Letters to the editor — Feb. 28

• Published February 28, 2008

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State employees have integrity

I take exception to the editorial written in the Opinion section of The Olympian which implies that scientists at the Department of Ecology feel pressure from management to alter their research findings in order to promote a political agenda.

Just because this happened at the federal level under the Bush administration surrounding the climate change issue, it does not mean that it is happening at the Department of Ecology. I have worked for this agency for over 17 years as a scientist both issuing water quality permits to industries and municipalities, and also doing scientific research.

Never once have any of my many managers asked, or even suggested, that I change the results of my reports or alter the conclusions.

Additionally, I do not know of any colleagues who have been pressured to alter scientific findings.

While I cannot say whether this has ever happened, it is definitely the exception, not the rule. This issue needs some perspective and balance. There are many of us that work in state government that have integrity.

Melanie Redding, hydrogeologist, Olympia

Thanks to leaders, Lacey has bright future

After recently attending the Lacey Chamber of Commerce lunch meeting, I felt proud to be a part of a model city. It’s been quite a journey for Lacey to go from a bedroom community to an economic powerhouse. I’ve been a part of Lacey since it was incorporated in 1966; so where Lacey has come from means that much more as I ponder the bright future of this great city.

What better time to bring an encouraging word to those folk that are the key leaders in this great city than now — right in the middle of us reading many articles and opinions that are bashing politicians, leaders, and dividing our country? We have much to be appreciative of.

I want to thank Virgil Clarkson for serving Lacey as mayor the past four years. He personally showed me honor and respect as a pastor and person in this community. Greg Cuoio has done an outstanding job as city manager, proving that he is an invaluable asset to our city.