Letters to the Editor

Editor's note: Julianne Gale is a candidate for state senator in the 35th District. This letter is being published as a rebuttal to a previous letter. Letters by candidates for public office in Mason County will generally not be published except in response to previous letters.

Let's talk

Editor, the Journal,

I'm writing in response to Mr. Dick's letter to the editor published on Oct. 13. Mr. Dick, thanks for caring so much about our community. I'm glad we share a commitment to truth and our community's forests. In my Q&A on Oct. 6, I was limited to 250 words per answer. Would you like to meet up to talk things through at length? I would be happy to thoroughly explain my word choices and statements, as well as address your points about DNR's management of trust lands and the recent Washington Supreme Court ruling about it. You (or anyone else interested) can reach me directly at 360-545-3671 or [email protected] to schedule a time to talk.

With respect,

Julianne Gale, Shelton

Couture listens

Editor, the Journal,

Travis Couture has my vote.

I will never forget the night he showed up to grieve with us over a friend who was tragically killed in an accident. When he supported my daughter after she had been raped and spoke kind words her heart needed to hear. He gave her value again. He listened to her.

I have been out knocking on doors with him. Not only does he hit every door, but I don't hear him selling himself as much as listening to what each person shares with him. He talks about ideas he has to improve their situation and then asks them what they think - and accepts their feedback. He gives out his personal cell and talks directly with those he wants to represent.

Travis has a moral compass that I admire. It is not set on what to avoid but where he can be involved and make a difference. He has made a difference to me, and he has my vote.

Dinah Griffey, Allyn

Retain voting rights

Editor, the Journal,

The race for Mason County auditor has emerged as one of the most contentious races this year and one of the most important, as it is the auditor who conducts the elections for the entire county.

This year we have the highly qualified and proven incumbent Paddy McGuire seeking re-election, challenged by Steve Duenkel who has no election experience, yet continually sows doubts and raises unsubstantiated concerns about the integrity of our elections in Mason County. His criticism is typical election-denier rhetoric taken straight out of the playbook being touted around the country.

Based on my 26 years of working in Mason County elections, the last 12 as the elected county auditor, I would like to clarify a few facts I know to be true: The Clear Ballot electronic machine used in Mason County to count our votes is fully certified and is wholly accurate, which has been proven time and time again during the recount process and countless audits.

It has also proven that counting ballots by hand has a much higher rate of error. Ballot drop boxes installed in our county are the most secure method for depositing your ballots - and have no history of concerns. In 2006, voters in Mason

County overwhelmingly voted to replace poll site same-day-voting with vote-by-mail. This change allowed voters who are physically unable to cast a ballot on Election Day in Mason County to retain their right to vote. Returning to same-day-voting would disenfranchise too many eligible voters and would not reflect the will of the people.

And updating voter rolls is a continual process. There is, however, a state law that provides a process for any voter to contest another voter's registration, residency or right to vote. This state law does not include knocking on random doors to inquire whether someone is eligible to vote. My list could go on ...

The county auditor's job is far too important to entrust to someone with no experience or qualifications to oversee and conduct our elections. I'm asking voters to please consider competency rather than partisanship when casting their vote for county auditor.

Please give Paddy McGuire, and his incredible election staff, the opportunity to continue to provide fair and honest elections for our county. Please join me in voting for Paddy McGuire – retaining our voting rights depends on it!

Karen Herr, Shelton

Part-timers

Editor, the Journal,

The founders of our country expected it to be run by part-time legislators. We have this in Washington; not in Washington, D.C. If we must have full-time legislators, at least we need good ones.

We all know politicians who have been in office too long and still can't do the job. I can name Republicans and Democrats who should be kicked out by their voters; I would kick Mitch McConnell out of office but I don't get to vote for Mitch. I don't want one more day of Patty Murray. Patty's had 30 years on-the-job training and still can't do the job. If you vote for Patty because you're a Democrat I feel sorry for you; you're hung up on party labels rather than new ideas, new issues, new candidates.

