Letters to the editor praise one candidate, deride another -- plus question the Port’s math
Lacey Councilman an embarrassment
Once again Lacey City Councilman Ed Kunkel has embarrassed himself and the City of Lacey.
A couple of years ago I was among a group of former Lacey Mayors who authored a letter to the City Council strenuously objecting to two social media posts by Mr. Kunkel, one advocating street corner vigilantism and the other highly racially insensitive.
Now we have visual evidence of him removing another candidate’s campaign sign. These actions do not reflect the values of the citizens of Lacey.
The good news is we have a chance this coming November to vote Kunkel out of office. I hope Lacey voters will keep Mr. Kunkel’s past conduct in mind come November.
Mark O. Brown, former mayor of Lacey
Pay raise for Olympia Port Commissioners?
The Port of Olympia has been a money-losing operation (taxpayer subsidized). A pay increase should be based on performance. (Where’s the beef?)
There has been a very high turnover of Port employees during the previous two years. What might this imply about management?
Yet, the Port Commissioners recently voted a 4% raise for the Executive Director of the Port of Olympia. She now receives $198,876 per year, retroactive to January 2023.. Setting up a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” scenario?
The Governor currently earns $198,257 per year.
So, what’s my opinion regarding a pay raise for the Port of Olympia Commissioners …
Joe Digranes, Olympia
Re-Elect Hilary Seidel
I first met Hilary Seidel 10 years ago when our kids were in school together. From the start, she was volunteering in the classroom and fundraising for the school. Fast forward and she is still doing these things today, and more. In 2017 she was first elected to the Olympia School Board. I was excited to support her then and I am excited to support her now.
Hilary has shown time after time that she is willing to follow through on her commitments. Her priority has been to increase access for students. She has demonstrated this while on the school board by making advanced classes, alternative learning programs and technical education a priority. Art, music and PE classes have been increased at elementary schools. Social workers have been increased in the district to support students and families. Funding was increased by $800,000 to schools with the highest number of students experiencing poverty.
In addition to the time spent in school board meetings, she is out in the community, visiting every school in the district.
She’s done all these things while being a working parent and an engaged citizen, not to mention serving during a pandemic. Hilary has shown that she has the heart and the commitment to be an asset to the school board and the community. Re-electing Hilary will give us continuity on the school board and a positive voice for moving our school district forward for everyone.
Elizabeth Mjolsnes, Olympia
Keep doing that voodoo that you do so well
I’m glad the Department of Justice (DOJ) is “weaponized” and going after people who tried unsuccessfully to overthrow our government by multiple means and schemes.
Who else is going to indict violators, bring them to justice and hold them accountable?
It’s DOJ’s job to protect our country from all enemies foreign and domestic. That’s what they do. And they have a fine record for doing it.
People who scream, shout, and jump about while advocating to de-fund the politically out-of-control DOJ are probably the ones DOJ should have on their radar.
I mean who wants to do away with law enforcement, justice, and accountability? My survey says: Duh, crooks.
David Cahill, Olympia