Letter writers object to city’s taxes, lobby for Prop. 1, and endorse Ferguson-Brown

Another proposed sales tax increase

Several years ago, the City of Olympia proposed a 0.1% sales tax to support parks. A majority of voters supported the increase —to find out later that the tax increase was not directed exclusively to support parks.

Last year, the “City” pushed for another 0.1% sales tax to support the Armory/Arts and Culture. A majority of voters supported the increase — once again to find out that the tax was NOT directed exclusively to support the Armory.

This year, the “City” used taxpayers money to push for another sales tax — to support a Regional Fire Authority. Fortunately, it was overwhelmingly rejected by the voters. The implied response from some elected officials was basically: The voters are idiots.

Now, another proposed 0.1% sales tax increase! To fund “transportation projects.” If passed, who knows how much would be siphoned off to pet projects?

Any discussion regarding the absurd amount of sweet tax incentives the “City” has provided to real estate/developers over many, many years within the City of Olympia?

All of this while the executive director of the (money losing) Port of Olympia was given a (retroactive) pay increase and is currently on paid administrative leave. And two additional Port commissioners will join the money-losing Port — funded by taxpayers. Will five Port Commissioners be smarter than three Port Commissioners?

Joseph Digranes, Olympia

Pass Proposition 1 to keep election staff safe

Counties across the nation are facing threats to election staff because of unfounded claims of “stolen elections.” Cowlitz County lost all but two of their election staff as reported in The Daily News opinion column “MAGA undercuts Cowlitz Elections Office.”

In Thurston County, our elections team needs our help. The Ballot Processing Center facility needs to be expanded and security features added such as a vestibule with metal detectors that will serve as a public entrance, physical separation of observers and ballot processing, and a safe room.

Auditor Mary Hall has petitioned for federal grants to provide safety for her staff to no avail.

It is up to us Thurston residents to provide election safety funding by voting this fall for a new public safety tax called Proposition 1. The sales tax will be only 0.2%, or two cents on every $10 in purchases. In general, most of the money from this tax will be spent for much-needed law enforcement protection, but a portion will provide enough to secure safety for our election staff.

Please vote yes on this proposition in the November general election and help secure our elections.

Madeline Bishop, Olympia

Judge Ferguson-Brown is the only qualified candidate

There is only one candidate for Mason County Superior Court who makes sense: Judge Cadine Ferguson-Brown. There is only one candidate that has the depth of education, the knowledge and application of the law, and the ability to remain fair in doing so: Judge Ferguson-Brown.

During the past several years, Mason County has benefited from the expertise of Judge Ferguson-Brown. I have witnessed her deliberate manner in reviewing and researching her cases. I have seen first-hand her thoughtful and thorough rulings. Her ability to remain balanced and fair speaks to her efforts at ensuring that all sides of a matter are heard. This level of skill takes years to attain.

Why is that important? It is important to any litigant: a child, a youth, a mother or a father. Whereas some may disagree with an outcome, it is more easily understood and accepted best when based upon the analysis and consideration of such a judge.

By contrast, her opponent can lay claim to very little of what Judge Ferguson-Brown has accomplished. It makes a tremendous difference for a county that faces many challenges to have the most competent and capable of judicial officers on its bench. Judge Ferguson-Brown’s service to Mason County is not a mere passing. Her efforts are evidence that she has all that it takes to remain a Superior Court Judge for Mason County.

J. Anne Redford-Hall, Hoquiam