Letter writers endorse candidates, thank first responders, question impeachment inquiry

Elect Bill McGregor to Port Commission

Citizens of Thurston County are going to elect three new Port Commissioners on Nov. 7, bringing a new set of diverse ideas and skills to the Port. There is only one candidate, though, that has a deep understanding of Port operations and that is Bill McGregor. He brings historical perspective, along with many years working in Port industry and 13 years as a Port Commissioner.

Bill McGregor’s experience and history with the Port is invaluable as the new Commissioners grapple with business at the Marine Terminal and the airport, as well as realizing Vision 2050 and the North Point development. All of these projects have years of history, which bears heavily on any current decisions.

Couple Bill’s expertise with the talent and skills of current Commissioners Iyall and Harding, along with two other new commissioners, and Thurston County can count on the Port being in good hands and serving our community.

Please join me in voting for Bill McGregor for Port Commissioner.

Joe Downing, current Port Commissioner, Olympia

Props to Tumwater Police and Fire

I was the unfortunate victim of a car accident recently, and dutifully called 911 to report it. Within minutes, persons from the Tumwater Police Department (and Fire) were by my side, getting information, making sure I was OK, etc.

In a day and age when police can be much maligned, I want to be sure to personally thank all those who helped me that day (Aug. 25 on Crosby Boulevard). Everyone I dealt with was kind and helpful, making sure I understood all the next steps, chatting with me as we waited for the tow truck, welcoming my friend when she came to pick me up. I could not have asked for a nicer or more supportive and helpful group.

My sincere thanks to everyone, and especially Officer K. Clark, for being there just when I needed you!

Lynne Geller, Olympia

Van Leishout for Olympia School Board

I would like to express my support for Leslie Van Leishout to serve on the Olympia School District Board. Leslie has devoted her career to working with students in this area. She exemplifies the best attributes of a teacher and leader. She is smart, kind, honest, hard working, and truly has the best interests of our students at heart. I believe that she will be equitable and help to meet the needs of the students in our community, while embracing their differences.

As a former teacher, she knows the work that teachers and staff put into our schools and can relate to and support their efforts. Leslie has volunteered countless hours in our community.

I endorse Leslie Van Leishout as a teacher and parent of three students in the Olympia School District. She is what we need on our school board. She will help the district regain the reputation it once had and help us move forward in a positive way in times when our education system faces many challenges.

Leslie is the voice we need in Olympia, for us, for our students, for our community, and for the future.

Karla Jensen, Olympia

Republicans have no credibility in their impeachment inquiry

I’d be more supportive of the House Republicans looking into Hunter Biden’s business dealings and any connection to President Biden if they were also looking into Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump reporting between $172 million and $640 million in outside income while working in the White House, and the Saudi Royal Family “investing” $2 billion with a Kushner “startup,” justified only by Donald Trump being his father-in-law. What about those connections?

I guess House Republicans think grifting and financial crimes are admirable only if you do them on a stupendously obscene scale?

Joe Nilsson, Olympia