Letters to the Editor: Oct. 31, 2024

Gluesenkamp Perez offers common sense representation The contrast between the two candidates for Washington’s 3rd Congressional District could not be more drastic. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez has proven over the last two years that she is an independent voice for our communities. She has worked hard to represent the many stakeholders in this district and has brought over $21 million in federal dollars to our area for needed improvements and projects. I don’t agree with all her positions, but she is not owned by any party and is a moderate working with both parties in Washington D.C. Joe Kent is a puppet for Trump and the extreme far right. In the recent debate he admitted he spent the last two years campaigning while being funded by the Republican Party. Kent has tried to moderate his extreme views, but he is still the extremist candidate we’ve gotten to know. He is an election denier, conspiracy theorist, anti-abortionist and a supporter of Project 2025. He justifies Jan. 6, and thinks we don’t care about the insurrectionists who tried to stop the peaceful transfer of power. I encourage you to do your own research and look closely at the candidate’s history and actions. One offers a rational, thoughtful approach to governance while the other continues to spread disinformation and supports the right’s extreme, hate-filled agenda. Anne Haller, Washougal Camas student supports Terri Niles While this letter may be too late to have any real impact on the outcome of the upcoming 17th Legislative District, Position 2 election, I wished to provide my personal opinion on these candidates. As I am currently not of voting age, I cannot have a direct influence on the results. After reviewing the candidates for myself, I believe Terri Niles will be the best candidate. Her opponent, David Stuebe, makes some good arguments, specifically with child care, which for many, is a pressing issue. The expense of child care needs to be rectified somehow, but in the media I was able to find, I saw very few concrete plans presented for this claim. His desire to serve his community and his current leadership as mayor of Washougal are very respectable. What I disagree with relating to his campaign is his position on Initiative 2117, and his desire to place law enforcement in schools. Initiative 2117 aims to withdraw the Climate Commitment Act, an act with the intention of limiting emissions from the most polluting businesses in the state. Stuebe’s alignment with Initiative 2117 is concerning for the future of the state, as climate change is a threatening issue that should be dealt with accordingly. Additionally, Stuebe’s stance on making public schools safer for all revolves around installing law enforcement officers to these locations. As a student myself, I can say with utmost confidence that placing an active-duty police officer on a school campus would do the exact opposite of making us feel less threatened. The questions that would immediately pop in my head upon seeing a police officer at school would be, “Why do we need a police officer at school?” This would mar the idea of school as a safe space, which to many students, teachers and parents is an important image to maintain. Terri Niles, instead, disagrees with Initiative 2117, and wants to keep the Climate Commitment Act in place. Her stance on schools revolves around providing funding for schools through bonds, ensuring schools have proper security measures in place and allowing all students to access support for things such as mental health care through their school. These two issues are very important, for the state and for individuals in our community. For this reason, I hope you will vote for Terri Niles during this election. Owen Robertson, Camas David Stuebe ‘puts people over politics’ I’m tired of the political divisiveness, the nasty campaigns and the lies, which is why I’m voting for the only candidate who kept it clean. He 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 Vote Niles for 17th Legislative District The candidates running for Washington state representative, position 2 in the 17th Legislative District are a 25-year intensive care unit (ICU) nurse, Terri Niles, and 30-year retired Marine David Stuebe. I’m concerned that Mr. Stuebe’s claim of being a healthcare leader is misleading. He was not a “healthcare leader” but, rather, a pharmaceutical drug salesman. Niles brought this up at the League of Women Voters (LWV) candidate forum, saying her experience caring for patients and families, working with doctors, hospital staff and administrators gave her insight into a healthcare system that a drug salesman couldn’t have. At this point, Stuebe became visibly irritated, turned away from his mic and attacked Niles with insults clearly overheard by some of those in the front row. This kind of conduct has no place in our Legislature. We need leaders who, even when they disagree, can maintain a civil dialog and work together. I’m also concerned about his refusal to step down as the Washougal mayor. Seems like a clear conflict of interest and it demonstrates a lack of understanding of the time commitment to serve as a state legislator. Please join me in voting for Terri Niles. Jim Carruth, Camas Abortion is health care; vote