Letters to the editor for Jan. 1
Don’t NIMBY the proposed Thurston County airport
There is no bigger issue facing the future of Thurston County than the proposal for a new regional airport here. Such an outcome would turn us into the next King County. I’m betting few people who live here now want this to occur.
There is, thankfully, a well-organized, widespread, growing opposition to putting a new airport in Thurston County. However, I offer a suggestion to these opponents: Be careful how you plan your attack.
When opposing something that has to go somewhere, it is best to just focus on why it’s especially bad to put it where you don’t want it. To this end, the emphasis for not siting a new airport at the chosen location in Thurston County should be on potential drinking water contamination. The airport location not only sits atop aquifer sensitive soils, the sensitive aquifer supplies McAllister Springs which supplies Olympia’s water.
Complaining about the loss of a rural lifestyle is the same at all three proposed airport sites. Bringing up the “endangered” pocket gophers will only give ammunition to opponents for the other two sites because the largest population found so far has been at the existing Olympia Airport. Focus instead on keeping water clean, especially water meant for human consumption, not preserving lifestyles or wildlife.
Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) arguments are mostly ignored by decision makers. It takes unique differences to get a site removed from consideration. Putting an airport atop the drinking water supply for the State Capitol is unique.
Steve Shanewise, Olympia
Hospital costs
In a recent Olympian article, the Washington State Hospital Association requested legislative assistance in removing certain restrictions in the upcoming state legislative session.
Before legislators consider any changes, they should read The New York Times articles about Providence and Ascension health systems, which each have multi-billion-dollar foundations. Providence, for one, instead of putting their funds into delivering healthcare and hiring staff, are building market-rate apartment buildings. The CEOs of these non-profit systems make $10 million+ annually in salaries and benefits.
Our state hospitals are primarily owned and run by Providence, MultiCare, and Franciscan. The good sisters no longer manage these organizations to ensure quality healthcare is provided to patients but to ensure a high return on investments! They should review and follow their mission statements.
Regina Gallwas, Olympia
Book a Bus Buddy
It’s cold, wet and dark in Thurston County. You need to go to the store or the doctor’s, to the mall or Washington Center, or maybe up to SeaTac Airport. Are there any alternatives? How about taking the bus!
Riding the bus is free within Thurston County, and it will take you almost anywhere you need to go. But if you hesitate because you’ve never ridden the bus before, just contact the Bus Buddy Program and its volunteers will go with you and show you just how easy it is.
There are no age or income requirements. Anyone can take the bus. We’ve been doing this for nine years now. Just call 360-688-8832 to Book a Buddy!
Scott Schoengarth, Olympia
Oppose expansion of Olympia Regional Airport
I am a resident of Olympia and I am unhappy with the proposed expansion of the Olympia Airport. It is not necessary nor required. The expansion will endanger local wildlife and habitat, and more flights will increase noise and air pollution within our communities.
In addition, the increased vehicle traffic will further burden our already overly burdened roads and utilities. Again, it is not needed.
I am hopeful that the Port of Olympia will oppose the airport expansion included in the Airport Master Plan Update, which is up for review at this time. The final decision on this is in the hands of the public.
Irene Lewis, Olympia