commissioner with deep ties across the region and a proven record of collaborative, transparent service. Lisa Gambee is that leader. I’m voting for her and encourage others to do the same.

John Smeraglio

Maupin

Keep Brady on commission

Throughout his first term as Wasco County Commissioner, Phil Brady has demonstrated a commitment not only to his hometown of The Dalles, but to communities across the county, gaining in-depth knowledge of Maupin, Pine Grove, Shaniko and other communities.

He puts that knowledge into action, advocating for rural residents on critical issues ranging from affordable housing to healthcare and substance abuse treatment. In representing the county on such non-profits as Mid-Columbia Housing Authority, Mid-Columbia Center for Living and Mid-Columbia Community Action Council, he was instrumental in upcoming development of affordable housing on Chenowith Loop Road, ensuring mental healthcare resources, and establishing transitional housing at the Annex. A trained scientist, Phil brings an analytical approach, thoughtfully negotiating budget constraints, executive leadership transitions and rural infrastructure investment.

As a long-time colleague and friend, I’m honored to endorse Phil for re-election to the Wasco County Board of Commissioners. Thank you,

Dan Spatz

White Salmon