Volunteers prep for Pack2School

For the past five years I have been blessed to serve on the Pack2School team in several capacities. One that I love is creating the signage that helps guide our families on the day of Pack2School. Signs guide our guests through the process of receiving their school supplies by grade, selecting just the right backpack, and directing them to lunch and the carnival activities. I enjoy using color in creative ways to make it easier for families to locate just what they need. Working in the background is such a satisfying experience, I love seeing Pack2School come together every year. It is a privilege to serve.

Becky Earl

Ocean Park

Community steps up

This is my third year participating in Pack2School. Formally a teacher and principal in Utah, I was amazed at the community spirit for this program. It was impressive to see so many donations and how well organized this whole event was from beginning to end. The number of volunteers was heartwarming. I was one of many volunteers that packaged the school supplies for the big day. This community really steps up and … I am pleased to be a part of it!

Julie Buckingham

Ocean Park

Eastham not right choice

Normally I wouldn’t like to get involved in such matters, however, I feel the citizens of Pacific County have been deceived. I have a duty to intervene and protect, just as I would for the victim of a crime. As a co-worker of Sean Eastham for the past seven years, I can tell you first-hand he is the absolute worst choice for sheriff of Pacific County. Eastham only cares about himself, not the citizens of Pacific County.

Eastham has been running on a promise to put more boots on the ground. He wants to restructure the organization, stating the Sheriff’s Office is too top heavy in administration. He says he can save $30,000 to $50,000 by restructuring, even though during a KXRO radio interview he admitted to never having looked at the budget.

I’m currently assigned as the only detective in the agency. With his plan, I’m back to working patrol, which I have no problem with; however, I don’t receive extra pay for my position and currently work patrol shifts when needed. The lieutenant would be back to a patrol deputy. He simply can’t do that as it is a union and civil service position. The Chief Criminal Deputy would be back to a patrol sergeant, which would cause a downward movement possibly causing a layoff. The Chief Criminal Deputy’s primary function is overseeing the jail. The position is funded about 90 percent from the jail budget. By doing this he then has nobody to oversee the jail and takes money from the jail budget and moves it to the patrol budget. I’m no mathematician but I don’t see $30-50k saved from all that.

Eastham has complained for years about not having backup. I would agree that this is an issue, but Eastham is often part of the problem. Deputies often get called at home in the middle of the night to respond to calls for service. When I receive those calls, I have no idea the severity of the call. Eastham rarely answers those calls for service. If he was so concerned, he would answer the calls to backup deputies and protect citizens.

Hopefully I’ve shed some light on the deception Sean Eastham has spread. Please join me and the many others at the Sheriff’s Office in avoiding his name on the ballot.

Ryan Tully

Raymond

PAPA does it again

PAPA has done it again! The Peninsula Association of Performing Artists’ musical production of “Beauty and the Beast” is just plain wonderful. A huge cast of nearly 30 performers brought this treasured fairy-tale to life with great dancing, singing and lots of humor. It’s a rollicking, fast paced, spectacular performance. For a good time come and see it on weekends at Fort Columbia, WA. For more information and to buy tickets online tickets go to www.papatheater.com or call 503-522-2092.

Suzanne Leonard

Ilwaco

Vote for experience at PUD

Three candidates are vying to become the Peninsula’s new PUD commissioner. All three are good, honest, forthright people, with records of public service.

However, for the first time in PUD election history, we have one candidate, Don Pape, who actually has a full 42-year professional background and understanding of our PUD, the overall Northwest power system, and the actual threats to our PUD’s future. These issues are real, politically, rate wise and systemic.

All past elections have had candidates touting their personal business talents and social attributes while promising to learn on the job as two of the present candidates are doing.

Because of this situation we have had a succession of well meaning, power ignorant commissioners that were easily conned by PUD management into borrowing $24 million to force through a pet project and cover up its failure. (It’s in the PUD records.) Every customer is and will be charged through our power bill for years to come for this mistake.

Had Don Pape been commissioner, this could never have happened.

Don Pape is the only qualified candidate. His 42 years starting as an apprentice lineman, working up into the higher levels of power distribution, is a gift that we as ratepayers can’t afford to refuse, this won’t come again.

Published support lists for the other two candidates are impressive, many of my friends are listed. Don Pape is retired here only recently, so hasn’t built longtime friendships as yet.

I would hope people will, as I will, vote for Don Pape based upon his unmatched qualifications rather than a popularity contest. This PUD, the largest buisness in Pacific County, certainly needs him.

Dick Sheldon

Ocean Park

Re-elect McClain

This is a letter of support for Mark McClain, who is the current elected prosecutor for Pacific County. Mark is running for re-election and I whole-heartedly support his continuation in this position.

Mark has proven over the past four years that he is an advocate for justice. Mark is dedicated, knowledgeable, and determined to prosecute to the fullest extent of the law for justice for this community and this county. The position of elected prosecutor is difficult. Mark’s proficiencies include a level head, assessment of each case based on the facts presented, and the ability to effectively communicate with victims, families, law enforcement, and judges. Mark is able to equitably settle each case that he handles. He runs an efficient and considerate office with staff that is adept in their positions.

