Chaos sets stage for takeover of USA

I keep hearing that no one understands the objective of the chaos coming from the Trump administration. The operative word here is “chaos.” More chaos and more piling on of chaos set the stage for a non-violent takeover by any one of our enemies. Putin is sitting patiently for the right moment to waltz into the Oval Office and sit down at the desk without ever having to fire a shot!

KAREN DELESSERT

Ocean Park

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Apply taxes toward hospital bills

A review of my property tax statement shows over half of my 2025 property taxes go to schools; 32.242% of which are voter approved local measures. My husband and I have never voted no on a school issue. Good schools are foundational to a community.

The same is true for health care. The bond measure to build a new healthcare facility will again be on the ballot on April 22. The hospital board has worked hard to reduce the impact on local voters. Based on my current property tax statement, I calculate the cost for a new, modern facility will be less than 14% of my total tax bill. I can almost guarantee at some point in everyone’s life, they will have need of local healthcare.

Anyone who pays property taxes and uses any of the Willapa Harbor medical facilities can apply their hospital tax payments towards what they owe on their local medical bills. This includes doctor appointments, blood tests, CT scans, mammograms or whatever. It is recognized that the community owns the hospital.

I first heard about the tax rebate program years ago from a local gentleman who was retired at the time. His strategy was to schedule his tests that need to be done annually for the first of the year and then use his tax credit to satisfy his deductible. Personally, if I’m at an out-of-town doctor and they order tests; I ask they be done at Willapa Harbor Hospital. It makes it cheaper (tax credit) and easier (no driving) for me.

Access to good, modern healthcare, as schools, is part of a community’s essential infrastructure. I would encourage each of you to do what our parents and grandparents did for us; approve Proposition One and let’s get a new healthcare facility built for future generations.

TONI WILLIAMS

WHH Commissioner

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Hoping for a new Ilwaco mayor

I had invited the public to attend two cases I brought against Holly Beller, Ilwaco city administrator, and Mike Cassinelli, the mayor. Holly prevailed and I will now cancel my harassment suit versus Mike.

I have lost my right to taxi safely to the airport. I will know more after the elections in November. I may be able to work with a new mayor.

DON BERGER

Ilwaco

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New north county hospital is affordable

The community of north Pacific County has an opportunity this April to vote yes on the bond to build a new, modern hospital in Raymond to replace the old, dated hospital in South Bend.

The old hospital has done its duty for years, but frankly must pass the baton to a new, updated facility that can give patients so much more than the old one can. The South Bend hospital has limited function and limited time left in service. It will be the end eventually when the grandfathered exceptions demand we move on. We need to prepare for that now by passing the bond and building the new hospital. It will only get more expensive by waiting!

I know that paying more taxes is not something that most anyone would want, but something that needs to be done from time to time, and that time is now. When I calculated the monthly increase in property taxes, it came out just over $50 a month. That’s affordable for us, and a much higher priority than some of our discretionary spending. How many trips to the coffee stands for a latte?

Some of our fellow taxpayers loudly complain about paying more taxes on this bond. They state that the whole community is opposed to the bond. Not true! I proudly want to pay these taxes for me, my family, and the community. Vote yes!

MICHAEL D. STURGILL

Raymond

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Support new Willapa hospital proposal

I urge our community to support the proposed bond for a new healthcare facility — this issue is deeply personal to me because my brother, Joe, owes his life to our hospital’s emergency room.

During the pandemic, Joe was critically ill with covid pneumonia, struggling to breathe. The medical team acted quickly, saving his life. A couple of years later, he suffered a blockage in his lungs, and once again the hospital’s swift care made all the difference. Both times, the proximity and expertise of our hospital were crucial.

Built in the 1950s, our hospital can no longer meet the needs of our community. Engineers have confirmed it is structurally outdated and nearing the end of its useful life. The building lacks space, privacy, ADA accessibility and fails to meet modern healthcare standards.

We have two choices: do nothing and watch our hospital deteriorate, leaving us with the nearest hospital 30 minutes away — or vote yes to build a new, modern healthcare facility. For less than the price of a cup of coffee a day through a small property tax increase, we can ensure our community has access to life-saving care when we need it most.

By voting in favor of this bond, we are not just investing in a building; we are investing in lives — our lives. Please consider the future of our community and vote yes to build a hospital that will meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Your life, and the lives of those you love, depend on it.

TOUK SINANTHA

Raymond