Letters to the editor for Nov. 3

Vote yes to 5-member Port Commission

There is an issue on the ballot that is little talked about: that of moving the Port of Olympia from three to five Commissioners. This could be because there is little perspective to base a decision upon.

As one of the three Port Commissioners, I would like to add perspective to this issue. A five-person Port Commission would bring three improvements to the Port Commission: additional representation, more continuity, and better decision-making.

With five Commissioners, the populace will get added representation: Each Commissioner will represent 60,000 people, not 100,000. Commissioners will come from five districts, not just three.

Many of the Port issues are multi-year in nature — they take that long either for funding to be provided, or decisions to evolve. When you have an election where two of the three Commissioners are replaced (it has happened), it destroys continuity, and in effect moves the Port back to square one.

Having five Commissioners means that two of the five Commissioners can get together to have quiet discussion of an issue to formulate ideas before then discussing and deciding on pathways at our Commission meetings.

For the Port, additional costs per year would average $145,000. This is a small price to pay when getting decisions wrong can cost millions. Many people have asked for a more responsive Port; this is how to get there.

Thank you for voting “yes” to a five-person Port Commission on your November ballot.

Joe Downing, Port Commissioner, Olympia

Julianne Gale is the only safe vote for women

As an informed voter in the 35th Legislative District, I am perplexed by The Olympian’s endorsement of Drew MacEwen for Washington state Senate.

This man co-sponsored legislation and/or voted in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022 to restrict our access to reproductive healthcare. Talk about being out of touch with WA voters, the majority of which are female. If he had ever knocked a single door in his career as a politician, he would know that the overwhelming majority of voters are opposed to such restrictions.

Drew has talked a fine line this campaign about whether people have the right to make difficult reproductive decisions about their own bodies, but his dangerous record speaks differently. Currently, Washington is still a safe place to access reproductive healthcare. Keeping anti-choice candidates, like Drew MacEwen, out of our State Senate helps secure these fundamental rights.

A vote for Julianne Gale is the only safe vote for women and people who need reproductive healthcare, for our own bodies, for our children and for their futures. We won’t go back. I invite all readers to see for themselves the strengths, ideas and experience Julianne brings to the table by visiting her website, and not settle for the dismissive and ill-researched misinformation put forth by this publication in its recent endorsement.

Stacie Gilkeson, Shelton

Julianne Gale for 35th District Senator

I have met Julianne Gale several times through this current campaign for State Senator. I am impressed with her values and ability to listen. Her need to connect with all voters of Washington’s 35th District demonstrates a leadership quality lacking in past candidates. She is willing to listen and find common interests and focus on those, regardless of party affiliation.

As an independent Democrat, the qualities and values she holds are in line with good statesmanship and stateswomenship. I urge the WA 35th District voters to cast their ballots for Julianne Gale.

Terry O. Hogan, Harstine Island

We need to clean up parks

I am writing this in hopes that it will get attention. The crime, homelessness, and drug use is out of control. I live in Lacey. I used to go to many local parks with my young children, including Priest Point Park (now Squaxin Park) which is only a 30-minute drive from my home.

Not anymore. The drug paraphernalia, mental instability, and smash and grabs have kept me and my young children at home rather than taking a risk. It is both sad and disappointing how things have significantly degraded in about a year. I bet the park employees are frustrated to watch the general lack of respect for outdoor areas.

Shouldn’t we also be able to enjoy the local parks and outdoor beauty of the Pacific NW? I’d love to be able to foster that love in my young children.

Rachel Pearson, Lacey