Sorensen most qualified
To the Editor:
It’s not who you know or who you are related to. It’s what you know and how you apply that knowledge. It’s not how many people you have been privileged to manage. It’s how well you manage them. It’s not a belief that you will be able to achieve the required qualifications. It’s the ability to perform those duties prior to applying for the job. It’s not whether you are a Democrat or a Republican. It’s how well you, as a person, serve the residents of Klickitat County.
When you fill in that small box on your ballot, I hope you will take into consideration the knowledge and professionalism of Brenda Sorensen, Klickitat County Auditor.
Jerri Atkins
Goldendale
Do research before voting
To the Editor:
Be very careful how you vote. Our basic county offices—commissioners, assessors, auditors, treasurer, etc.—are somewhat benign in that they manipulate taxes, finances and policy, they may irritate some but in general cause no immediate personal harm. The offices of the judge, prosecutor, and sheriff, however, have the power to ruin people’s lives if that power is misused. These offices are evaluated by the constituents on the number of crimes they solve and criminals they get off the streets. That’s a commendable objective, but a higher degree of morality and honor is the number one requirement for those law enforcement agents to perform within the legal definition of their offices, which includes the mandate “to administer fair and equitable justice.”
In order to be assured these officers are qualified for the job, it would be a good policy for voters to check out their performance and their track records, especially for incumbents. In the case of the office of prosecutor for example, take a long hard look at their record of convictions reversed on appeal and their record of litigation regarding unlawful incarceration and malicious prosecution. These records are available either at the court clerk’s offices or at the office of the county prosecutor. Just ask, and then cast an informed vote carefully. Innocent lives can be ruined by the wrong choice.
Jenny Trout
Goldendale
Predators follow game
To the Editor:
Acorns are one of the staples of racoons, deer, elk, bear and other animals and birds. This year’s crop of acorns is very minimal and could have been caused by the cool, wet spring.
Animals such as deer and elk will travel out of the woods into the meadows and valleys in search of vegetation to survive. The predators of these will also follow. Bears have been sighted and harvested in the Centerville area. One was sighted at Knight Road and Mesecher Road several miles from the timberline. The local taxidermist has 10 bears so far this year and expects more as the bears travel in search of food. The bear season doesn’t end until Nov. 15. These predators will often prey upon livestock, house pets, and children.
If you are feeding the deer and elk, beware—you may be inviting unwanted guests. Another hazard of having these animals move into our neighborhood is they are feeding and traveling along our roadways.
If you encounter a bear or cougar notify the sheriff’s office or the Fish and Game Department so they are aware of a potential problem. Be aware!
Dan Bolton
Goldendale
Manipulation disrespects voters
To the Editor:
If a candidate relies on lies, rumors, innuendos, and hard-ball politics, they are insulting your intelligence. They believe by flaming your emotions, you will be persuaded of untruths so they can manipulate you, define the argument to fit their purpose, and demonize their opponent. These techniques are disrespectful to you, the voter, for they portray you as an unthinking rube.
You deserve campaigns on the issues and the qualifications of the candidates. On Jan. 1, 2011, some candidates will be sworn in, but no amount of supporters, spin, underhanded campaign tactics, or political or family connections will help them in doing the job that has to be done for you.
Tim O’Neill
White Salmon
Clean up kill pictures
To the Editor:
The special hunters section was interesting and the pictures showed some proud hunters. There is a lot of patience, perseverance, and other obstacles to harvesting these animals with some luck. Years ago it was okay to put the head and antlers on the front or rear of the vehicle to show the animal and the hunter’s success. But that was years ago, as hunters became more sensitive and ethical, it stopped.
With gun control and animal rights activists, the hunter is a target of negativity and we as a hunter, fisher, and sports people must portray and practice positive actions.
The picture of Mr. Randall with his elk harvest shows the joy of the harvest, but also the ugly kill scene. On most TV hunting and fishing shows the animals and fish are thoroughly cleaned for a positive picture and for good public relations. My suggestion to this is to clean up those type pictures in the future.
Ross Herrington
Goldendale
We need infrastructure
To the Editor:
As elections loom, the political rhetoric is all about the economy (too weak), jobs (too few), the national debt (too large), government (too big), and, of course, taxes (too many).
Yet the one “too” issue no one is talking about is our too aged national infrastructure. This decaying infrastructure may pose a greater threat than all these others combined.
According to the Society of Civil Engineers, America is literally falling apart. We need two trillion dollars immediately to repair our bridges, water systems, schools, and other aged public structures. Most of our towns, my own included, have leaking water and sewer pipes dating back to the early 1900s. The Hood River Bridge, built in 1924, originally for livestock crossing, can’t last forever. Not only is it time to replace and reconstruct, this is the best opportunity that we’ve had in 50 years.
David Duncombe
White Salmon |
