Letters to the Editor

Vote Beben

Editor, the Journal,

We’re voting for Tom Beben for county commissioner.

Tom Beben’s purpose, work ethic and passion that earned him recent Mason County Citizen of the Year honors will continue full speed ahead if he’s elected our county commissioner. Tom is not a politician, owes no party loyalties, and is motivated only by doing what is best for all of Mason County.

With Tom’s 17 years of tireless altruistic volunteering, he’s left a large wake of supporters from all walks of Mason County life, who relish the feeling of community and connectivity he generates.

Tom promises to investigate innovative solutions to the problems we face, like with housing and mental health. He will search for rural local governments like ours that are having success with these issues and work to adapt those solutions here.

Tom will advocate for our long overdue fairgrounds complex. Not too long ago, Mason County commissioner party politics terminated the far-sighted Taylor Town artist community that had already attracted a world-class bronze foundry, glass-blowing facility and beautiful gallery; now sadly long gone. Tom understands increasing tourism will reduce our tax burden with new sales taxes while respecting and protecting our unique environment and honoring our great history.

Growth is coming regardless of what we do. Tom Beben is the best choice for managing the growth, and for finally realizing a new Mason County Fairgrounds.

Rick and Martha Hoss, Shelton

2 terms enough

Editor, the Journal,

Since my name was mentioned in a letter to the editor last week, please accept this response.

Yes, I contributed to Mr. Harris’s campaign — $500.

After doing that, I got a call from Randy Neatherlin asking if I was still his friend. I assured him that I was and explained my voting technique:

Normally, if you are in — you’re out, i.e., after two terms, I am going to consider the other candidate. If it’s good enough for the president of the USA, it’s good enough for all elected officials — two terms.

Except if the other candidate is not suitable for that particular office.

I voted for Randy three times, except this time he has a very formidable opponent in Mr. Harris.

As I explained to Randy, he has capital — political capital. Almost everyone knows him around here. I supported Mr. Harris financially to encourage him and thank him, first for his service, but also for stepping up.

Here are the results of a recent Mason County election:

Total positions available (includes Shelton city): 66

Positions with two or more candidates: 13 (mostly Shelton city)

Positions with one candidate: 53

What a disgrace! An “election” with one candidate is not an “election.”

Kudos to Mr. Harris in this endeavor.

At 82, I expect nothing from either candidate. May the best man win.

Bob Pastore, Stretch Island

Vote MacEwen

Editor, the Journal,

As the election approaches, I want to share my thoughts on the best candidate for the 6th Congressional District: Drew MacEwen. As his wife, I recognize my bias, but I am also one of Drew’s biggest critics and uniquely positioned to share why he’s the best choice for Congress.

Drew exemplifies integrity and prioritizes constituents’ needs. With 12 years of experience in the state Legislature, he has demonstrated his commitment to our community. In contrast, his opponent resorts to lies and fearmongering to gain support and earn votes, which is not what we need more of in D.C.

Drew takes a common-sense approach to legislation, fostering relationships to find common ground. He has successfully advocated for changes that benefit our community rather than simply towing party lines. His opponent, Emily Randall, consistently votes for measures that increase taxes, ban natural gas and undermine public safety. At an AARP forum in June, she even proposed a significant increase in Social Security taxes if elected. Drew stands for lower taxes and limited government.

Drew is dedicated to listening to his constituents and working on their behalf, while his opponent seems more focused on pushing her own agenda. If elected, we can expect more of the same from her. Don’t be fooled — look closely at her record.

I urge you to vote for Drew MacEwen, who has represented a large part of the 6th Congressional District for 12 years, understands the issues, and is committed to serving you. Vote for Drew MacEwen.

Danelle MacEwen, Shelton

Vote DeHart

Editor, the Journal,

I’m excited about our chance to vote in the state legislative race for the 35th District. We can pick a problem-solver rather than complainer, or a searcher of collaboration across the aisle, rather than someone who can’t cooperate. I’m talking about the can-do guy James DeHart — not complainer Travis Couture. James DeHart isn’t stopped by a few objections; he looks for workable options and forwards those possibilities.

As a native-born Washingtonian, I’d like a legislative session that gets things done for all the voters of Washington. That’s why I invite you to join me and thousands of other Washington workers to vote for a can-do candidate — James DeHart.

With appreciation for a campaign of hope rather than gloom,

Donna Branch-Gilby, Port Orchard

A few observations

Editor, the Journal,

1. Looking forward to the speed dating candidate event 6:30 Oct. 17 at PUD 3. This is our chance to discuss issues interactively with local candidates.

2. Nice articles about CJ Allen, Mason County Olympian. It may interest locals to know that CJ was the Shelton Invitational 300 hurdles champion in 2013. CJ is one of several Shelton Invitational competitors who have competed in the Olympics.

3. In the Journal’s recent excellent and interesting “Mason County by the Numbers,” the statement “Mason County was established and named in 1954 after Charles Mason” needs some clarification. Truth be told, when our county was established in 1854, it was named Sawamish County, the anglicized version of the Native word meaning “People of the Water.” Ten years later, it was renamed Mason County. Many of us believe the county’s name should revert back to the original Sawamish County

Randy Lewis, Shelton

Fur-ever homes

Editor, the Journal,

Did you know there are over 50 pets, awaiting adoption, just in the Humane Society of Mason County alone? With that number in mind, think about how many displaced pets reside within the Puget Sound area.

From furry, fuzzy mammals to scaly, smooth reptiles, these animals wait day after day for a new, loving home. It doesn’t stop at shelters. People rehoming their pets, those dumped in rural areas, and designated animal adoption cafes make the previously large number even larger. As an individual who owns many pets of all shapes, sizes and species, I made, and continue to make, the conscious effort to seek adoption wherever I can, most of which being rehoming situations.

The satisfaction of providing love, a second chance, or allowing that animal to remain in a warm, comfortable environment, that they may not have otherwise been in, is a feeling I wish for every pet owner to feel. These animals wait patiently and kindly for just an opportunity. I urge that we all, at least, take a moment to consider adopting when looking for our new companions. If you’re not in the market for a new friend, take some free time, visit your local adoption facility, and show some love. From a tasty treat to a gentle pet, the animals in search of their fur-ever homes need all the love they can get. We all have the power to make a paw-sitive impact.

Grace Salapka, Shelton

Stop razing signs

Editor, the Journal,

I would like to challenge democracy-loving Republicans of Mason County to volunteer to repair and replace all of the destroyed political signs for non-Republican candidates. Over the past couple of months driving around the county, I have seen an increase in the number of damaged or disappeared signs for Democratic and independent candidates.

And guess what? I have not seen one damaged or disappeared sign for a Republican candidate.

Removing or destroying signs for political candidates is anti-democratic and anti-American. Not to mention childish.

Pieter Booth, Shelton