Letters to the editor for Nov. 2
Support Julianne Gale for State Senate
35th Legislative District voters have a chance to send a special candidate to the Washington state Senate this fall: Julianne Gale. I have had multiple opportunities to discuss Julianne’s vision for Washington state with her this year. She brings unique passion, uncommon intelligence, and forward-thinking values to her work, a dynamite combination for a state legislator.
Julianne’s diverse background will serve the constituents of the 35th District well. Her endorsements include teachers, health care workers, and an impressive array of trade unions. Clearly Julianne is the candidate to support workers.
Julianne also has a detailed understanding of the complexity of issues — both ecological and economic — surrounding climate change and responsible forestry, important to LD35. Thurston County is working hard at a local level to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions — we need our legislators to continue to support that work at the state level.
On that point, I spend a good portion of my work as County Commissioner working to sustainably manage growth, restore salmon runs and habitat, and battle climate change. Julianne’s opponent received a 0% score from Washington Conservation Voters for his work in last year’s legislative session. Experience matters, but this is not the kind of experience we need in our State Legislature right now.
Let’s keep Washington on the forefront of the path to a balanced and sustainable future. Let’s elect Julianne Gale to the State Senate in LD35.
Tye Menser, Thurston County
No good choice in U.S. Senate race
It’s very unfortunate that Washington state voters don’t have a viable candidate for U.S. Senator.
The annoying, never-ending TV ads that are wasting money are pathetic and laughable. Patty Murray should have announced her retirement and let someone else run as this shouldn’t be a job for a lifetime. Her opposition candidate has no experience, has three children and a sick husband to take care of and makes no sense.
I’m sure the incumbent will be a shoo-in once again as she nods her head and chooses not to answer her e-mail if it’s something she doesn’t agree with.
So for the first time in 35 years, I will vote for neither. What a pity a write-in candidate doesn’t have a chance and independent, middle-of-the-road voters like myself are screwed.
Linza Sheldon, Olympia
Your vote matters
Blame the Democrats for global inflation caused by COVID, which killed millions worldwide while interrupting world trade and causing major supply and demand problems. Another bizarre solutions proposed by Republicans to save the economy is reinstating tax cuts to the rich and to corporations putting the major tax burden back on the middle class.
Republican Senators Rick Scott and Ron Johnson also propose stimulating the economy by eliminating social security and Medicare. Promises by others are to get rid of the new health care tax credits and caps on drug prices. Also stop Biden’s student loan forgiveness program — spending bills that Republican leaders parrot as major causes of inflation.
Republican concern about crime? This is the party whose leaders have voted against any legislation banning assault rifles, the favorite weapon of school shooters whose targets are primarily children. Let’s also consider their proposal to make abortion a federal crime. Sen. Doug Mastriano, now the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania governor, has stated “women obtaining abortions should be charged with murder.”
Their most disgraceful crime of all is the stolen election lie planned and spread by Republican leaders to badly misinform Americans into believing themselves to be patriots, turning them into an armed mob attacking our Capitol and local police in an attempt to halt the peaceful transfer of power and destroy our Constitution and democracy.
Before considering voting for ANY Republican candidate, whether local, state or federal, carefully consider what social, financial or federal benefit you want to sacrifice.
Michele Joubert, Olympia