Are there any honest and honorable citizens who will vote as an American rather than as a Democrat or Republican? Stubborn Democrats who only vote for party, remember: Abe Lincoln was a Republican and he won the Civil War and freed the slaves through the XIII Amendment in only four years.For stubborn Republicans, Democrat John F. Kennedy set the goal to put a man on the moon by the end of the '60s, and created the Peace Corps in less than three years. Would any of you vote against either candidate today, with the knowledge you now have? These politicians proved themselves in less than four years.

How many years does Patty Murray get to learn to be a Senator? It's been 30 years and she's still ineffective; she's created no laws anyone can name. Patty, like Mitch, has been in office too long. Since federal politicians refuse to produce a term limit law, we must do it for them. By defeating Patty Murray, we're creating our own term limits and we're showing other states how it's done.

Maybe other states will rid themselves of their do-nothing politicians. Patty's had 30 years; let's give Tiffany a chance to show her skills in leadership and legislation. Vote Tiffany Smiley for U.S. senator.

Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of England, once said: "If you want something said, find a man; if you want something done, find a woman." Let's fire Derek Kilmer and send Elizabeth Kreiselmaier to represent the 6th Congressional District of Washington in the United States House of Representatives. We need new ideas, new blood and new enthusiasm in Congress; send Tiffany Smiley and Elizabeth Kreiselmaier to Congress.  

Ardean Anvik, Shelton

For assessor

Editor, the Journal,

Mason County has the best and most-qualified person currently as the county assessor. That person is Patti McLean. Her elected position is on the November ballot and she deserves to be re-elected.

I have known and worked with Patti for almost 25 years and can testify that she has the appraisal background experience that more than qualifies her for the assessor's position and is an accredited appraiser by the state Department of Revenue for property tax appraisal.

Most taxpayers do not enjoy paying property taxes and the taxpayers need to have a person in the assessor's position they can trust in getting a straight and honest property tax assessment. Plus, the assessor needs to treat the taxpayers with all the fairness and respect in following the well-established principles and statutory requirements of the office. Patti McLean has shown her abilities as the county assessor for the last four years, of what it takes to run the Assessor's Office in a manner that best serves the taxpayer.

I could not be more pleased to lend my endorsement to someone who has worked hard for the people of Mason County and continues to be a team player with other county officials.

Patti McLean has a clear vision for what needs to be done in the Mason County Assessor's Office and will continue to maintain a customer-friendly atmosphere in the Assessor's Office. I wholeheartedly endorse Patti McLean for the position of Mason County assessor.

Terry Bow, Elma

Crime story

Editor, the Journal,

Many political candidates have raised crime as a critical issue in the November election. But their statements ignore basic facts. Consider the following four facts about crime in America today.

First, the violent crime rate as measured by the FBI is historically low. Throughout the 1990s, the violent crime rate in the U.S. ranged from 523 to 758 violent crimes per 100,000 people. At the end of last year, the violent crime rate in the U.S. was 395 violent crimes per 100,000. The violent crime rate in Washington was 293 per 100,000.

Second, neither Congress nor the Washington Legislature can reduce levels of crime by getting tough on criminals. The most effective measures are prevention-based strategies employed at the community level. Communities can control crime by addressing neighborhood conditions that foster crime.

Third, police are a reactive force, mostly responding to crimes after they occur by pursuing and apprehending suspects. Virtually every study examining the impact of police on levels of crime show that increasing the size of a police force does little to reduce crime. Its impact is only evident in reducing the public's fear of crime.

Finally, since the 1980s, political leaders have launched at least three major wars on crime. All promoted get-tough policies that didn't reduce crime in our cities, states or the nation. Their only impact was filling our prisons at exponential rates.

Seeking "get tough" solutions in this election ignores the facts and only gets the crime issue wrong.

