Letter writers praise Wheeler camp cleanup and Olympia EMTs, plus endorse Van Leishout

Wheeler Avenue camp move done well

This is a bit late. Nevertheless, the state, county, city, numerous NGOs, numerous workers, numerous volunteers, and the Wheeler Avenue right-of-way campers are to be thanked for the excellent work done to relocate the campers into much better digs, and to clean up what was left behind.

“Restorative justice” is a term used to describe programs and processes in the legal system, particularly in prisons, which seek to help inmates integrate into the community after their release from prison, heal relationships, and avoid committing further crimes. While Wheeler Avenue isn’t a prison and the campers aren’t inmates, a philosophy of restorative justice is exactly what underpinned this successful collaboration.

A whole bunch of people had to do their part to make this happen, from the governor, through numerous government and non-government organizations, to individual campers who moved, to the last man or woman with a rake cleaning up the old site. This eyewitness can attest to the great job done by the chainsaw gang and the rakes and shovels gang.

Our community and country may have to provide continuing future support for many unsheltered people. This recent work demonstrates at least one outstanding way how it can be done.

Thanks to all!

James Pierson, Olympia

Providing a second chance

Outside the Community Kitchen, a man was sprawled on the steps, unresponsive. While on the phone with 911, another person administered Narcan. A gasp in moments and the person was upright. The 911 dispatcher said stay and monitor, help is on the way, he could lapse back into unconsciousness. Olympia EMTs arrived, professional, kind, helpful. They met him where he was — literally and figuratively — no judgment, just care.

Two nights later, a different person crossing the street oblivious to cars is hit. Again, call to 911, Olympia EMTs arrive. Each did their jobs with professionalism and caring.

If I was unhoused, I would probably alter my existence with whatever I could find too. I am grateful for the people who just appeared to help these two individuals and the professionals who did their jobs graciously. Just maybe, collectively, they planted a seed to try something different, provided a resource or just a kindness that might give these individuals the ability to try another day, rather than die unattended in Thurston County.

Mary Barrett, Lacey

Van Leishout will work for all kids

The world is full of annoying politicians right now, but Leslie Van Leishout is not one of them. I have known Leslie for years through her outstanding work in student support for North Thurston Public Schools. I believe she would make an excellent Olympia School Board member (Position #4).

Leslie truly cares about people and will work to listen, learn, and solve problems together. She has always been outspoken about the care and protection for underserved children, including the homeless, those with disabilities, and minority populations. She understands that not all students learn the same way, and that mental health support is vital in today’s schools.

Her commitment to all students is unshakable and she has my vote!

Courtney Schrieve, Olympia