Letters endorse Upthegrove for DNR chief and Foster for county commissioner, and oppose I-2124

Upthegrove for Commissioner of Public Lands

It’s almost incomprehensible that we came so close (51 votes) to having only timber industry-backed candidates to decide how our Washington state public forest lands are managed at a critical time in combating climate change.

I met Dave Upthegrove prior to him entering the race for Commissioner of Public Lands and saw firsthand his commitment to changing outdated policies to better align with today’s climate challenges, and I am thrilled to see him on the November ballot.

Washington’s older public forests that regenerated without planting are diverse and complex compared to tree plantations and are worth preserving now before being cut and turned into more plantations. These older forests have been called ‘Legacy Forests’ and will be old growth for our grandkids if preserved and utilized for recreation and wildlife habitat.

Dave’s approach to rely on tree plantation harvests and legislation changes to address the public timber revenue aligns with the Superintendent of Public Instruction goal of removing this outdated dependency for school funding.

It took a grassroots effort to get Dave onto the ballot past the timber lobbyists’ resources, so now it’s time to support Dave in his effort to become out next public lands commissioner and give a chance to have positive effects on climate change and be our legacy for future generations we can be proud of.

Bruce Anderson, Olympia

J.W. Foster for County Commissioner

J.W. Foster, an independent candidate for the Thurston County Commission District 2, will make a great county commissioner, and here’s why:

J.W. will bring a wealth of experience. He was a paramedic firefighter, retiring in 2013 after 34 years of service. He served multiple terms on the Yelm City Council, including one term as mayor. He has abundant knowledge about the needs of the southeast part of our county.

This is something important for urban voters to realize. A major task for County Commissioners is to set policy that applies to the needs of small towns and rural areas. J.W. Foster’s experience meets this essential qualification.

In addition, his experience goes much beyond the political and policy arena. For over 15 years, J.W. and his family have volunteered at the Nisqually Land Trust, participating in multiple habitat restoration activities. He joined the Board of the Land Trust and served several years as its president. He understands from experience the importance of government policies that conserve our vital environmental resources.

I urge you to vote for J.W. Foster as our next District 2 Thurston County Commissioner.

George F. Walter, Lacey

Vote ‘no’ on I-2124 to protect long-term care

A measure on our ballot this election, Initiative 2124, sounds like a simple change, allowing workers to opt out of the state’s long-term care benefit program. But as with any insurance plan, if enough people opt out, it bankrupts the program, leaving people without benefits and the contributions they made to build them.

Nobody wants to think about having a terrible fall or other things that can debilitate us for months or years. We might be 40 or 80 when it happens, but at least 70% of us will someday need help with dressing and bathing, getting around and managing meals or medication as a result of a serious injury or illness.

As someone who counsels families on how to navigate Medicare and aging options, I know very few clients are prepared. The physical limitations and stress on family members who help is hard enough, and then comes the realization that neither health insurance nor Medicare cover long-term care needs. Yes, there is long-term care insurance for the few who can afford it and can get it before a pre-existing condition. Washington’s benefits make it more possible to get care at home, and stay out of long-term care facilities. This helps buy time before families are forced to drain their assets to qualify for Medicaid.

I’m voting no on I-2124 because it would take away a safety net that millions will need.

Judith Bendersky, Medicare counselor, Tumwater