George S. Bridges, Belfair

Auditor thoughts

Editor, the Journal,

I am reluctant to make my personal views public but the county auditor race is particularly personal to me. It's been 40 years since my husband, Al, first ran for county auditor. The main reason was to be a "working" auditor. Al was very hands-on for six terms before he retired. Karen, who followed him, also worked very hard. I have a problem with elected officials who collect their paychecks but are not around to do the work. (Don't take my word, ask around from those that know.)

I have talked with Steve Duenkel and found him to be very open, articulate, personable and eager to do all he can so all people can be sure their concerns will be addressed. To me, that is not the same as to "raise doubt and suspicion" as written in a previous letter. Although the report from KING 5 found some errors in the committee's findings, they also agreed there were some discrepancies. Keeping the voter roles updated and correct is probably the most difficult part and will be as long as people move or pass away. Isn't it important then that the auditor will take each item seriously and look into it? Steve will.

We are very fortunate that the employees at the Auditor's Office are great. We need to remember the Auditor's Office is more than just elections. It includes licensing, recording and accounting for the county. All the more reason to have a "working" auditor. Also, our elections in Washington are much better than a lot of states. Steve, being an active auditor, will learn where the real problems are and what he is and isn't able to do. I trust he will work for all of us. That is why I am voting for Steve.

(Just a note: Al did have a local voter pamphlet but the voters decided the money could be better spent elsewhere. Also, he would have over 100 applicants for jobs.)

Chris Brotche, Shelton

Choose Duenkel

Editor, the Journal,

I have been a registered voter and have exercised my constitutional right to vote for many decades. It appears that the current voting systems in our country seem to be compromised at best by a misguided pursuit of convenience and efficiency.

I believe we face serious challenges in the Auditor's Office and want to share why I feel that I am supporting the best candidate. Steve Duenkel brings over 37 years of professional business experience to the table. He is ready to make transparency and integrity top priorities in the Mason County Auditor's Office. Steve will make a strong commitment to the voters of Mason County and I believe he will put service above self. We need a professional with experience, common sense and an interest in serving Mason County voters from all political backgrounds and affiliations. Please vote for Republican Steve Duenkel for Mason County auditor.

Nancy Brown, Belfair

Pay attention

Editor, the Journal,

The good thing about Trumplican compaign ads, they make me actually laugh out loud. I need a good laugh to get through the direction the Trumplicans are taking this country.

The ad that shows Sen. Patty Murray morphing into President Joe Biden is so ridiculous coming from the people who can't be enough Trump-like. Must be why we don't see it anymore.

How about the ads that talk about how many times a Democrat votes with Biden? We know what happens to those Republicans who don't agree with Trump.

Do you really think they aren't going to go along with Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Kevin McCarthy?

If Biden, Murray and Democrats are responsible for high inflation then how do you explain high inflation all over the world? Even the poorest countries are dealing with high inflation.

How about career politicians? Most politicians will go as long as they can. So Tiffany Smiley isn't a career politician, well, not yet. And let's not give her a chance to be one.

Another Trumplican lie is about the IRS. Yes, they are adding agents over the next 10 years. Even Steve Mnuchin said the IRS needed more agents. And IRS agents with guns, yes not all agents sit going over tax returns. No, they are not coming after you. Unless you lie like ex-President Donald Trump.

And their claim that Democrats are soft on crime. This one is really rich coming from the Trumplicans who tried to overthrow our government. All the crimes of Trump. All of the hate crimes Trump unleashed. Don't forget the crimes during the protests. Let's not forget the mass shootings while Trump was president.

And did you know that eight out of 10 states with the highest crime rates voted for Trump? Did you know that Mississippi has fives times the murder rate of New York? Trumplicans want to defund the FBI.

Big law and order Trump, but we always knew he meant that he and his friends are above the law and the rest of us had better fall in order.

Now we see Smiley trying to blame homelessness on Murray.

So, enough of the Trumplican lies and fear.

