Oppose the environmental ‘hack job’

As an elder, I’ve lived through many political crises in this country — but I have never seen an attack on our democracy like this. In the past, there was bipartisan opposition to lawlessness. Today, the guardrails are being dismantled before our eyes, and we must sound the alarm.

My mission statement during my 40 years as an educator was diversity, equity and inclusion. Does that mean we fire all the teachers? As an environmental activist here on the peninsula, how can I watch as the refuge loses funds and personnel; therefore programs. Our fourth grade program is totally volunteer again as no staff can be paid to ensure its growth. STEAM classes (science, technology, engineering, art, math) could become a joke without data and real science with real scientists continuing.

Lastly, my beautiful home here at the beach will suffer faster from climate change — oh, yes, it’s here: water acidification, invasive species, weather patterns, polar vortex, rain rivers, warming oceans and death of habitat and biodiversity. We must stand strong for our planet, community and economy by having an environmentally sustainable, socially just nation. Let’s work together for the better; not do a hack job on quality programs and people. 

MARTHA WILLIAMS

Long Beach

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Support excellent commissioner Lisa Olsen

We are writing this letter to support Lisa Olsen as our Pacific County commissioner. She has a remarkable record of effort and commitment to the job.

We do not support the group that is attempting to recall her for doing her job. We are also appalled at the unwarranted smear campaign against her character. This group has limited knowledge of why the commissioners voted the way they did to remove the jail from the sheriff’s office’s purview and put it under the control of the county commissioners. This move removed the possible exposure to loss of insurance coverage and the creation of liability for no insurance.

No one works harder than Lisa Olsen for the good of Pacific County and she needs our support.

ROBERT P. and RUTH J. ROSE

Bay Center

 

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How about we deport Musk and Murdoch?

 

Where to begin?  

 

Do we want foreign influencers driving our country? Elon Musk and Rupert Murdoch are both immigrants who hold an incredible sway over information in the USA. Musk is from South Africa, came here on a student visa, dropped out of college and made a mint with his startups here. I didn’t see him get rounded up by ICE for being in the country illegally. He has a huge platform now with his wealth, “X” and Trump’s endorsement.  

 

Murdoch is an immigrant from Australia, who used a loophole to get media licensing in our country and runs Fox News, the premier disinformation epicenter of media. Murdoch has said that the Fox organization is highly profitable because they give their viewers “what they want to hear” (not the facts). Fox News is a No. 1 news source for our electorate. Are these people who we want to live in our midst and tell us what to believe? Not me.  

 

It is a shame that we are now faced with chaos and disinformation and a virtual governmental coup. I am appalled at what has happened in the last two months since Trump took the oath.  

 

Please do not be silent. We need to stand together and call it what it is. Wouldn’t hurt to deport Musk and Murdoch and take over their business enterprises for the common good.

 

MARION OMAN

Long Beach

 

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Keep U.S. on right path on climate change

The Trump administration’s proposal to reconsider the EPA’s endangerment finding is reckless, anti-science, and a huge step backward for climate action. This decision isn’t just about politics — it puts our health, environment, and future on the line.

The endangerment finding, established in 2009, is based on clear scientific evidence that greenhouse gases harm public health and the planet. It’s been the legal backbone for policies that reduce emissions from cars, power plants, and industry. Without it, we lose a key tool for fighting climate change — and that’s exactly what polluters want.

 

The reality is, climate change isn’t some distant threat. It’s here. We’re seeing record-breaking heat, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes that devastate communities. Our state is not immune from these catastrophes and the Trump administration’s actions would reverse progress. Gutting this policy ignores science and common sense at a time when we need stronger action, not more rollbacks.

 

This also sends a terrible message to the rest of the world. While other countries are working toward clean energy solutions, the U.S. risks becoming a climate laggard instead of a leader.

 

We can’t let this happen. We need to push back against this dangerous move and demand real climate solutions. The health of our planet — and future generations — depends on it. The EPA should scrap its plan to undo this regulation and maintain the rules that are protecting all of us and the air and water we rely on. 

 

JENNIFER MANCHESTER

Ilwaco

 

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What goes around comes around

Since becoming President, Donald Trump has: Threatened to invade Panama and Greenland; make Canada the 51st state; falsely accused Ukraine of starting a war with Russia, and then sided with Russia; started a trade war with Canada, Europe and Mexico; and cut humanitarian and economic assistance to third-world countries, which will lead to widespread famine and disease.

Without cause, Trump fired thousands of federal workers; canceled valid contracts; illegally impounded appropriated funds; deported undocumented aliens without due process; and dismantled federal agencies without Congressional approval.

 

He asked the Departments of Justice and Treasury to go after his political enemies; and has invoked the Alien Enemies Act, giving him authority to deport non-citizens without judicial review.

 

He has ignored judicial rulings and related court orders that determined his executive orders violated federal law, and exceeded his Constitutional authority.

