Letters to the editor for July 26
My public policy wish list
In addition to a change at the top in Washington, D.C., here’s my partial public policy Wish List for America:
1. A civil national dialog about “justice for all,” as envisioned in the Pledge of Allegiance, moving from our echo chambers by avoiding hateful, violent and politically correct language so we can truly listen to each other. Adlai Stevenson observed, “The contest between disagreeable fact and agreeable fancy is unequal.” We must commit to freedom of speech and understand both the concept and consequences of this right.
2. Instead of throwing billions of uncoordinated stimulus funds to the winds, create a massive public/private infrastructure initiative to boost employment while addressing a serious need. Business leaders, unions and elected officials will have to abandon narrow interests and roll up their sleeves.
3. Encourage a national service program modeled after the draft and Peace Corps to engage our young in service and provide means for elders to mentor them.
4. Support cooperative ventures to develop practical national standards for basic education, conduct of elections, access to health care, and law enforcement without centralized control.
Ambitious, realistic, practical and imperative in my view. We should insist on it, not beg or pray for it. Real leadership resides within each of us. Pay it forward.
Dick Nichols, Olympia
Breiler provides fresh thinking
We will miss Beth Doglio as our state representative in the 22nd Legislative District, as she has been a fighter in the Capitol for climate action and sustainability. The strongest candidate to fill her shoes is Glenda Breiler, the director of The Evergreen State College Longhouse who has prioritized environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and the recovery of salmon and orca populations.
Breiler is an enrolled member of the Colville Tribes and, when elected, she would be the only Washington state tribal member in the House. With a background as a social worker, she has a firm grasp of housing and public health needs. With experience in working on tribal economic development, she understands the needs of marginalized communities, and extends that empathy outside Indian Country.
In our multiple crises of climate change, the pandemic, recession, and racial injustice, we need fresh thinking and deeper perspectives than we usually get from mainstream politicians. Glenda Breiler’s family has lived in Washington for thousands of years, and she has canoed its greatest waterways. The Washington Conservation Voters trust her to stand and protect our lands and waters. She promotes an “EverGreen New Deal” for Washington that interweaves economic and environmental security. Our state can become the nation’s center of Green Jobs, and can repair our damaged watersheds and rifts between our communities.
We need grounded leaders like Glenda Breiler who can heal the harms of our past and present, and usher in a healthier and more resilient future.
Zoltán Grossman, Olympia
Doglio is the best choice
As our region’s population continues to grow in number and diversity, the leaders we choose become more important than ever. Each of us needs to research the candidates presented and make wise choices.
I am voting for Beth Doglio to represent the 10th Congressional District because the integrity and caliber of our representation matters. I have known and worked with state Rep. Doglio for a number of years and have always found her to be intelligent, willing to listen, and never willing to compromise her integrity. She is committed to ensuring the legislation she promotes makes our lives better.
Beth began her political career in the humble position of Roosevelt Elementary PTA President, a challenging and rewarding post. In the legislature, she has continued her passion for students by championing legislation that improves the education provided in our schools.
Beth began her strong environmental record as the first executive director of the Washington Conservation Voters. I have worked with Beth on legislation that encourages private commercial property owners to make energy and seismic improvements to their properties. She was receptive to the voices of property owners and government finance officials to craft legislation that benefits all. She also has fought to remove chemicals from firefighting foam to protect firefighters.
My choice for Congress is Beth Doglio.
Jeff Gadman, Lacey, Thurston County Treasurer