Letters urge ‘no’ vote on I-2109, lament change in GOP values, warn about coyotes

Protect our children’s future: Vote NO on I-2109

Strong schools and affordable childcare are essential for Washington’s families and economy. The Fair Start for Kids Act, funded through the Education Legacy Trust Account (ELTA), helps ensure children receive high-quality early education by expanding access, capping copays, and supporting childcare providers.

As a medical student, I’ve seen how early intervention and stable environments in the first years of life lead to better health outcomes. Research consistently shows that early learning is critical for children’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development, laying the foundation for lifelong health. Quality early childcare can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve mental health, and foster resilience. Without this support, children — especially those from low-income families — may face developmental delays and long-term health disparities.

Initiative 2109, on the ballot this November, threatens to eliminate the capital gains excise tax, which is paid by the wealthiest 0.2% of Washington state tax filers (less than 4,000 households). Eliminating it would cut over $2.2 billion from childcare and education funding over the next five years, unraveling the progress we’ve made to support Washington’s families. While a small group of ultra-wealthy individuals may benefit, the rest of us will pay the price through reduced access to vital services.

For the health of our children and the future of our state, vote NO on I-2109.

Gleb Sych, Olympia

GOP platform pain

My late father, a proud Republican, used to say that his party stood for fiscal responsibility, military strength, limited foreign involvements, individual rights, and other American virtues. I often wonder what he would think of his party today, which seems to have adopted a platform solely aimed at increasing human misery, both at home and abroad.

Edward Alderman, Lacey

Coyotes in Thurston County

Your excellent article about what to do if you see a coyote in your yard had one major omission: If you have small children in an area where coyotes have been seen, young children should not be left unattended.

When I lived in Southern California in the 1960s, there was a verified, tragic incident where a coyote took a very young child from the family’s fenced yard, witnessed by the mother. Though extremely rare, and the pupping season in the Pacific Northwest is not very conducive to spending much time outdoors, parents should be aware of risks.

Kathryn M. Ashe, Olympia

Coastal resilience: A call to action

Our coastal habitats are threatened by rising sea levels caused by climate change. More than 70 species of shorebirds, waterfowl, marsh birds, and seabirds depend on Puget Sound at some point in their life cycle. It’s crucial that we take care of these birds and protect their habitats.

Audubon Washington recently launched a new initiative called “Audubon Around the Sound” with the goal of bringing people together to safeguard Puget Sound’s coastal habitats in the face of a changing climate. In Olympia, Black Hills Audubon hosted an event with the Washington Department of Ecology to emphasize the urgent need for community actions to protect our shoreline, especially in under-served areas.

Whether you’re a nature-lover, bird watcher, photographer, gardener, or just deeply passionate about preserving our coast, there’s a role for you in promoting resilience. There are numerous ways to get involved in local community programs. By doing so, we can protect our coastlines and support the birds and wildlife that rely on them.

Kathleen Snyder, Olympia