Letters to the editor for Feb. 28

Thanks for supporting Hero Hoops Classic

I want to extend a big thank you to all of the volunteers, participants and spectators who showed their support at the Hero Hoops Classic basketball fundraiser at Saint Martin’s University on Feb. 8.

This tournament pitted local first responders against the North Thurston Public School Employees. The teams were so evenly matched that the game went into overtime! All proceeds directly benefited the annual Kiwanis Day of Champions, a modified track and field event specifically designed for Thurston County students experiencing significant challenges and disabilities.

Great credit goes to Jane Stillman, teacher at Horizons Elementary School, who organized this amazing fundraiser. Our community support was on full display and exemplified what a caring community really looks like.

The first responders, NTPS employees, Horizons students and parents, Timberline High School choir, the referees, high school Key Club volunteers, South Sound High School volunteers, Saint Martin’s athletic staff, Steilacoom High School graphic design department, North Thurston Kiwanis, Farelli’s Pizza and State Farm Insurance volunteers collaborated to ensure the success of this event.

The North Thurston Kiwanis Day of Champions committee is so very grateful to all who made this event possible. The selfless volunteerism and financial support witnessed at this event are further validation that we live in a compassionate and caring community that values all students and families.

Redistricting update must get done in 2020

We have the opportunity of a decade to retain our state’s status as a redistricting leader. The current 2020 legislative session is our last chance to update the redistricting process before the next cycle begins in January 2021.

The League of Women Voters of Washington urges support of House Bill 2575 that would modernize Washington state’s redistricting process. We appreciate the representatives who have gotten the bill this far and look forward to working with State Government Committee chair Sen. Sam Hunt to bring the bill to vote in the Senate.

This bill has widespread support. We held statewide public forums with over 1,600 people, in addition to discussions with our 2,400 members. Though individual’s opinions about maps varied, nearly everyone shared similar ideas about the kind of map-drawing process they would trust. Many of these ideas are part of HB 2575 because it:

• Creates public forums statewide to solicit feedback

• Appoints redistricting commissioners earlier and pays them adequately so they can focus on this complex job

• Increases notices and translation services for non-English speaking people

• Requires a comprehensive website, streaming technology and more public updates to increase transparency

We know that transparency and public accountability measures go a long way toward fair maps. The entire process must be straightforward, open and clear. People trust what they can see and understand.

We urge the Washington state Legislature to pass HB 2575. Please take this step to create a process that works for everyone.