LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Journal letters policy regarding election season

The Journal does not publish letters to the editor from candidates for public office - including those running unopposed - or their immediate family members, including spouse/partner, parents or children during election season.

Election season is defined as from the moment a candidate declares for public office through the conclusion of the fall general election. This includes letters endorsing or opposing candidates in other races and endorsing or opposing ballot measures.

The sole exception to this policy allows a candidate to directly rebut a point made in a previous letter. Attempts to introduce additional topics will be rejected.

Thank you

Editor, the Journal,

I would like to say a big thank you to the caretakers of our cemetery. When I was there for the Memorial Day service with the flags and flowers, it was really heart-warming. The grass beautifully mowed and not a weed in sight. A full-time job very nicely done.

Beverly Godwin, Shelton

Many thanks

Editor, the Journal,

Gold medals and friendship certificates should be awarded to Mason County first responders, firefighters and tow truck operators. A double portion should be awarded to South Mason Fire and Jim's Towing.

Tom Aaron, Shelton

Anomalous news

Editor, the Journal,

Mr. Duenkel, our county auditor, has been selectively transparent about his efforts to secure our election system from all the potential voter fraud he ranted about during his 2022 campaign. But he has been purposely opaque about any voter fraud that actually occurred. Apparently, his friends at the Voter Research Project are suffering from canvassing fatigue and haven't uncovered any "anomalous" votes deemed fraudulent.

As a duly diligent public servant and relying on his accounting background, I think Mr. Duenkel should perform a cost/benefit analysis of all the money he has spent to protect against that dastardly fraud and incidents of willful fraud itself. Taxpayer dollars well spent?

Craig Anderson, Shelton

An excellent judge

Editor, the Journal,

I have known Superior Court Judge Cadine Ferguson-Brown for several years now and know her to be a compassionate and thoughtful leader that calculates the weight and outcome of any decision she makes.

Cadine Ferguson-Brown has a heart for her community and I've witnessed her compassion and care for those within the community that many easily forget about, the elderly. While balancing a new position in Mason County, with an extensive commute, she still made time in her schedule to visit and run errands for some of the elderly people she knows. For others, she sat and visited with them, or offered to do any cleaning they might need help with, while still managing time with her family as a priority.

Judge Cadine Ferguson-Brown is a passionate, dedicated individual, one who desires to see that good and right are being done in the world. She takes her role in seeing the right thing is done very seriously. She has a strength and determination that is inspiring and leaves you feeling a level of confidence in her commitment, dedication, and care for you as a friend and a person that holds value and worth.

At a young age, Cadine knew that she wanted to make a change for the better in this world, each day she lives her life with that at the core of all that she stands for and believes in. She desires to see others reach their full potential and will challenge them in a loving but firm way to reach beyond their circumstances to see their potential and how they can use it to help those in their local community.

I would in full confidence vote for Judge Cadine Ferguson-Brown, and I would stand by that decision with the conviction in knowing that her heart is to see justice being served in every situation to the extent that the law allows.

Deanna Brennan, Port Orford, OR

Is candidate qualified?

Editor, the Journal,

I have been following the upcoming judicial election. Much has been made of David Stevens' qualifications based on his criminal experience. In fact, he runs on this according to his signs. But does he?

Mr. Stevens has described himself as a criminal guy and appears to have no experience in any other field of law. When you look at his resume, he doesn't seem to have any other experience. Nor has he shown interest in it. This is an issue. For some reason, people think that criminal cases are all that judges do. It is about one-quarter (possibly less) of what they do in superior court. I think it is safe to say that judges hear more family law cases than criminal cases. In fact, he might be conflicted out of many if not all criminal cases for the next year. That means he will have to listen to other cases.

Judges do a fair amount of probate, commercial, juvenile dependency and injury cases. Would he know what to do with a receivership or property issue? Judge Ferguson-Brown has practiced in these areas and has experience as a court commissioner. Mr. Stevens doesn't. At his booth last weekend, he was pushing Referendum 101, and I doubt that he has read the law and there is no indication that he cares.

That is not the background experience we should be interested in. Because it isn't just those people that will appear before him. It might be you. And if it is, it will be in an area of law that he is totally unfamiliar with.

Andrew Makar, Hoodsport

Voted for a building

Editor, the Journal,

I voted for a building. On Feb. 14, 2017, I voted to double the Fire Protection tax levy for Mason County Fire District 12 in Matlock. The district sold the levy as being for a building. I know it was for a building because I donated my equipment and time to clear the land that the fire district bought from the school district.

I did not vote for one family to create jobs for their family and friends. I did not vote for that same family to buy toys, side-by-sides and gardening tools for themselves.

And I damn sure did not vote to double my tax levy for that same family to buy vehicles at the government surplus for $5,000 to $7,000 of taxpayer dollars only to gift or sell for $50 among themselves and friends.

I voted for a building, and now I am voting to recall the three fire commissioners that allowed this blatant malfeasance of my tax dollars.

David Persell, Elma

Give Vance a chance

Editor, the Journal,

It should be the end of the line for the Vance Creek Train Trestle Bridge – one of the two highest logging bridges in the U.S. Instead, it's time to start its new life as one of Mason County's prime tourist attractions: a spectacular historic landmark. It's a pedestrian-friendly bridge with an awe-inspiring 347-foot-high steel arch soaring over a mountain stream.

The trestle's owner, Green Diamond Resources, has agreed to give the bridge and surrounding land to Washington for a state park.

Please show your support for this proposal by contacting your elected leaders and encouraging them to negotiate with Green Diamond to make the Vance Creek Trestle State Park a reality. This is a historic site we can be proud of - a breathtaking tourist attraction that will bring visitors to see our corner of the beautiful Olympic Peninsula.

Monte Ritter, Shelton

Local candidate

Editor, the Journal,

He's local; he knows Shelton, George and his family have lived in Shelton for quite a while. His experience working with people and housing issues, cleaning up those issues and work ethic speaks volumes. George Blush will undoubtedly make a great City Council Seat No. 1.

Vote Blush.

Pete Laserinko, Shelton