Candidate explains 2005 statements, plus letter writers weigh in on Port, county races

Gundersen: I’m committed to learning to create equity and justice

I’d like to address an Oct. 22 letter regarding my 2005 testimony on House Bill 1515.

Around 10-15 years ago, I held beliefs and made statements that were not supportive of equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. As someone who passionately advocates for what I believe is just and true, I may have expressed views that did not align with my principles of equality and acceptance. A significant shift occurred in my perspective around 2014 when I learned that my youngest son is gay.

My transformation was prompted by my exploration of literature that illuminated the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, challenging the preconceptions I had held. I was deeply moved by the stories of young people who had faced discrimination, harassment, and even violence due to their sexual orientation.

By the time my son directly shared his truth with us, I was prepared to wholeheartedly embrace his identity. I extended my sincere apologies to him for his upbringing in a family whose previous views had contradicted his sexual identity. Reflecting on the past, I continue to feel profound regret for any pain he may have experienced. Today, my husband and I share a close connection with my son and his partner.

I am committed to ongoing learning to create a more just world. I am an example that thinking can evolve. Listening for understanding creates new possibilities for us all. I have committed to and will continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Rose Chiu Gundersen, Olympia, Port Commission candidate

Vote for Emily Clouse

I am very impressed with Emily Clouse who is running for Thurston County Commissioner.

Clouse is informed and articulate on issues of regional planning, increasing housing access, public safety, mental health, environmental sustainability, and alternatives to incarceration, especially for youth. She took the initiative to start a non-profit serving youth. Clouse has the leadership and commitment to plan solutions and respond to the challenges Thurston Country faces.

This local election is an important opportunity to choose commissioners interested in innovative solutions for our region. Let’s get Emily Clouse on the Thurston County Board of Commissioners.

Kathy Pruitt, Olympia

Vote for Sarah Tonge

Sarah Tonge is running for the Port of Olympia’s newly formed District 5. Here are at least two reasons why I strongly support her candidacy:

Environmental awareness: She will strive to build a stronger and more inclusive Port, the actions of which reflect the environmental values of her constituents. She will stand behind initiatives or project elements that successfully enhance environmental stewardship.

Environmental advocacy: She puts “Environment First” by aligning with priorities and action elements of Thurston County’s Climate Action Plan, a blueprint for the region. As often as possible, she will explore the use of renewable energy sources.

Overall, Sarah’s life experience and professional background bring a mix of skills well suited to achieve the above. Vote for Sarah for Port Commission! Change is in the cards; it needs to happen now. The Port must rethink its priorities to be responsive to the environmental values and actions of the region.

Eliane Guillot, Olympia

Unsuccessful candidate evaluates current race

I am confused by the letter to the editor from Steve Shanewise. He suggests voting for three of the candidates — Maggie Sanders, Jasmine Vasavada and Sarah Tonge — who will steer the port away from its money-losing, tax-wasting status and identifies the marine terminal as the money-losing entity. He suggests making the storage area into community space and commercial zoning.

These suggestions come close to the ones I made when I ran for the port in the primary. Read my positions in the Voters Pamphlet for the primary. I also espoused these issues in the television program sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

None of these candidates supported my position or discussed these issues. The closest thing we agreed on was that when the dam is removed on Capitol Lake and the silt flows into Budd Bay, dredging for the one or two ships per month will be very expensive. Read the Voters Pamphlet for the general election now and no where did any of these three candidates discuss these issues. Instead they are busy touting transparency, recreational destinations, climate change, strategic planning, diversity, and protecting the environment.

I look forward to running again in four years when the debt is probably greater and the taxpayers are paying more for the policies of these three progressive Democrats.

Bill Moomau, Tumwater

Spread the Port’s benefit to you

I support Jasmine Vasavada for District 1 Port Commissioner because she will:

• Preserve and grow family-supporting living-wage jobs throughout the Port businesses.
• Advocate for realigning the Marine Terminal’s shrinking container business to a stronger business niche with more-than-logs breakbulk cargo.
• Shape your Port’s direction and benefit beyond the commercial/corporate/private interests the Port mostly serves today.
• Prioritize environmental responsibilities (Budd Bay legacy pollution cleanup, Port-owned land use, and green energy sources).
• Expand the Port’s public engagement and improve transparency in strategic, long-term decision-making,
• Develop and strengthen collaborative relationships with local tribal governments, local governments, businesses, school systems, and civic partners to move our economy forward for all of our county’s residents.
• Widen near-term and long-term community development benefits to Thurston County’s businesses, governments, and residents by cultivating public and private-sector partnerships such as countywide broadband access.
• Reverse the Port’s long-standing record of business losses.
• Spread the benefit of your working tax dollar ‘investments’ the port receives to — wait for it — YOU!

Please join me in voting for Jasmine Vasavada.

Mark Gray, Olympia