Letters to the editor -- July 10

• Published July 10, 2008

• Comments (0)

It’s time to suspend the log export ban or modify the substitution rules to allow nonexporting local mills to receive all logs regardless if their parent company is an exporter. Contact U.S. Reps. Brian Baird and Adam Smith, state representatives and the public lands commissioner to work together and change this law. Antiquated legislation artificially forcing longer haul distances combined with high fuel prices are destroying once viable markets.

The vitality of local communities, fuel economy, promotion of open competitive markets and truckers depend on changing this law now more than ever.

Daniel C. Walters, Olympia

Geoduck aquaculture should be debated

It is interesting to read the positions taken by various individuals related to the growing geoduck aquaculture controversy. Nevertheless, it was surprising to read comments by Robin Downey, executive director for the Pacific Shellfish Growers Association.

In her letter, she seems to believe it is unreasonable for private property owners to want to protect the value and aesthetics of their property, especially when it comes to interfering with profits of major shellfish companies.

Ms. Downey attempts to downplay the environmental concerns of property owners as only a diversion, while in fact we all have a real and vested interest in the overall quality of Puget Sound. The environmental impact of geoduck aquaculture can be and should be debated. Little is known of the effect it has on the environment. While there are current studies under way, they are several years away from being completed. It is worth mentioning that British Columbia has halted further issuance of permits for geoduck aquaculture pending such studies.

I have serious questions on statements Downey made in her letter and would challenge her to a public debate in which both sides would have the opportunity to express their views. Perhaps such an event could be hosted by The Olympian.

Donald L. Stave, Shelton

Group Health is open to Medicare patients

I was pleased to see the timely article regarding the Medicare payment crisis reported in The Olympian.

It is puzzling to note that when discussing Medicare Advantage plans, that there was no mention of Group Health Cooperative which has been open to Medicare patients through the ebbs and tides of government reimbursement plans for the 24 years I have worked there.

Group Health is open to Medicare patients currently and for the foreseeable future. This reflects both expertise and commitment in this community since 1972

Dr. Raymond Moeller, Olympia