LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Editor's note: This letter is in response to a letter from Craig Anderson in the Aug. 3 edition of the Journal.

Auditor response

Editor, the Journal,

Thank you for visiting the Auditor's Office earlier this week. I truly appreciated the opportunity to get to know you and share with you some of the work we've been doing to "shore up" the elections system. As we discussed, state law (RCW 29A.60.170 (3)) requires investigation of any discrepancy found during an audit no later than 48 hours after election day. Since I took office in January 2023, I am unable to answer with certainty your question regarding the number of fraudulent votes, if any, from the 2022 general election. From what I gather, neither the random batch audit nor the risk limiting audit from that election identified discrepancies that would have warranted an expanded audit of additional ballots. If you are interested in observing the 2023 general election random batch audit, risk-limiting audit or any other aspect of the election system, please let me know. It would be great to include you as part of the election observer team.

Steve Duenkel, Mason County auditor

Oakland Bay project

Editor, the Journal,

I have many concerns about this large 50-acre floating project being proposed in the middle of Oakland Bay. I'm not even bringing up the lack of mailings or notices given to residents who live on or near the bay.

My two biggest concerns are:

1) The proposed number of years for the DNR lease. I'm not against big business, but I am concerned about an automatic 99-year lease. What about some sort of trial period if this is already a hidden agenda, pushed through, done deal. How about a trial period of one year? Then we would all have time to gather data to review with regard to the amount of light pollution, the effects on wildlife, the orcas ability to enter and exit the bay safely as well as more Taylor trash ending up on our beaches.

2) In recent paperwork, the submitters of the proposal stated they had no data as to what type of recreation was actually taking place in Oakland Bay that could be negatively impacted by a 50-acre monstrosity. If there's no data, how can they determine whether public recreation is affected? If you would like me to produce pictures of the variety of public recreation and wildlife that enjoy Oakland Bay, I have plenty that I could supply that I have taken (when I'm not at work) from my deck the past three years. I also have pictures/videos during the past three years during homeownership of seals, dolphins, orcas, otters and a variety of birds, including osprey and bald eagles. I would be happy to share.

Whether you agree or not, with this large encroachment to gain private industry profit, as well as large income for DNR, please join us for the hearing in person or by zoom on Aug. 9. We need all voices.

Susan and Gene Gonzales, Shelton

Fairness in court

Editor, the Journal,

You don't have to look far to know that crime of all types is a top concern these days. As part of the solution, certainly fairness needs to be a hallmark of the judicial system that holds criminals accountable for their actions, but too often that has led to reluctance to impose deterrent fines and sentencing to criminals with lengthy rap sheets who are clearly guilty.

Judicial paralysis - the failure to act decisively when action is needed - does not create "fairness" for those who are victims of crime. It just leads to more victimization. Moving past judicial paralysis and leniency requires a change in who sits on the bench in Mason County Superior Court.

That is why I write to support a vote in the upcoming election for David Stevens for Mason County Superior Court. Mr. Stevens has demonstrated his ability to make difficult decisions that fairly balance the law, fundamental fairness and criminal accountability.

I speak from personal experience. My family has been the victim of a serial criminal with a lengthy criminal history, repeated instances of scoffing at court summons, probation requirements and protection orders. Without accountability, he has stolen, trespassed, driven under the influence and attempted multiple break-ins.

We have closely watched several of this criminal's court proceedings, coming before different judges each time. Of all those judges, Mr. Steven's opponent, Cadine Ferguson-Brown, was the most deferential and lenient to this criminal, by far.

Mason County does not need superior court judges who confuse deference and leniency toward criminals with fairness. It's time for a change and a vote for David Stevens for Mason County Superior Court.

Susan Murphy, Belfair

Pet accountability

Editor, the Journal,

When I saw the front-page article on cat shelter overcrowding in the July 27 edition, my blood boiled. Shelters should be doing more to make people accountable for their animals. Just saying no or complaining about people dumping cats at their gate isn't going to help their overcrowding issue.

Lowering adoption fees isn't going to help if there is no one to take them. It also doesn't help when there are a lot of animals out there for free because some pet owners neglected to have their animal neutered/spayed (altered) or wanted their kids to see the magic of birth. If animals are being dumped it is probably because they can't give them away. The trap, neuter, release program only works for areas where there are actual feral populations. Most of the animals around here belong to or are abandoned by owners who don't understand the harm they are doing or just don't care.

The animal shelters should actively and loudly support a Mason County law making it mandatory to microchip, alter and vaccinate. License annually to prove it has been done. Require breeders to get a special license that allows them to have unaltered animals. Have the fees/fines go to an animal control unit who will be hired to care for the lost and abandoned animals by finding owners and/or getting them into shelters/foster homes.

There are only so many people and a whole lot more cats and other animals than there are homes. I get angry when I see people not held accountable for the pain they cause their pets.

These suggested measures are less for animal control than people accountability. The animal problem is just going to get worse until stronger measures are taken to slow, if not stop, the unwanted pet population from growing.

E. Dawn Howard, Shelton

Consider the spike

Editor, the Journal,

In a June 22 letter titled "A dangerous spike," my name was used. I'd like to respond.

I am sorry Payton McNabb was injured, we don't want to see anyone injured while playing any sport.

I have seen the video and seen an interview Payton gave. What we don't see are other spikes by the same girl or any other girls on either side.

We also don't see anything from or about the girl who spiked the ball. Nor do we hear anything from other girls who play with this girl every day, or her coach.

Payton described the transgender girl as looking like a girl and being tall. It was the woman doing the interview who brought up the strength issue. Payton also said the two teams have played before with no problems.

One unfortunate spike which could have been hit by any girl from either team. Same thing could have happened on an all "biological" male team. And certainly, on any co-ed teams. Shall we ban all co-ed teams in all sports? How about all the serious injuries in boy's football games?

Let's look at the real issue. Transgender people have been playing sports for years. Transgender kids have been getting the medical help they need and want for years. Drag queens have been reading books to kids for years. And drag shows have been around forever.

LBGTQ people are not the problem. This is just another well-calculated political strategy. Transgender people and drag queens are just the latest "boogie man." These people are so scary politicians just have to pass laws that take away basic rights to protect us all.

Remember when the "boogie man" of the time were Black people or Muslims, or women seeking an abortion and the time immigrants on our Southern border were the scariest thing to hit America. Now the made-up threat is transgender people and drag queens.

The groups behind the politicians who spread all this hate know that the more they can make people feel (anger, fear, hate) the less they think.

Politicians don't like people who think for themselves.

Donna Holliday, Shelton

Vote Stevens

Editor, the Journal,

In Mason County I feel that we are somewhat unique in that we often feel like a small town, yet we experience some very serious crime. Unless you've experienced family trauma that required resolution in the courts or paid close attention to the court dockets to see some of the horrific crimes that residents in our county have suffered, you might not realize how crucial a judicial race is. Electing the right candidate to Mason County Superior Court is of utmost importance. We have two candidates running for Superior Court judge, and I want to express my deep support for Mr. Dave Stevens. Not only does Dave have decades of experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, but he has also studied and instructed international and tribal law; what a gift it would be to have a judge with that kind of multicultural, diverse background. I have had several personal conversations with Mr. Stevens since he declared his candidacy and have found him to be not just knowledgeable on law, but also just a kind gentleman with a desire to serve his community. I believe Dave Stevens is the most qualified candidate and will serve Mason County with honor and vigilance. I hope you will cast a vote for him this November, which will be a vote for keeping our community safe.

Melissa Upson , Shelton