Pay attention to what they are actually doing. Refusing to accept the results of a safe election, still to this day. Even saying they will not accept the results of the next election, unless they win of course. They are the ones trying to take away our rights. Our right to vote, our right to plan our own families. The rights of LBGTQ people. Even the right to read books.

This election is not about the economy or inflation. It is about our rights. About the form of government we want, democracy or authoritarianism.

There is a reason the Trumplicans embrace the dictators of the world.

Donna Holliday, Shelton

Support the truth

Editor, the Journal,

Republicans declare themselves the "party of law and order."  This implies Democrats endorse crime.

Hogwash. 

Every election Republicans trot out the tired, predictable song and dance that crime is rampant because of Democrats. 

Balderdash. 

Let us take a moment to examine the number of criminal charges/indictments filed during the administrations of each of the past nine presidents:

Trump: 82,  Obama: 0,  Bush GW: 16, Clinton: 2, Bush HW: 4, Reagan: 33, Carter: 0, Ford: 1, Nixon: 72

Do you notice a pattern?

Notable is the tenure of the last person in the White House. It was not a presidency; it was a crime spree. The number of crimes related to the Trump years could change; investigations are ongoing.

In 2016, DJT stated, "The mob takes the Fifth. If you're innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?"

He made similar statements at least five times. On Aug. 10, behind closed doors, DJT pleaded the Fifth almost 450 times. In just a few hours. The "law and order party" executed a deadly attack on our Capitol. Planning by Roger Stone dates back to 2016. This was an organized, well-armed attempt to stop the peaceful transfer of power and subvert the will of the American people. The January 6 carnage was orchestrated by domestic terrorists. Republicans. 

Republican elected officials may have facilitated the rioters.

Republican Congress members voted against honoring Capitol police for their valor on Jan. 6. Back the Blue. Not. The Republican party has a long history of generating lies. Dangerous lies. The most notable whopper was repeated  by George W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Dick Cheney and other Republicans. Remember the lie about "weapons of mass destruction?" Not true. Weapons did not exist.

DJT filed 62 lawsuits, some heard by judges he appointed, to overturn results he did not like. No lawsuit produced facts finding election fraud. Not one. Now we have a culture where lies are normalized. Many Republicans find threats or the use of violence acceptable or even "funny." Republicans who remain silent are absolutely complicit. Lifelong Republicans are dismayed as their GOP is hijacked by radical extremists.

Today at least 300 Republican candidates are running on the lie that elections are fraudulent. These are not conspiracy theorists or election deniers.

They are liars. Dangerous liars.

Mason County has a candidate running on lies about election security.

Steve "Pinocchio" Duenkel.

If you treasure the right to have every vote count, do not support this person. Republicans do not pass legislation that helps American families. Republicans routinely act to enrich wealthy donors. The Republican Party wants raw power.

I am disgusted and exhausted by the chaos, the lies and racism encouraged by the Republican Party. What happened to "truth, justice and the American way?"

For the sake of our country, vote for Democratic candidates. 

Take a stand for truth and civility.

Theresa Jacobson, Agate

Who do they support?

Editor, the Journal,

We are a few weeks away from an election. Miguel Gutierrez is running against Sharon Trask. Mr. Gutierrez is running with a promise to represent the people, the common voter and taxpayer of Mason County. Mr. Gutierrez demonstrates this in his current position with the City of Shelton. People will always agree or disagree on the plusses and minuses of individual policy. But you cannot question his motivation for those policies.

But what has Ms. Trask shown you? Just this year we had a big issue involving the Belfair Sewer Project. In that debate, I voiced my concerns not over the need for the project, but how it was being implemented. I used the example of the fictional parcel of land known as Blackacre and its owner Mr. Potter. My question was would the county commissioners ensure that renumeration to the county for improvements be guaranteed. Or would the commissioners plow along unheeded and put undue risks on the taxpayer for the benefit of a fictional Mr. Potter. Sadly, Sharon Trask's votes suggest she would tend to the latter.

