Letters to the Editor

Published 5:27 pm Sunday, March 8, 2026

‘Once-popular Democratic Party is gone’

Why is it that so called liberals think it’s okay for them to break laws. America was established and became the envy of the world because of the laws we live under. The federal laws on immigration are clear, sensible and make us safe.

The democratic socialists who now dominate the once popular Democratic Party with sensible people such as JFK. MLK, Chip O’Neil among many are now anti-American, anti-law, and are deranged violent losers.

Once all of the millions of illegal aliens and foreign terrorists are removed from America, we the citizens will be safer and will see our financial conditions change for the better. Instead of spending our tax money on agencies that give money to illegal aliens such as the one in Long Beach, our tax money should be used to help American citizens prosper. Housing and rent prices will be cheaper once the illegals are gone. Our schools will have more money to spend on our children.

The current administration is working hard every day to bring America back from the total collapse that the Biden criminal cartel caused.

If you think these Democrats are going to help the average American citizen, just look at the insane laws that they passed in Olympia in February, including the most taxes ever dropped onto Washington state people. The Democrats are quickly taking away our rights. They don’t want the voters to be able to vote on school bonds, they don’t want the voters to choose their county sheriff. It’s time you realize the once-popular Democratic Party is gone — it doesn’t exist. The people who stole the party are insane, evil socialists. Take, take, take. That’s their goal. Name one country that has prospered under a socialist regime. Go ahead, I’ll wait!

RICK CICERELLE

Ocean Park

Byrd has right skills to lead sheriff’s office

I’m proud to publicly endorse Rich Byrd for Pacific County sheriff.

After spending 30 years in law enforcement, in South Bend Police, Long Beach Police and Raymond Police, including 13 years as chief of police for the Raymond Police Department, I know what effective leadership looks like. It’s not about politics or personalities. It’s about experience, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving your community.

Rich Byrd brings exactly that.

 He is a lifelong Pacific County resident and a retired lieutenant from the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office, where he served more than two decades in corrections, patrol, narcotics enforcement, direct first-level supervision and command leadership. He also served his country honorably in the U.S. Army. That combination of local knowledge, professional experience, and service mindset matters, especially in a rural county like ours.

One of Rich’s greatest strengths is his ability to bring people together. Public safety in Pacific County depends on strong cooperation between the sheriff’s office, local police departments, state agencies and regional partners. Rich understands the importance of collaboration and mutual respect between agencies. He has the experience and temperament to rebuild relationships, strengthen communication, and ensure everyone is working toward the same goal, collaborating to keep our communities safe.

During my career, I saw firsthand how important strong relationships are between agencies and the communities we serve. Rich understands that public safety works best when leaders build trust, support their officers/deputies, and keep the focus where it belongs, on protecting the people, not creating division.

Pacific County deserves steady, experienced leadership grounded in professionalism and accountability. In my opinion, Rich Byrd has the background, temperament, and commitment needed to lead the sheriff’s office forward and restore relationships and collaboration in our law enforcement community.

I strongly encourage voters to support Rich Byrd for Pacific County sheriff.

CHUCK SPOOR

Retired Chief of Police

Raymond Police Department