Letter writers criticize Sheriff, oppose new building codes, rally against Chick-fil-A
View is different from inside the Sheriff’s Office
As an employee of the Sheriff’s Office, it pains me every day to view social media and see what is occurring in the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. You may be asking why an employee would have to go to social media to find out what is going on within the department they work, and that is because there is no communication within.
In the past eight months, while some of the public seems to view Sheriff Sanders as god, and honestly, it comes across like Sheriff Sanders also views himself as god, a lot of employees don’t agree. And when we voice an opinion that the Sheriff doesn’t agree with, he personally attacks us or refuses to listen. Recently via social media the Sheriff and TCSO have blocked the comments of those they do not agree with or made comments like “I don’t care what you think,” or “stay delusional.”
It may seem to the public that TCSO is being more “transparent.” I would say from the inside perspective that is not true. Yes, the public is seeing more things that occur within the agency than they did before, but that isn’t for the sake of transparency. It is because Sheriff Sanders craves attention to feed his narcissistic personality. There is clearly a new “good old boy” club and this time it just includes a female administrator who personally attacks staff when challenged and no one who is willing to actually listen to those of us who have come before them.
Emma Barnes, Olympia
Washington residents unaware of building code changes
Most Washington residents are unaware that new building codes take effect Oct. 29.
Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest are sadly becoming commonplace. I understand we must make changes to adapt to climate disasters. Unfortunately, fear has driven revisions to the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) building codes for new construction and remodels in intermix (urban) and interface (wildland) areas statewide.
The building council needs to look at unintended consequences and put the implementation of the WUI on hold. The code counters current science on forest fires and climate. Fire-resistant buildings (hardening), especially in wildfire areas, are the answer, not removing trees and vegetation. Embers from wildfires travel far, and wood structures with composite roofing are vulnerable to those embers with or without surrounding vegetation.
Washington is the Evergreen State. The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) code conflicts with Washington State’s Urban Forest Management Plan, particularly in reference to RCW 76.15.005 of the plan — (5) “Increased tree canopy in urban areas can positively impact salmon populations through stormwater management and reduction of stream temperatures, thereby improving critical salmon habitat.”
We cannot fight climate disasters if we continue to implement policies that contribute to climate change.
Marianne David Tompkins, Olympia
Chicken causes traffic nightmare
The possibility of Chick-fil-A moving into the Capital Mall Drive location currently occupied by Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse should give pause to anyone who has a vested or even a passing interest in the proposed project.
The additional traffic burden on Cooper Point Road can’t be overstated. As hard as it is to fathom, I’ve witnessed the seductive allure of “Big Chicken” first-hand and its impact on the poultry-loving public must be seen to be believed. Allowing the project to proceed will come with inevitable downsides that can’t be undone and must be carefully considered.
Should Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse meet its demise at the altar of expediency, who will be the next to fall? Perfectly tasty chicken is sold in countless locations within Olympia’s boundaries. But where to go for scallops seared on a hibachi or warm sake on a cold December day? Such things, I would respectfully submit, are worth a ponder.
Rick Bartlett, Tumwater