Letters to the editor for Jan. 29

Let’s protect our state’s natural legacy

Another exciting legislative session has begun. I commend our elected officials for introducing bills to safeguard Washington’s natural legacy.

This year, I hope our state will pass bills to eliminate plastic bag pollution (SB 5323), reward farmers financially for practicing sustainable farming techniques (SB 5947), and encourage zero-emission vehicles (SB 5811). I ask our legislators to please support these other ecologically beneficial bills this year. I’d say it’s a sign of positive evolution that more bills to mitigate and reverse harm done to salmon are being introduced, such as SB 5322.

May we also wisely remember our chance as citizens to practice ecologically conscious behaviors in our daily life. Eschewing plastic in favor of re-usables (when possible), opting for public transit (which is now free in Olympia, hooray! Thanks Intercity Transit!) over gas vehicles, and eating local, plant-centric food are a few of the many ways we can take environmental matters into our own hands.

We are never alone in caring for Earth, our home.

Vote yes on NTPS levy and bond

My wife and I have been residents of the North Thurston Public Schools since 2003. During this time, I have been involved in NTPS school activities. In 2010, I joined the district’s Facility Advisory Committee (FAC) as a community representative to make recommendations for the 2014 bond issue, which passed.

Then in 2017, the district re-convened our FAC to eventually make recommendations for the 2020 bond issue, now scheduled for Feb. 11.

I urge the voters of NTPS to vote “yes” on both measures, Prop. 1, Educational Programs and Operations Levy, and Prop. 2, Capital Bond. The levy is a replacement of the current levy, and it funds science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and additional staffing, including nurses, mental health specialists and school counselors which the state doesn’t fund.

It also ensures that our students are college- and career-ready at graduation, and are well-prepared for continuing education, meaningful jobs or military service.

Prop. 2, the capital bond, provides safety and security improvements at all schools, including secure entrances and crisis communication systems. It also provides major renovation of River Ridge High School and Komachin Middle School, along with facility improvements at every neighborhood school.

Finally, it enables Horizons Elementary, Seven Oaks Elementary and Meadows Elementary to have their roofs replaced and HVAC systems upgraded.

A yes vote will ensure educational programs and facilities that will benefit all students, as they are our future.