Letters to the editor for April 14

RFA proposal unclear, so I’m voting no

I’m voting NO on the Regional Fire Authority proposal. I’m writing this letter because I want to say this out loud: It’s because the RFA proposal is unclear. It does not show how it would bring about benefits I strongly support: I absolutely want our area’s fire and emergency medical responders to be equipped, staffed, paid, and have enough well-placed fire stations to provide fast, efficient emergency services to our area’s growing, and aging, population.

I came to my NO vote after watching the League of Women Voters/JOLT forum on Thurston Community Media’s website. Thank you, TCM, for posting the recording. Because of you, I can be an informed voter.

One of the things I appreciate about living in this area is our ability to have civil discussions on topics of civic importance. Both sides at the forum did a clear job of explaining their point of view, while remaining respectful of the other side. I encourage both the pro-RFA and the con-RFA contingents to work together to come up with a proposal for fire and emergency response that will be beneficial, efficient and responsive to long-term needs, and understandable to voters.

Carol J Piening, Olympia

Trash talking

As I drive along I-5 and 101, I am struck by how much litter I see along our roadsides. Last autumn, my wife and I took a trip to Portugal. As we drove south from Lisbon along the highway, I couldn’t help noticing how little garbage there was in comparison. The litter problem in Washington becomes most apparent at this time of year because vegetation has yet to grow tall and hide the problem, and also because it’s before road crews get started picking up.

Department of Ecology-funded litter crews (Ecology Youth Corps, Community Litter Cleanup Program, Department of Corrections, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish & Wildlife) picked up 4.8 million pounds of trash in 2019. Although numbers for 2020 and 2021 were greatly affected by COVID, total trash pick-up in 2022 was 5.4 million pounds!

Washingtonians spend a lot of time driving, and we all have to look at this garbage as it detracts from our scenery and feelings of wellness. Littering is punishable by fines ranging from $103 to $5,000 in Washington state. These laws need to be more strictly enforced. Recently, Seattle Public Utilities launched an Illegal Dumping Camera Pilot to reduce dumping and support investigations. After a 30-second delay, a warning message plays. If the motion continues, a recording is made. What else can be done to reduce roadside litter?

Skip Albertson, Olympia

Community Action Council’s commitment to its communities

For 50 years the Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason and Thurston Counties has helped low-income community members with their needs for housing, energy, employment, etc.

The last three years have been a time of particular need and the Council stepped forward to help ensure that vital services continue to be available. This work has come with champions and, on rare occasions, detractors. But our focus has remained on providing high quality care that addresses the causes and conditions of poverty.

We are excited to share our deepening commitment to the communities we serve. Part of this is ensuring people have access to accurate information about our services. We invite everyone to learn more about our programs on our website; our most recent audit is also available to view. We also extend an invitation to our annual Rise and Shine Breakfast on May 23. See our website for details.

We acknowledge the importance of the communities’ voices and experiences in the work we do. This year we will be conducting a Community Needs Assessment to identify ways we can best meet the needs of the Lewis, Mason and Thurston County areas. In the coming months, information on how people can participate will be shared.

We continue to focus on serving, advocating for, and championing work that addresses systemic issues of poverty, and look forward to doing this in partnership with the community.

Heather Leidner, on behalf of the Community Action Council Board of Directors