I have interacted with Mark on numerous occasions in trainings, monthly meetings, team assessments, and truly difficult situations. Every decision made by Mark is after thorough evaluation of all aspects of the case, corroboration with all parties involved, assistance from pertinent agencies, and insight into the situation. The job of county prosecutor must be held by a person with knowledge, experience, and true empathy. Mark possesses all of these.

I endorse Mark McClain as the elected prosecutor for Pacific County, and look forward to many additional years of close collaboration.

Joyce Gilbert, MD

Olympia, WA

Whealdon can help PUD

Our PUD has progressively improved its services to Pacific County residents over the years providing reasonable rates, service and most importantly, upgrades and preparations for potential devastating winter storms. Yes, periodically there have been controversies and disagreements among the commissioners, but I believe they have served us well.

With the upcoming election for a new District 2 commissioner, I would encourage voters to support Dan Whealdon. I have known Dan for over 14 years, observing his character and skills as a highly successful youth golf coach, businessman, and a long time community supporter. He has strong roots on the Peninsula with an understanding of its citizens and our economic needs. Dan has uncompromising integrity and an ability to solve problems, which will contribute to our PUD’s future direction. Dan will be a winner for our community and PUD!

Rainer Houser

Long Beach

Stay the course with sheriff

My dad used to say “if it is not broken, don’t try to fix it.” We have an excellent sheriff who has done a remarkable job with the limited number of officers and the limited budget. Why would a newcomer think he can do better? Keep our sheriff for another term!

Edie Faylor

Chinook

Oakes perfect for PUD

I am very pleased that Debbie Oakes is running for the position of PUD commissioner! She has a clear history as a leader, having served in many capacities within the community during the 45-plus years that she has lived in Pacific County. We serve to benefit greatly from her experience, both as a business owner and as an involved volunteer. She is eager to share her administrative experience on boards of directors. She understands that we need a long-range strategic plan so PUD can prepare for the growth demands coming in our future. She is concerned about keeping the price of utilities within the means of our population. And she wants to see high speed broadband available to everyone living in the county. In addition, her history on the school board included responsibility for public entity oversight of a system and working with staff to define goals that would meet the strategic plan. Not everyone can bring that experience to us.

On a more personal note, I am impressed with her commitment to being the advocate for the community with the PUD. She understands that customers are the people to whom PUD is accountable. And she is committed to working collaboratively with other utilities, government bodies, funding sources across the region and nationally in order to maximize the possibilities of growth for this utility.

Debbie has proven that she cares deeply about the people who live here. She is pragmatic and easily approachable. She listens.

I urge you to vote for Debbie for PUD commissioner. Whether she is your candidate of choice or not, however, be sure to vote.

Una Boyle

Seaview

Oaks: A proven public servant

First, I would like to thank AAUW for sponsoring the Election Forum on July 10. This event gave the standing room only crowd a chance to listen directly to candidates and help us make informed decisions when we vote on Aug. 7 and Nov. 6. For those who could not be there I encourage you to attend candidate meet-and-greets now being held throughout our community. You will definitely see a side of them that newspapers and social media alone can’t provide.

That said, I am supporting Debbie Oakes for Public Utility Commissioner District #2. She may be new to this but at one point she was new to the Ocean Beach School District too and, as both PTSA president and school board member, look at the positive changes she accomplished there. Our schools are better today because of her tenacity in improving the lives not only of her own children but for all children attending then and now.

True, Debbie has never climbed a utility pole or experienced working at PUD. What she does have is 40-plus years as a PUD District #2 customer. She is open to new ideas, like finding ways to use renewable energy resources to slow down the ever-increasing rates that affect us all. As PUD Commissioner she will look out for all of us just like she looked out for all the kids in our schools. Many kids that benefited from her work are now of voting age. I hope you remember Debbie when you cast your ballots.

Rita Nicely

Nahcotta

Gable’s column inspires

Cate Gable, you’ve done it again with the crow and the warmth of it and its sad leaving. Who else but you, Cate, cares and sees so deeply into life? We need a mega million more like you.

Joe Paliani

Ocean Park

Be sure to see ‘Beauty/Beast’

Two more weekends (six more performances) remain of this summer’s PAPA production of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” It is not to be missed. With a cast of nearly 30, most being novices to live performance, one would have expected that there could or would be a bit of a hiccup here or there. Attending the first weekend, I could not find one.

PAPA continues to give the Peninsula community family-friendly productions, as well as offering training and exposure to those interested in theater arts. With cast members from age 6 to senior citizen you could feel the cohesiveness of the cast and the willingness of all to encourage others and empower them to shine. And, congratulations to Brooke Flood on her debut as director of this truly successful endeavor.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be truly entertained. Go to www.papatheater.org to get your tickets.

Celsa Johnson

Ocean Park

Wheladon works effectively

I’ve known Dan Whealdon for a little over 10 years. I went to school with both his sons, Jack and Patrick. Dan was always involved with the youth sports that they participated in, either as a coach or as a volunteer.

