Letter writers sound off on campaign sign removal, Port marine terminal and Donald Trump
Vote against campaign sign removal
I am writing to express my disappointment and regret that two elected officials in Lacey engaged in unlawful behavior by removing a campaign sign.
The sign they removed was not one of an opposing candidate for the Lacey City Council for which they are seeking re-election, but one promoting a candidate in an entirely different contest. Further these two Lacey City Council members do not even appear on the ballot in the primary election, rather each faces a single opponent in the November election.
Campaign signs are considered to be free speech protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. While the actions of Ed Kunkel and Lenny Greenstein might be considered trivial in the larger scope of electioneering, they are nonetheless illegal and, more to the point, illustrative of the overall disrespectful attitude they both demonstrated in violating the rights of another candidate.
It is fortunate that this behavior was videoed, making the actions of these two individuals open to public scrutiny. Nonetheless, their behavior and the lack of character and honesty in their actions when they imagined they were not being observed, at least for me, rules out trusting them with future public office in the City of Lacey. I will be voting for their opponents, and I recommend that other Lacey citizens do the same.
Gail Madden, Lacey
Candidates finally question marine terminal
It is very refreshing to see that Port of Olympia Commission candidates are finally questioning the Marine Terminal.
The Marine Terminal is a relic of earlier times. For decades most products used locally — even gasoline — were brought in by water. That era ended when Interstate 5 was completed in the 1950s, providing a more efficient way to get products to the Thurston County area.
At that point, the Port Commission made the fateful decision to keep the Marine Terminal open, but as an international trade operation. Port Commissioners must have realized that this would not work because Olympia is completely unsuited for this role. But private interests prevailed, and tens of millions of dollars have been wasted to keep it operating. It loses money in good years and bad.
The Port District has paid even more of our tax money for bogus “financial impact” studies to justify this operation.
Every possible move has been made — a warehouse built, cranes purchased, cargoes diversified, etc. But none of this has worked and none will, because this is the wrong location for an ocean shipping operation. Just look at the map.
It is way past time to start preparing for closure of the Marine Terminal, which can’t be done overnight.
Vested interests will fight this to the end, of course. But it needs to happen.
Bob Jacobs, Olympia
A dangerous RINO
Donald Trump is a self-absorbed, vengeful, vindictive, mean-spirited danger to America. As I watch, listen to and read about his behavior, my mind shudders in reflection of Europe in the 1930s.
His childish, petulant name-calling is galling and his labeling of GOP foes as RINOs (Republicans In Name Only) would be laughable if it weren’t such a pathetic mischaracterization of those of us who believe in our party’s traditional core principles: Faith in the individual’s right to make decisions without undue interference by big government. Respect for law, order and justice for all. A commitment to public safety and a strong national defense. Fiscal restraint. Adherence to and defense of our Constitution. Belief in and support for America’s precious system of elections. Dedication to free speech. Universal education as the leveler for success in our free market system. Concern and care for our neighbors and fellow citizens.
Donald Trump ‘s ego and insecurity prevents him from valuing these principles. He is the real RINO! His political rivals and all others opposed to his carrying the Republican banner in 2024 must unite to call him out for what he represents and help take him down. GOP candidates at all levels should summon their courage, speak out and not cower in fear of retribution from an individual who at best represents about 30 percent of the real Republican party.
It’s long past time for those who love America and its promise to freedom-loving people everywhere to join the crusade for country first!
Dick Nichols, Olympia