Letters endorse Port candidates, question WA housing aid, criticize cemetery’s cleanup method
Vote for Jasmine, Maggie, and Sarah for Port
This year’s election for Port of Olympia Commissioner offers voters a stark choice between those who support the mistakes of the past, and those who represent a future Port that actually serves the people of Thurston County.
There are three races, for Positions 1, 4, and 5. There are three excellent candidates: Jasmine Vasavada for Position 1, Maggie Sanders for Position 4, and Sarah Tonge for Position 5.
The most embarrassing candidate is Bill McGregor, running for Position 1. Bill previously served as Port Commissioner from another district. Bill voted for many of the huge mistakes the Port has made, supported a multi-million-dollar lease subsidy to Weyerhaeuser, and approved spending millions on airport projects that never brought us airline service. He supported a $10 million stormwater treatment facility that didn’t work, and the $2 million yacht fueling station that is losing money every year. Bill appears to want to repeat and amplify his mistakes of the past.
Close behind him are Rose Gundersen and Troy Kirby, who seem to want to continue business as usual at the Port, not supporting changes to improve the Port’s finances, environmental record, or governance. We cannot vote for continued poor leadership.
The Port of Olympia costs us $7.5 million per year in tax subsidies. Most other Port districts have no property tax at all — they manage their assets to be profitable.
We need big changes. Vote for Jasmine Vasavada, Maggie Sanders, and Sarah Tonge. They will work for you.
Jim Lazar, Olympia
HEN program needs to reevaluate policies
I am writing to express my frustration regarding the Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) Referral program, a taxpayer-funded initiative under DSHS that provides access to essential needs items and potential housing assistance for low-income adults who are unable to work for at least 90 days. There are instances where it appears to fall short of its commitments, placing an unfair burden on landlords like myself.
Three years ago, one of my tenants was accepted into the HEN program, which included a promise that her rent would be covered every month. After three years of this arrangement, we invested resources into upgrading her unit.
The completion of these upgrades was in June, with a planned rent increase scheduled for September. Unfortunately, the tenant took a different course of action rather than complying with the new rent cost. She claimed that she had been evicted and urged the HEN officer not to pay her rent.
Since June, she has continued to occupy the unit without paying rent. My primary concern is not only the financial burden but also the lack of accountability within the HEN program. Taxpayer dollars fund this program, and it is only fair that the promises made to landlords and tenants alike are upheld.
Moreover, it has come to my attention that the HEN program intends to relocate the tenant to another apartment and continue covering her rent there. This decision is perplexing, considering the unresolved delinquent bill she has left behind on our property. It raises questions about the program’s responsibility and the allocation of taxpayer funds. Should the HEN program not prioritize settling outstanding debts before moving tenants to new accommodations?
Emelie Nix, Centralia
Cemetery needs to do better
On a recent trip to Woodlawn Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation, where five of my family members are resting, there was a disturbing sight. Decorations from all of the graves had been removed and placed in one pile without regard for what or who they belonged to.
I found this to be disrespectful and inconsiderate. There was no communication or warning, just a rule that was being enforced after years of oversight.
After speaking with them about my missing property, there was no compassion or understanding. This whole process should have been handled more delicately with more communication. Shame on you.
Sylvia Dedrich, Lacey