I really got to know Dan when I purchased my house 3 ½ years ago. At the time, Dan had houses that ranged from under $100,000 to close to $1 million. Dan put just as much effort into my house as he would into any of his others. I was the smallest potato he had, but he was after it constantly. Dan even came to the house and helped fix things himself just so we could get it closed.

Dan is without a doubt one of the hardest working people I have ever met. He won’t be the kind of guy that looks out for himself. He’ll go to bat for everybody he represents. He’ll put the hours in that nobody will. If you really want somebody who’s going to put as much effort into helping the normal rate payer as he would into the bigger ones, Dan Whealdon for PUD #2 Commissioner is the vote you need to make.

BEAU MORROW

Ilwaco

Wheladon takes public’s interest to heart

I have known Dan Whealdon for the last 15 years. His knowledge of our public’s needs, his association with the public as a real estate broker and his concern for the rate payer of Pacific County make him our best candidate for PUD Commissioner.

The PUD can use someone who listens, who is fiscally responsible, and who has the best interests of the public and also respects the valued rate payers in our county. Dan works daily with those who use power, and are in the process of getting power. Dan is a family man who has lived here for over 20 years. Dan’s experience with the public far exceeds the other two candidates. Join me in voting for Dan Whealdon on August 7th.

Mike Bonfigt

Long Beach

Whealdon: Great attributes

Mr. Dan Whealdon is an excellent candidate for the position of PUD #2 Commissioner. Mr. Whealdon has lived and worked on our beautiful Long Beach Peninsula for many years. A few of his finest qualities that will benefit our community are his positivity, excellence in leadership, and his ability to work well with those around him. Mr. Whealdon enjoys serving our Peninsula and is always eager to lend a helping hand. Join us by voting Mr. Dan Whealdon for PUD #2 Commissioner.

Erin McDonnell and Marin McDonnell

Long Beach

Pape: The logical choice

Don Pape is the only candidate for PUD commissioner qualified by experience and technical training to hold this position. Previous commissioners consistently mismanaged PUD projects. Associated costs and debt has soared. In recent years I attended PUD commission meetings and asked specific questions.

What is the cost of this project? No preliminary cost estimates were prepared by PUD staff. Their answer was they made no cost estimates. Projects costs wouldn’t be known until bids were opened.

What is the long-term capital improvement plan for future PUD projects? Their answer was that no capital improvement plan with related costs was ever prepared.

Continued mismanagement of PUD responsibilities has created significant debt of millions of dollars. Don Pape has openly addressed this problem and discussed directions for resolution. Other candidates remained silent. Be assured that utility rates will increase until the PUD Commission has qualified and successful management in place. Don Pape can provide these qualifications

Don Pape has more than forty years’ experience working in public power agencies. No other candidate has any experience working in a public power agency. Based on this reality Don Pape is the logical candidate for your vote.

MICHAEL PARKER

Oysterville

Trust Long to replace Herrera

I have had face to face contact with both Jaime Herrera Beutler and Carolyn Long. Both are smart, personable, and good communicators. But the differences are striking. Jaime’s public image is positive and inclusive, but her votes and values behind the scenes are not. Carolyn Long, in contrast, has been transparent and accessible to the people in this county and beyond. Knowing what she believes and why she has chosen public service, I trust Carolyn Long to represent us in the 3d Congressional District.

I met with Rep. Herrera Beutler for fifteen minutes at her Vancouver office on July 5, 2013. Two days later her first child, baby Abigail, was born prematurely, and mother and child became a national miracle story. Over the next four years I called into several of Jaime’s telephone town halls, where the questions were screened ahead of time. In an early 2017 call she volunteered her support for building a wall along the border between the U.S. and Mexico, a topic not brought up by a questioner but proposed by the newly elected Donald Trump.

Rep. Herrera Beutler presents a positive image of commitment to our natural resources, our senior citizens, and local economies. But her continuing votes to repeal the Affordable Care Act, without a credible substitute, show more loyalty to Republican leadership than to the health of her constituents. Behind the scenes, the highest ranking Latino woman in Congress voted yes in the appropriations committee and then in a floor vote in June to detain children with their parents indefinitely at the US border. It was part of a bill that also included $25 billion for the US – Mexican border wall. The bill was not passed, thanks to the 40 negative votes by Republican members and every Democratic member of Congress.

Carolyn Long has spoken and written about the many school shootings around the country, and the percentage of those tragedies that involve suicides. She has offered positive actions to work with mental health and law enforcement leaders to keep children and adults safe inside and outside schools. In contrast, Jaime has said nothing about these shootings; nor has she offered a solution to this major issue.

Carolyn has visited people in multiple face to face town halls throughout the district over the past seven months. Having heard and spoken to her and her team, I believe she will make good on her promise to keep visiting and listening to those of us in rural as well as urban sections of this district. I am gratified that she is willing to enter and participate in a Congress that is seriously divided and largely ineffective. Trusting Carolyn Long to bring reason and transparency to the 3d Congressional District, I urge you to help elect her to this office.

Barbara Bate

Ocean Park