Letters to the editor for Oct. 22

Kesler is the most qualified for City Council

Dear Editorial Board,

Your review of the candidates for Olympia City Council Position 2 and endorsement in that race lacked analysis. You endorsed Ms. Huynh in conclusory fashion, merely stating she “can bring a number of valuable lenses to decision-making.” What would Ms. Huynh bring that her opponent, Mrs. Kesler, would not bring?

Mrs. Kesler is a minority woman, as is Ms. Huynh. Mrs. Kesler was the first in her family to graduate college, as is Ms. Huynh. Ms. Huynh is a renter, and Mrs. Kesler rented for approximately 10 years. Ms. Huynh is a state employee. Mrs. Kesler has been a state employee. Ms. Huynh frequently claims to have business experience (unspecified). Mrs. Kesler has owned a small business, served on the board of a large business, and has legal experience related to business.

Ms. Huynh has done equity work with marginalized communities. Mrs. Kesler has done work for the betterment of Native Americans. Ms. Huynh was on the planning commission for 10 months and a council member for 10 months. Mrs. Kesler has been an attorney for 15 years, including five years as general counsel for a tribe and four years in the Legislature.

Mrs. Kesler has been a working mother most of her busy professional career (as an attorney in public practice) and still made time to be involved in non-profit organizations. Mrs. Kesler would bring everything to the table Ms. Huynh brings — and then some (e.g. law degree). Mrs. Kesler is the more qualified candidate.

Quint Newell, Olympia

Cooper is the right choice for Olympia

In your recent city council endorsements for Olympia, you wrote that you were going to take a deep breath and support Spence Weigand, because maybe his business experience and contacts could help break the thought bubble on the council. I couldn’t help but find your language familiar, as if it was taken straight from any number of endorsements of Donald Trump that appeared in conservative papers across the country.

You wrote that Spence might ask questions — but didn’t specify which questions Spence was going to ask that Jim was not. And that’s because there aren’t any. Spence agrees with the actions that the council has taken and has provided no additional solutions. Olympia’s problems are complex, and they are shared with cities all up and down the coast. They stem from deep systemic issues which cannot be fixed with “business experience.” Jim is the candidate talking about living wages, affordable childcare, and so much more that will improve the lives of Olympians. Spence is the candidate who spent more than $50k to say as little as he possibly could.

Your endorsement is wholly disappointing, weak, and frankly quite disconcerting. Solutions-oriented Olympians should support Jim Cooper. He’s the one who has been working on behalf of Olympians and he’s the one who will continue to.

Emma Margraf, Olympia

Amy Evans for Port Commissioner

I strongly support Amy Evans for Port Commissioner. I have known Amy since she was in high school. She has always been wise beyond her years. It is my belief that her university and law school degrees give her added strength in making the tough decisions our Port Commission faces.

Additionally I have been very impressed with her commitment to the needs of our community. The Big Brothers-Big Sisters program, the Salvation Army and numerous others have enjoyed her leadership, support and energy.

Amy has proven her leadership skills time and time again for the betterment of our city, county and region. She will make an excellent Port Commissioner. I hope you will join me in voting for Amy Evans for Port Commissioner.

Ralph Munro, retired Secretary of State, Olympia