Letters to the editor for April 29
Vote for Biggerstaff for legislature
Nurse practitioner Mary Ellen Biggerstaff has announced her candidacy for Washington state’s 22nd Legislative District. I have personally known her for over a decade when we worked together as infusion and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner nurses at Providence St. Peter Hospital.
Mary Ellen is constantly striving to learn more. Her focus on public health, to serve all people including the most vulnerable populations, is genuine, honorable and unwavering. Mary Ellen understands what is needed for health care, health-care reform and justice.
I urge all voters to learn more about this candidate. Mary Ellen would serve with integrity, intelligence, honesty and a sincere desire to help and do a good job for this community.
Fishing canceled while hunger rises
“Recreational fishing” in Washington was canceled as part of the COVID-19 response. The problem lies in the fact that fishing is recreation for some and food for others.
Imagine being out of work with little cash and living far from most stores. Walking down the road to fish seems like a solid plan. After all, you traded $65 to the state for a license.
Today in Washington, rural folks can legally drive an hour and half to stand in line at a Costco for food. They may not legally fish in their own community.
Denying access to healthy food within walking distance from some people’s homes is irresponsible, short sighted, and ignores the needs of thousands of Washingtonians.
So what if fishing, crabbing, clamming, and hunting areas were classified as food areas instead of recreation?
Fishing should be classified with grocery shopping and food banks today. Licenses that expired April 1 need to be extended May 1 to allow for lost time. Stay home Washington, stay safe, and respect your neighbors’ needs to gather food.
Big thanks to Dial-A-Lift
In these weird times, we owe a big vote of thanks to those in various fields who go the extra mile to ensure our well being. The list of those is extensive.
Many of us owe a shout out to the Intercity Transit people who drive for Dial-A-Lift. After recent surgery, I was unable to drive for several weeks and lived nowhere near a bus stop. They got me to appointments on time and, in doing so, were professional, courteous, and just plain nice.
These people make life a lot easier for people with mobility issues and are an invaluable part of our community. If you ride with them, be sure to express your gratitude. If you don’t, at least wave. Thanks, guys. You’re as good as it gets.