Opinion
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Decision a win for landowners
In a victory for private property owners, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the “significant nexus” test in its Sackett v EPA ruling. The ruling changes how “waters of the... — Updated 5/30/2023
Inslee, apologize to fired workers
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee is busy signing bills. I think he should start putting his John Hancock on apology letters to former state workers who were terminated because of hi... — Updated 5/30/2023
In remembrance of those fell
An “aha” moment – a time when make that brilliant “I’m going to do it” decision. I got mine after reading “Lone Survivor” by Marcus Luttrell and studying up on my... — Updated 5/23/2023
Build electricity around hydropower
Although New Zealand and Washington are located a half-a-world apart, they have lots in common---beautiful seashores, majestic mountains, crystal clear streams and lakes, and vibran... — Updated 5/23/2023
Inslee, apologize to fired workers
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee is busy signing bills. I think he should start putting his John Hancock on apology letters to former state workers who were terminated because of hi... — Updated 5/16/2023
Failure to act legalizes drugs
The state Legislature is headed back to Olympia this week for a special session specifically to deal with the prospect of all drugs becoming legal July 1. Sen. Mark Schoesler,... — Updated 5/16/2023
Republicans threaten democracy
President Joe Biden is seeking re-election. I wish he were younger and I might favor other Democrats — Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and 2020 presidential contenders Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker come to mind. But Biden’s... — Updated 5/16/2023
My parting thoughts from session
Beef Day is the second-best day of the legislative session, next to the last day. Probably the best news about the 2023 legislative session is that we adjourned on time, although th... — Updated 5/9/2023
It's That Time of the Year
Some would argue that spring is the most wonderful time of the year in Washington. Throughout our state fruit trees blossom, vibrant tulip fields bloom, and colorful lentils... — Updated 5/9/2023
Public safety failures the legacy of 2023
This session saw some bipartisan successes as lawmakers and citizens were in Olympia together for the first time in nearly three years. That in-person interaction is always key for working relationships and good workable solutions... — Updated 5/2/2023
Carefully weigh energy tradeoffs
President Biden is unwisely “throttling up” plans to ditch carbon fuels unilaterally despite the extreme consequences of doing so. He wants to accelerate replacement of... — Updated 5/2/2023
Lawmakers refrain from raising taxes
A miracle of sorts took place under the Capitol dome on April 23. The state Legislature adjourned its 2023 legislative session without raising taxes. I want to point it out because... — Updated 4/25/2023
Earth Day isn't about politics
On Earth Day this year, I will be planting two trees in a local park. This is not a political act. And yet, there are many who will see it that way because it occurs on a day... — Updated 4/25/2023
Step up and run for office
I have spent 15-plus years on the City Council and now finishing up 10 years as your mayor. It all started out with an "appointment." I received a call from the then-mayor; he had... — Updated 4/18/2023
Study funded for Highway 904
For the past 33 years, my wife and I have lived in a house near State Route 904, which connects Cheney to Interstate 90. When we bought our house in 1990, this highway had only a... — Updated 4/18/2023
Impaired driver bills advance
In recent years, drunk and drug-impaired driving has become a greater problem on Washington’s roads and highways. It is a major reason for the alarming increase in accidents and... — Updated 4/11/2023
Gun measures miss causes
On the Saturday before Easter, the state Senate's majority Democrats passed what they call an "assault weapons ban." In reality, the bill targets several of the most popular sportin... — Updated 4/11/2023
Payroll tax will hit hard this summer
House and Senate budget writers released their 2023-25 state operating budget proposals recently. It was a reminder that taxpayers have been very kind to the state’s coffers as... — Updated 4/4/2023
School safety needs attention
My Mom would be horrified by the rash of violence in our schools today. The most recent tragedy at Covenant School in Nashville where three students and three adults were shot to... — Updated 4/4/2023
School board meeting the catalyst
I attended the Odessa school board meeting on March 22. I am an alum of Odessa schools and a teacher. Professionally speaking, I cannot fathom allowing my students to be harmed. Educators’ responsibility to student safety and... — Updated 3/31/2023
Parental rights only sound good
Parents’ Bill of Rights? Sounds OK until you see who supports it and why. House Resolution No. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights, has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Reading the “five pillars of H.R. 5,... — Updated 3/31/2023
Good to see president support breaching dams
Nice to see Prez Biden supporting salmon, treaty rights and dam breaching. As you may or may not know, the four Lower Snake River dams were made to be breached as they are half earthen and half concrete. Maybe those who put them... — Updated 3/31/2023
State capital gains income tax upheld
Ever since legislative Democrats passed a law (Senate Bill 5096) two years ago creating a capital gains state income tax in Washington, observers on both sides of the political... — Updated 3/28/2023
Public safety needs more than a step
Law enforcement in our region continue to serve the people with professionalism, dedication and compassion. The brave men and women behind the badge are an integral part of our comm... — Updated 3/21/2023
Protect local pharmacies
In small communities across Eastern Washington, the local pharmacy is a business you rely on. Often it is the only outlet for miles around where you can get your prescriptions... — Updated 3/21/2023
