Letters to the editor for April 6
Support our firefighters and EMTs
I am the youngest of three children — my sister is 80, my brother is 76 and I am 70. Recently, my sister is having many mobility issues. When she falls and can’t get up (usually in the middle of the night), she doesn’t call her doctor’s office; she calls 9-1-1 and her beloved firefighters show up.
My sister is not alone! Both Olympia and Tumwater have a multitude of senior citizens and families who turn to our firefighters and EMTs when they urgently need help.
Fire and medical response are our most critical services, saving lives and property. But we are at a critical time in the history of our fire departments. Firefighters/EMTs are struggling to keep up with the demand for their services. Call volumes are delaying responses beyond acceptable levels, and they need new equipment. Costs are exceeding our two cities’ ability to keep up with the need.
Olympia and Tumwater are right next to each other. Merging our fire departments will provide opportunities to share resources, making fire and medical services even more responsive and efficient. Emergencies don’t follow city boundaries.
The Regional Fire Authority’s expenditures will be in plain sight. Through elections, voters will decide the level of service we want and how much we are willing to pay.
Proposition 1 will provide sustainable, transparent funding for more firefighters and provide them with the equipment and resources they need to do their jobs. For these reasons and more, please vote yes on Proposition 1.
Laurie Dolan, Olympia
Stop endless gun violence
The morning of March 27 there were reports that shots rang out at a private school in Nashville, Tennessee. The outcome, once again, is horrific. Three students and three adult staffers dead, the shooter killed by police — all taking place in 14 minutes. Police state that the attacker used two assault guns and a handgun.
These mass shootings, happening EVERY WEEK, are truly unbearable, but are preventable. Legislators, take action!
Currently, the Washington state legislature is debating two important bills. House Bill 1240 bans the purchase of assault-style weapons. House Bill 1143 requires a waiting period and safety training on gun purchases. Common sense measures!
In 2022, The WA Poll (conducted by media outlets and two state universities) found that support for a ban on assault weapons was favored by a 2-1 margin, and more stringent checks on guns are backed by an even greater majority. Unequivocal fact: Gun safety policies/requirements save lives.
Please, be a part of the solution! Contact state representatives and urge them to vote yes on HB 1240 and 1143. Need more information? Go to gunresponsibility.org and/or follow a local organization, Thurston Gun Sense (Facebook). Thank you for making the effort and making your citizen voice matter!
George Burazer, Lacey
Time for a change at TRL?
As a supervisor with over 27 years of service to Timberland Regional Library, I felt compelled to resign due to mismanagement within the administration. After my resignation in August of 2021, I sent a letter detailing my concerns to the board as well as to every county commissioner. To my knowledge, no changes were made.
Perhaps it is time for a change now.
Mary Prophit, Glenoma
I just realized I am woke
Some on the right stumble when trying to define “woke.” The Oxford Languages Dictionary defines woke as an adjective referring to someone being alert to injustices, especially racism. One of our political parties thinks that being woke is bad and may explain why they are not so popular.
Daniel Johnson, Olympia