And what would she do about Blackacre when the TIPCAP Committee, a citizen advisory panel on transportation and infrastructure, wants to ensure that the project serves the voters, not a single individual? Would she vote for the most knowledgeable people on the committee? We actually have an answer on that. Ms. Trask voted to ensure that the individuals most knowledgeable on the committee were not on it. She got rid of the people who were seen as taking their role seriously. She voted to stack the board to eliminate people that would not give her the preferred results or make too much noise about what she did. How does that benefit you? And, who does it benefit and for how much?

You have a choice. You can vote for Miguel Gutierrez and get a man that will strive to do what is best for all voters, or you can vote for a hack whose only interest is how wealthy people get even more wealth at taxpayer risk and expense. Miguel Gutierrez is a man who will look out for the needed growth in Mason County, but not steer benefits to favored people and make you pay for them.

Andrew Makar, Hoodsport

Thank you, league

Editor, the Journal,

Thank you, Mason County League of Women Voters for hosting the Speed Dating with the Candidates event at the Shelton Civic Center last Thursday evening. Full house!

This event provided the ideal setting, atmosphere and structure so as to allow the candidates to express their views in a structured setting without the oppressive fog of political partisanship. The true character, knowledge and abilities of the candidate were revealed - especially after being grilled for - what - two hours straight?

I was particularly impressed by how the participants, both candidates and the public, maintained their civil decorum throughout the event (at times a snarky comment was heard, but never from the candidate) - for the most part. I like to think of this default to decorum is a uniquely American trait.

I hope, despite your name as League of Women Voters, that you accept men – caveat – gentlemen perhaps, as nonvoting, social/ancillary members of your League.

The Mason County Republican Woman's Club accepts men at a discounted membership fee and disallows their membership on the board. Again, thank you, Mason County League of Women Voters for contributing to the sanctity of the voting process.

James Poirson, Shelton

Nice hikes

Editor, the Journal,

I just went on two hikes very close to Shelton. I have lived here since 1992 and I never knew anything about them - so close in and beautiful.

One is at the old Bayshore Golf course and it has been returned to its natural state and the trail is 1.5 miles long.

The other is at Lake Isabella and is mostly in the trees and is 4.0 miles in length. They are both doggie-friendly.

There is another very short hike along Goldsborough Creek, it's less than a half mile and there are plenty of benches to enjoy watching the creek. The trailhead is very close to the entrance of the Senior Center and Sentry Storage. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet and so close to our city and traffic.

I hope more folks will be able to enjoy these three hikes.

Allen Radke, Shelton

Overdue kudos

Editor, the Journal,

I wanted to take a moment to send long-overdue kudos to the City of Shelton and specifically to Tony and his team.

My family moved here in March 2021. Shortly after completing some permitted work on a new gravel driveway, the bounteous rain runoff from the street kept causing repeated damage to the driveway. A couple of neighbors told me the city would come out and take measures to prevent the runoff damage, but I didn't really believe them so I did not reach out to the city. After a particularly heavy deluge the damage became substantial so I went to the city offices and asked for some help. Long story short, the city sent a crew out to my place one day and built up the existing trough at the edge of the street to prevent further runoff/damage. I am grateful for the response and for the professionalism shown by everyone with whom I interacted down at city hall.

Dean Remillard, Shelton

Testify

Editor, the Journal,

The former president of the United States of America should be thrilled to be invited to a subpoena party at the congressional committee investigating the events of Jan. 6, 2021. He would have an international audience, high television ratings and a sterling opportunity to present his rigged election evidence, and to show the world why this is a witch hunt. Or a hoax. Or fake news. Or steal. I can't remember all of the former president's assertions.

I say to you, mister former president: Go public. Make your case. Demonstrate what you have. Bring it in boxes and briefcases. Bring your army of attorneys. Take the stage. Be a pro. This is the real deal. This is the opportunity for which you have been begging. Use your First Amendment rights. Should you get a little teensy-weensy bit woozy, you can shelter behind the Fifth Amendment. This is not a game show, Truth Social or truth or dare. Appear and testify. I dare you.

