Letters to the editor for July 29

McGregor mischaracterized opposition to Tumwater land lease

In a June 16 article, “Residents speak out against granting developer an option to lease 200 acres from Port,” Port of Olympia Commissioner Bill McGregor is quoted as saying he had received a series of emails that accused the port of “illegal activity,” “corruption at its finest” and “malfeasance.”

McGregor’s statement allows for a gross mischaracterization of those letter-writers protesting the proposed option to lease. I was one of many who addressed their letters to all of the commissioners, not just Commissioner McGregor. I did not use the words McGregor reports, nor did my friends and colleagues.

Commissioner EJ Zita stated in her official response that there were over 200 letters submitted, representing thousands of local residents from Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and rural Thurston County, and that every comment but one opposed the Panattoni proposal. She listed several of the groups who wrote in, including Bush Middle School Parent Teacher Group officers and members; South Sound Sierra Club Group, representing over 2,400 members; Salmon Creek Basin Neighborhood Association, representing over 100 families; Black Hills Audubon Society; Great Old Broads For Wilderness; Olympia Indivisible; Bird Song Children’s Garden; and church and temple leaders.

The Port Commission needs to take residents’ concerns seriously, and allow for more information-sharing and public feedback. Commissioner McGregor should desist from his attempts to create an unfavorable image of those of us who disagree with the proposal. He is up for re-election next year, and voters will want to know he is honest, accountable and transparent.

Lisa Ceazan, Olympia

Please re-elect Hutch

I first met Commissioner John “Hutch” Hutchings many years ago when he was an Olympia police officer. There was this incident about people spray-painting on the back wall of the Capitol Theater building. The alley site had become a famous tagging venue, but the theater people inside the building didn’t like the fumes from the spray paint that seeped in from the outside.

I had an office in the building, and loved the back-wall graffiti. When I heard the dispute outside my open window above the alley, I scurried down to intervene. Things were hot between the alley artists and the stage artists when I arrived, to the point that I assumed there would be a big fight. But then, the Olympia Police arrived, and everything turned around.

This one officer totally de-escalated the situation with complete, disarming valor, to the point that everyone went away happy. I can distinctly remember thinking that if we just had a whole police force full of cops like that guy, what a wonderful world it would be.

Well, that officer was John Hutchings, and to this day I still think that thought. While I suspect he and I disagree on more issues than we see eye to eye on, I still support him for County Commissioner because he is perfect for the job. He is a smart, fair-minded person who listens to all sides and genuinely believes in the goodness of the human spirit.

John Hutchings is a perfect Thurston County Commissioner.

Steve Shanewise, Olympia

Leadership in the 35th Legislative District

Today, our nation is crying out for honest, ethical and forthright leadership. I am concerned about the impact of the current pandemic, and the lack of justice for all persons, particularly those of African descent. I am concerned about the lack of civility, the ignoring of science and the divisiveness that has infiltrated our politics.

Darcy Huffman is a leader who can and will bring improvement. She listens, is honest, is ethical, is outspoken and will lead. I am writing today to support Huffman’s candidacy for representative in the 35th Legislative District. I have known Darcy for more than a decade and have witnessed firsthand her leadership in action. I have confidence in her and I trust her. I urge your support of Darcy.

John Masterson, Olympia

Sprouffske is the best choice for Superior Court judge

I am not political and have never written a letter to the editor. That being said, I’d like you to know I am a seasoned (35 years) high school teacher and college adjunct professor. In today’s world, we need some common sense and equality. My purpose in this letter is to encourage and remind you to vote in the primary election on Aug. 4. I’d also like to ask you to support Jonathan Sprouffske, who is running for Thurston County Superior Court Judge Position No. 8 and is an amazing attorney, community member, family man, fire commissioner, Rotarian, and the list goes on.

As a teacher, you are always proud to see your students reaching their goals, but that pride increases when they return to serve their own community that they grew up in. I was fortunate to have Jonathan Sprouffske as a student, and I have enjoyed having him as a friend, and even as an attorney. He and his family have already done so much for our community, and I’m excited to see the great work he does in this new role.

Please join me on Aug. 4 and cast your vote for Jonathan Sprouffske for Superior Court Judge Position No. 8.

Sandra Moberg-Rossmaier, Yelm

Do your research on 10th Congressional District race

Because the 10th Congressional District has an uncontested seat, it has attracted 19 candidates, some well financed and not home to our district.

I have received multiple mailings from Kristine Reeves, all with emotional appeals for my vote, none naming the state legislative district she represented. To my surprise, I discovered Reeves was elected in the 30th Legislative District (predominantly Federal Way and Auburn). At the time she filed, she did not even live in our 10th Congressional District. Another candidate, Marilyn Strickland, hails from the 6th Congressional District (Tacoma and the peninsula) and was CEO of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce!

The above candidates may be skilled politicians, but I prefer to be represented by someone who truly knows the South Sound because they live and work here. Beth Doglio is such a candidate, admirably serving our 22nd Legislative District, and living in the 10th Congressional District for 20 years. A progressive Democrat, Beth has been endorsed by labor organizations, environmental groups, and numerous elected politicians, including Bernie Sanders. Beth does not accept PAC money. As a state legislator, Beth skillfully shepherded landmark legislation through Olympia.

Please go deeper than political mailings and the voters’ pamphlet. Check candidates’ websites. View the top candidates debate posted on washingtonstatewire.com. Most importantly, vote. Voter suppression is rampant in some parts of the USA. Washingtonians are lucky. We do not need to worry about standing hours in line at a polling station and then being advised we are no longer registered. Voting is easy here. Do it.

Kerry S. Halligan, Lacey

Amamilo needs to be on the Superior Court bench

Sharonda Amamilo must be our next Thurston County Superior Court Judge.

I am the director of the Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid. I know Sharonda to be an extraordinary attorney who has spent her career representing people who are voiceless and despised; a career US Army veteran who spent 22 years serving our nation; a mother who, with her husband, Reuben, raised seven remarkable children; and an African American professional woman who understands what it is like not to be seen, heard, understood, or respected.

There is not a single judge of color on the Thurston County Superior Court bench. It is time for this to change. Black and brown people (including children) are disproportionately represented in our criminal justice and child welfare systems. When facing a judge, there is no chance they will see anyone who looks like them.

Our nation and state are at a tipping point. We either mouth the words of race equity or we act on them. Let’s act on them. Sharonda Amamilo must be our next Superior Court Judge.

Jim Bamberger, Olympia