Local elections have more impact
To the Editor,
In this year of exciting national election campaigning, we may overlook the local races that can affect our lives the most. Our Klickitat County Commissioners have a direct impact on county citizens from zoning-land use planning and development issues to decisions on which roads are created, paved and maintained to the funding of social services and economic development initiatives in our communities.
Twice in recent years outgoing commissioners have left office early, allowing the opportunity for the local party and remaining commissioners to select a replacement. This practice makes the “replacement” an incumbent to the office, giving him name recognition and making election easier.
In this upcoming election we have a chance to elect two County Commissioners to the three person board by a vote of the people. Democrats Lea Rachford in District 1 and Jerry Gaines in District 3 are both running against incumbents. Every registered voter in Klickitat County can vote for one candidate for each district, so they can vote for both of these candidates.
This will be a close election. Please attend a candidates’ night to hear what these folks have new to offer. This is grassroots democracy in action and your vote counts.
Brian Griffin
Lyle
Guilty until proven innocent
To the Editor:
Politicians legislating harsher punishments for criminals can never lose popularity. Hang ‘em high, let juries sort them out. It is a good policy in any field of crime prevention, unless that crime makes innocent people an easy target for deception and malicious prosecution.
What is the first line of defense an enraged parent losing a child in a custody dispute turns to? Accusations of child molestation - a heinous crime for which the accused must prove their innocence beyond a reasonable doubt. It happens all the time, and subsequently there is a large number of innocent family relatives imprisoned because they didn’t have the financial resources or legal knowledge to properly defend themselves against the phony charge. Court-appointed attorneys are woefully underfunded and usually sock puppets for the local prosecutor and courts.
Attempting to correct this ongoing problem with legislation would be suicide for any politician. Can you see the opponent’s campaign tactics in today’s political arena of mud slinging? “Senator soft on child molestation”.
Just this year the Washington Appeals Court saw through one of these deceptions and reversed just such a conviction. The falsely accused has now been returned to Goldendale for another trial. The county is now notorious for its somewhat dubious practice of turning spitting on the sidewalk into an act of International Bio-Terrorism. They thrive on these false accusations.
Beware that perfect weapon.
Jerry Trout
Goldendale
Excellent care prevented long-term injury
To the Editor:
On Sept. 12, my husband had a terrible accident and was taken to the Klickitat Valley Health hospital. He had a terrible gash on his head and his neck was broken.
The care he received there was awesome. Dr. Lentz’ emergency staff and those helping her were so good. There is no way I can ever thank them for all they did. They were so caring and gentle with him. The doctor did everything she had to do and explained each step to both of us in terms we could understand. The nurses were gentle and saw to making him as comfortable as they could. It was decided he needed to be taken to Portland to the trauma center there. They arranged very quickly for the helicopter to come out of Dallesport and they were here within 12 minutes. Amazing.
The Life Flight crew was also wonderful - no room for me but they promised they would make him very comfortable and get him there quickly and safely, which they did. They were careful and quick. I attribute my husband’s not being paralyzed to the care and service he received at their hands.
Since he returned, the family practice, local doctors, and the pharmacy have also been wonderful.
Before Rescue 7 and the ambulance arrived, the neighbors were also helpful - once again Goldendale neighbors are there for you.
American Legion provided hospital equipment while Larry is recovering.
Goldendale may be small but the care and consideration we received were A-one. The coming weeks will be hard and it is a great comfort to know the staff here is ready and able to help with anything we may need.
Brenda Pegram
Goldendale
Volunteers are a service to the community
To the Editor:
I had an emergency Thursday morning. I trapped a skunk on my back porch. I was able to get the trap off the porch onto the driveway, with my leg being sprayed.
I live in a trailer park and left a note for help with the manager, to no avail. (Although he did drive past a few times.) I called the sheriff - no help. The Police Department - no help. Animal control - no help; my neighbor - no help; a stranger walking by - no help.
My pastor called and could help in the evening. I called Volunteer Chore Services and they came through like always. They contacted a volunteer, Pete, and he came and took care of the situation.
Thank you, VCS and Pete.
Shirley Montanye
Goldendale
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