Arthur Rohlik, Shelton

More of us

Editor, the Journal,

I used to think the GOP was just using marketing strategies to incite the emotional triggers of the right-wing evangelical Christian and white nationalist demographics to get people out to vote and I resented corporate interests and wealthy tricksters who manipulate and distort our civil systems of representation for their own selfish purposes.

Now that I see the GOP Trumpists doubling down on the authoritarian and violent inclinations of these fringe groups to distort and disrupt the efficacy of our civic and social institutions, I am angry that the good people of Mason County (and everywhere else) are being duped into sowing chaos and distrust in our public discourse and fooled into participating in this GOP farce. Even Republicans are disgusted by their antics. Don't fall for it.

Please vote on Nov. 8. Surely there are more of us than there are of them.

Chris Whitehall, Belfair

Grocery thoughts

Editor, the Journal,

Thoughts on Kroger buying Safeway/Albertsons:

The next thing we will see on TV is the Fred Meyer cartoon characters telling us it isn't really a grocery monopoly. Less competition will bring better (lower) prices through greater purchasing power. Besides, you don't really need to worry, you will be receiving an eight-plus percent raise in your Social Security benefits. You can just order it on your smartphone. The cartoon people know that everyone has a smartphone.

Dan Mathewson, Shelton

Candidate hedges

Editor, the Journal,

Last week at the League of Women Voters Candidate event I had one question to ask all the candidates who came to our table. My question was, "Do you believe Joe Biden is the legitimate president of the United States?" and every single candidate I asked (Republicans, Democrats and independents - except one) gave me a resounding "Yes." So, who was the one person who hesitated, who hedged, whose answer avoided the question? You guessed it, it was Steve Duenkel.

When I finally asked Duenkel my question, he looked directly at me and said, "Well, he was confirmed." To me that answer was a "no!" I pressed him on what he believed, but he begged the question again.

Mason County elections have been in safe hands since we came here in 1995 -through Al Broche's, Karen Herr's, and Paddy McGuire's terms. With someone who doesn't believe that our president is president, you cannot trust what he will do to our Mason County elections.

I will vote for Paddy McGuire to keep our elections safe and I urge you to do so too.

Marcia Hamilton, Hoodsport

A listener

Editor, the Journal,

I have worked on many projects with Julianne Gale over several years and admire her clear thinking, organizational abilities, hard work and steadfast commitment. I fully support her candidacy for the 35th Legislative District in the state Senate.

She's a great listener and takes time to hear different viewpoints; Julianne will represent all the people of the 35th.

The issues which Julianne has addressed during this campaign, see her article in the Shelton-Mason County Journal, Oct. 6, page 8, the voter pamphlet from the Washington secretary of state, page 30, and at votejuliannegale.com reflect her interests and those of the residents of the 35th. I know she will do a tremendous job of advancing these so that the people of the district are fully represented. The communities of the district will benefit from Julianne's thoughtful and thorough research, consultations, and follow-through regarding legislation or concerns. She will help residents achieve a brighter future. I urge you to vote for Julianne without reservation.

Michael Siptroth, Belfair

For 35th District

Editor, the Journal,

For nearly a whole decade, the 35th Legislative District has only been represented by Republicans. And the result, our rural district which includes all of Mason County continues to get the short end of the stick. Even Sandy's Republican opponent acknowledges that rural communities like ours have been getting left behind.

Well, in this election, Sandy Kaiser is running for state representative in the 35th, Position 2. She comes with some of the best qualifications we have seen in a candidate. For 25 years she served our nation in the foreign service under both Democratic and Republican administrations. During her time in the foreign service, Sandy served in several countries and retired with a rank equivalent to a two-star general. One of the countries Sandy served in was Estonia when they gained their independence from the former Soviet Union. Estonia wanted a similar type of government that we have here in America. Sandy went to Estonia with a diplomatic and military team to help make this a reality. Sandy has also served in Brazil, Germany, Denmark and England.