 

And in an address to Congress, Trump lied about the extent of Social Security fraud; the Biden Administration’s record on illegal immigration, energy and the economy; and how and where fentanyl enters the United States.

 

Yet despite Trump’s lies, and his blatant abuse of power, the issues Trump supporters care most about are: Will the price of eggs and gas increase? Will they get their Social Security and Medicare benefits? Will their retirement accounts decline? WILL THEY BE PERSONALLY INCONVENIENCED?

 

Over the last 15 years I have watched the MAGA crowd cheer Trump on, as he threatened and insulted Mexicans, gays, the LGBT community, Africans, Muslims, Democrats, prosecutors and judges, and the media. But when faced with the likelihood that they will be inconvenienced as a consequence of Trump’s policies, MAGA world finally takes notice and becomes concerned. 

 

Shame on those that think only of themselves, and not their fellow human beings who suffer from the cruelty of this president.

 

What goes around comes around, Trump supporters! And you too will experience the cruelty of your beloved Donald J. Trump. Remember, this is what you voted for. You were warned!

 

FREDERICK LEHR

Grays River

 

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Learn about and support CSN

 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the survivors in our community and work together to end sexual violence. At Crisis Support Network, we provide critical services to survivors of sexual and domestic violence and child abuse, including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, and emotional support. 

 

However, our ability to continue providing these life-saving services is at risk. Federal and state funding for victim services has decreased significantly, leaving small rural nonprofits like ours struggling to fill the gap. Despite the growing need, we are being asked to do more with less.

 

That’s why we are inviting the community to join us at our upcoming Sexual Assault Awareness Brunch on Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m., at the Raymond Elks Lodge. This event is not just an opportunity to learn more about the work we do, but also a chance to take action by ensuring survivors have access to the support they need. Every dollar raised helps provide safety, healing, and justice for those who have suffered abuse.

 

We know that our community is compassionate and generous, and we are asking for your support. Whether through attending the brunch, making a donation, urging legislators to prioritize funding for victim services, or simply spreading awareness, every action makes a difference. With funding cuts threatening the services that so many depend on, now is the time to step up and ensure that no survivor has to face their journey alone.

 

Please consider joining us and being part of this critical mission. For more details about the event or how to support Crisis Support Network, please contact us at 360-875-6702.

 

JULIE JEWELL

Executive Director

Raymond

 

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WHH plan — we just can’t afford it!

 

The Willapa Harbor Hospital is currently holding meetings, asking for support for their new hospital project. I attended their first meeting at the community center. 

 

In summary of this meeting, they are once again asking voters to approve a huge bond for a $96.4 million facility. The facility cost last year was $92 million, which the voters overwhelmingly voted down. The vast majority of participants at this meeting sent a very clear message to the hospital: we cannot afford it!

 

The request for a $42 million bond is a 15% tax increase for property owners. For a median-priced home of $325,000, this equates to a $13,000 expense over the life of the bond. For a $500,000 property, this expense is $20,000. For a $700,000 property, the out-of-pocket expense is $28,000. The message is clear: we can’t afford it!

 

Some factors to consider: About 23% of the people living in our community live below the poverty line and struggle day to day with expenses. In addition to increased taxes to property owners, rents are going to go up even higher. Taxes this year alone went up 11% through assessed values. If this trend continues into 2026 and this bond passes, property owners could potentially see a 26% tax increase next year — wow!

 

There is no doubt our existing hospital has serious issues due to its age, insufficient property management over many years and new hospital medical requirements. I believe we all want good medical services for our community but they have to be affordable. The hospital needs to figure out a way to reduce the bond amount significantly or come up with a less-costly facility plan for the betterment of our residents.  

 

Know the facts folks. So the math. We can’t afford it!  

 

JERRY BOWMAN

South Bend

 

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Time to get beyond’ patch and fix’

 

Very recently we had to go to ER due to a fall. We got excellent and timely care, and were also aware throughout the procedure that we soon risked not having any type of local facility at all.

 

Being face-to-face with the staff and procedures, I was repeatedly reminded that the facility has critical structural hardware/software/systems problems. Our hospital staff does absolute miracles with what they have.

 

One of the argument positions I hear is “patch and fix” the current facility. If only that were straightforward and possible. This “patch and fix” situation is one I know my family has faced several times. Fix the old car (it’s getting harder finding parts, labor, etc.) or get a newer vehicle. Both cost money, but have different outcomes over time. Outdated tech and equipment and facilities is the old car sputtering and halting, just before having to limp onto the shoulder.

 

Do we really not care whether it stays open or not? Not care whether we have a critical care facility in this community? Yes, we have to pay for it. It’s not free. What about when one of your family is injured and needs critical care? Where do you stand? If you insist on something that’s “free,” you won’t get too far — so how far will you go to prevent this?

 

DEANA BORDER

Raymond