for pro-choice candidates My first pregnancy ended in heartbreak. When I was 12 weeks along, an ultrasound proved my husband’s and my worst fear: Our baby had died. Because I never passed the fetus, I needed a dilation and curettage (D&C) to avoid developing sepsis. A D&C is the exact procedure as obtaining an abortion, so I was “lucky” this happened when Roe v. Wade was in effect and that I live in a state that protects abortion access. Roughly 20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and, right now, women in abortion-restricted states are having their health, their fertility and their lives threatened because doctors are naturally afraid of the legal consequences (including imprisonment) for providing D&Cs. I’m encouraging you to vote for pro-choice candidates because of my story; because you, lawmakers and I can never know how desperate a pregnant woman is and why she’d want to terminate her pregnancy; because lawmakers can never write laws for every pregnancy complication or condition; and because of the approximate 20% of pregnant women who’ll need the kind of health care I got. (I actually miscarried twice and needed a D&C twice.) Put simply, abortion care is health care. Patty Barnard, Camas Vote Dan Boyes for Skamania County PUD Dan Boyes is running to become a Skamania County Public Utility District (PUD) commissioner. We have known Dan Boyes for many years in several contexts. He is consistent and solid. Dan is faithful, engaging, always learning, involved and caring. When decisions do not go the way he believes is best for the PUD, he then works to find compromise. He is one of the few in government who can see the long-term implications of current decisions made. He is well versed in economics, political theory and common sense. Dan understands the bigger picture – there are not just the current costs but also the long-term infrastructure costs, which include wire, poles, transformers, trucks and labor, along with the costs of satisfying bureaucratic regulations and state and federal mandates. For Boyes, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Keeping power and water flowing to your home and business has a cost. Plus, looking to the future to keep it flowing has costs as well. There is no wisdom in reducing rates in the present – kicking the can’s costs into the future — only to be hit with the inevitable reality of those costs later. This is a public utility, and as such, the public needs to pay the costs. Pay up front or pay later. Dan is willing to listen and dialog. He is also witty and helpful and kind. We will be voting for Dan Boyes for Skamania County PUD. We encourage you all to do the same. Richard and Treva Mahar, Washougal Farris for Skamania County commissioner We are writing to express our wholehearted support for Rob Farris as our next Skamania County Commissioner. As a long-time resident of our beloved Skamania County, Rob has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities we face. His extensive experience and commitment to our community make him the ideal candidate for this crucial position. Rob’s impressive track record speaks for itself. With his established network among county officials, emergency services, state and federal agencies, Rob is well-equipped to navigate the complexities of local government and bring valuable resources to our community. His role as a hospital district commissioner, fire chief and firefighter further demonstrates his dedication to public service and his ability to lead in times of crisis. One of Rob’s key strengths is his unwavering support for small businesses. Rob understands the importance of fostering a business-friendly environment. He is committed to adapting to changes within the county while maintaining our cherished rural way of life, ensuring that our community thrives without compromising its character. Rob is a staunch advocate for fiscal responsibility, ensuring that our tax dollars are spent wisely and effectively. He is dedicated to representing all residents of the county, not just special interests, and has a proven ability to get things done without unnecessary drama. His approach to governance is centered on consensus building, not division, which is crucial for maintaining harmony and progress in our community. We believe that Rob Farris’ vision, experience and dedication make him the best choice for Skamania County commissioner. We urge our fellow residents to join us in voting for Rob, a candidate who truly understands and cares for our community. Howard Hoy and Valerie Hoy-Rhodehamel, Stevenson Boyes is best choice for PUD Commission I would like to make my statement in favor of Skamania County Public Utility District candidate Dan Boyes. He has lived in Skamania County for over 30 years and it seems like I’ve known him forever, along with his wonderful family. I say, read Dan’s blue campaign postcard that you have from your mailbox. It will tell you more details about him than I can say in this letter. I proudly have Dan’s sign in my yard. Honk as you drive by! My family will vote for Dan Boyes for the PUD Commission, and I hope you do, too. He has been a good commissioner and we need to keep him in this position. Dan Saunders, Home Valley, Skamania County

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