After retiring from the foreign service, Sandy became the communications director for the state Department of Natural Resources, and later the vice president of The Evergreen State College.

Sandy Kaiser is a fourth-generation Washingtonian from Lewis County. I have seen her interact with Mason County voters on many occasions. I know how passionate she is about rural areas getting the same opportunities as urban areas when it comes to economics, education and infrastructure. And with her diplomatic skills, I'm sure she'll be able to make some very positive changes for us.

Vote for Sandy Kaiser.

Greg Sypnicki, Shelton

Let's work together

Editor, the Journal,

I took the oath of enlistment to the United States military. When it came to the part about foreign and domestic enemies, I thought, thank God we live in a democracy, and would never have to fear a domestic enemy - much less an ex-president trying to forcefully overthrow our democracy.

How naive I was. I never thought this could happen. It has happened, and ex-President Donald Trump and his Republican conspirators need to be held accountable for their crimes and be locked up. We cannot trust the radical seditious MAGA Republicans.

We have election deniers running on the Republican ticket for multiple positions in Mason County and Shelton. Do not vote for these Republicans - they cannot be trusted. Remember what Trump said at a rally, "Do not believe what you see and hear" and the "truth is not the truth?" The January 6th Committee has proven beyond a reasonable doubt by the preponderance of evidence that Trump and his conspirators intended to and did lead and participated in a seditious armed deadly insurrection to overthrow our government while Congress was in session doing its constitutional mandated duty to certify the free and fair election of President Joe Biden.

I was driving past Dairy Queen, I looked over and saw a very large group of Democrats outside their headquarters, and there was Sen. Patty Murray speaking to a group of supporters. I got out of my car and went over so I could personally thank her for her support of the veterans and the unions. Her office is directly responsible for my 100% VA disability award. Like all the vets know, VA is a monster, and it takes years in many cases to get their awards. Sen. Murray's VA representative took on my case and within weeks I had my determination. One of her duties in the Senate is oversight of the VA. We need her as our senator. I recommend any veteran having trouble with VA to contact Sen. Murray's office in Vancouver. There is help for you from Sen. Murray. She is there for all of us. Vote Democratic straight ticket - we cannot go wrong. Republican Tiffany Smiley is an election denier and is not trustworthy. Look at her pictures with Trump.

We do have a bright future for Shelton and Mason County with the quality of Democratic candidates like Mr. Miguel Gutierrez, who is currently a sitting City Council member; he is exactly who we need to be the new county commissioner. He is committed to meeting and governing from the middle for the good of all of us. Miguel is a young vibrant new generation of political leaders that Mason County needs for integrity and sanity in our local government. Vote for progress-vote for Miguel Gutierrez, a proven leader. When they go low, Miguel goes high.

The sheriff and the prosecutor are Republicans by party association. I believe the sheriff and the prosecutor have performed their duties admirably and have honored their oath of office. They are committed to the rule of law and are apolitical in carrying out the responsibility of their positions. Mason County is truly fortunate to have men and women who are dedicated to the rule of law. Shelton's chief of police and the department are doing an outstanding job for Shelton. We are so fortunate to have our wonderful newspaper, the Journal.

Together we can fix this and get away from this terrible infighting among ourselves. A house divided cannot stand. I have seen the enemy and it's us. We need to come together again to be what we used to be as a country. Two political parties working together for the good of all. We are a great country, and we will always be one. Let us start working together to meet in the middle and govern for the good of all. Vote Democratic. Next week let's take a close look at these election deniers the MAGA candidates.

Roderic Whittaker, Shelton

Let's take a breath

Editor, the Journal,

Good neighbors, it is time to take a breath and relax. A few observations:

First, ex-President Donald Trump is not on the ballot, so perhaps save your vitriol for 2024. You are distracting from current problems we need to solve.

Second, it seems that most of the recent letters to the editor are about the auditor's race. Since he/she is the person who handles and oversees the elections in our county, perhaps we are very concerned about the results. If it matters which political party the auditor comes from, we likely have a problem with the management of our voting procedures and systems.

Third, when did having a different opinion on a matter become misinformation or disinformation and be subject to censure by the government or the word police (media)? Democracies are based upon freedom of expression and thought. Input from many points of view is critical to good decisions.

Finally, we only have one important federal office to fill, and that is federal representative. Since it seems we have major national problems almost everywhere with crime, the economy including inflation, health, schools, borders, etc., perhaps we should be writing and discussing what can be done to improve our situation. Is Rep. Derek Kilmer the man for that job should be uppermost in our discussions? Are his votes in Congress helping or hurting us in Mason County?

Bill Zeigler, Shelton

Elections are here

Editor, the Journal,

You need to decide who you want to vote for. Let me ask you a few questions with facts before deciding.

How are your personal finances doing? Are you better off than two years ago? (Hint: 25% of you think they are better off. I would say they are clueless, rich, or need better information.) Did you know that you have lost equivalent to one month of paychecks due to inflation? Are you angry about gas prices going back up to $5? inflation is getting worse (increasing last month) to over 8% a 40-year high continues, (Note: When President Joe Biden took office it was at 1.4%); 7% (plus add another 2% over the next few months) mortgage rates killing housing market; higher interest rates for cars, loans, credit cards and business capital investments; 50% of you are spending emergency retirement savings and/or living paycheck to paycheck for food and shelter; upcoming winter energy bills up 35% or more; your investments or retirement accounts down 25% to 40% over the last few months; house values dropping 20% to 30%. Housing crash has started and we are heading toward a recession that will last many years. Unemployment increasing. Only 45% of people returning to office and commercial real estate dive has started. People not going back to work because they make more money with all of the government handouts. Federal deficit - almost $10 trillion added in past two years due to out-of-control and reckless spending. Our government has invested $3 trillion in green initiatives for a 1% reduction in fossil fuels. Deficit interest payments and Social Security increases are another hidden tax.How is it going so far? More to consider.

The border is secure? Illegal immigration at 2 million a year, plus 600,000 to 1 million getaways costing taxpayers hundreds of billions per year. Cities overloaded and declaring emergency with only 10,000 illegal immigrants and requesting $1 billion or $100,000 per illegal immigrant. Calculating 2.6 million immigrants at $100,000 per, equals $260 billion. Who is paying for this? You the taxpayer. Sanctuary cities are declaring emergency after receiving only 10,000 illegal immigrants, while 20,000 are crossing the Arizona and Texas border per day. For 2020 the rate was less than 240,000 per year. Seattle, Tacoma and others are sanctuary cities provide free education, housing, medical, food and other benefits. The result is overloading of schools, emergency rooms, homeless housing, food charities, etc. Cartels controlling the flow across the border and making $300 million per week. How about the criminals and terrorists crossing our border? Do you support human trafficking? Fentanyl drugs from China and cartels have killed over 100,000 so far, including our young children.

Last thoughts, a few more things for you to consider for who you vote for:

Do you support term limits? (ineffective senators and representatives in office for over 30+ years. They are elitest and entitled. They are out of touch. Do they support current policies, messaging, and ignoring/denying the huge negative impact on each of us? What has gone right?)Do you support Congress members, senior staff and family trading with inside information? It is wrong and Congress refuses to fix this and puts all of us at a disadvantage.

Are the negative political ads on tv reflective of what is important to you?

How many crises have they created, supported by action or inaction, or denying that it is occurring?

In summary, do you want things to get better or worse? Educate yourself on what is really going on. Provide feedback to your government. Hold them accountable. Careful who you vote for. It matters.

Howard Ringoen, Shelton