Letters: Fire District 4, elections, face masks and more | July 24

Editor’s note: Letters about the upcoming Primary Election are due to the Tri-City Herald by 5 p.m. July 28.

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Fire District 4 has a good plan

My family has lived in Benton County Fire District No. 4’s service area for 32 years. Our fire district is asking for a small lid lift to fund more firefighters and paramedics. (It would cost the average homeowner about $45 a year.)

Call volumes have grown an average of almost 8% a year since 2010. There is no doubt that more emergency personnel are needed to respond to calls. I also think people should know that our fire district planned for this growth in a way that reduced impacts to taxpayers.

For example, it first asked for voter approval to build and equip a new fire station in 2017. That project will be finished at the time new firefighters would be hired in 2021. Planning for growth in this “pay as you go” way reduces impacts for taxpayers and improves emergency services for everyone long-term.

Bottom line: As someone who is retired, I appreciate the planning that went into this project.

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Garbe Reser best for 16th Senate

We’re truly fortunate to have Danielle Garbe Reser running to represent the 16th Legislative District in the state Senate. Danielle’s background and experience make her uniquely qualified for this position. She grew up in Moses Lake and earned a scholarship to Whitman College where she graduated with honors; she then attended Columbia University on full scholarship and earned her Master’s in Public Administration. She served our country for 14 years with the U.S. State Department under both Republican and Democratic administrations.

She returned to Eastern Washington to serve as CEO of the Sherwood Trust, where she worked with community leaders and nonprofit organizations and oversaw initiatives that created jobs, improved community infrastructure and strengthened local nonprofit operations and programs. She knows how to work with individuals and groups to get things done. Danielle understands the vital role of our agricultural community; her husband, Todd Reser, is a fifth-generation farmer from a Walla Walla family with a long history of community service.

Experience, commitment to service and the ability to work with others to get things done. Danielle will be a strong voice in Olympia for all of us. Please join me and vote for Danielle Garbe Reser.

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Delvin has the right experience

Incumbent Benton County Commissioner Jerome Delvin is the only candidate for his office with the experience, institutional knowledge and political connections needed to manage the daily operation of Benton County. He has first-hand knowledge of the state Legislature, serving there in both houses, from 1994 to 2013, which is so invaluable when seeking assistance for our county. Having an experienced and steady hand overseeing Benton County operations makes a tremendous positive difference.

Today’s business and social climates do not allow time to train newcomers in the operation of such a large and diverse county. Benton County is a $300-million-a-year “business” with more than 700 employees, which he has successfully guided in partnership for over seven years.

Jerome served his county just like some of his opponents, but he quietly basks in the knowledge of doing his part to keep America free.

I urge you to vote for this experienced man of integrity to allow him to continue to help lead Benton County into the future.

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Vote Brown for Superior Court

On Aug. 4, our community will have an important decision to make. I am urging my friends and neighbors to join me in supporting state Sen. Sharon Brown in her race for Benton-Franklin Superior Court judge.

I have known Sen. Brown for many years, and she is one of the most honorable, knowledgeable, caring and dedicated public servants I have ever seen.

As a state senator, she has helped create laws to meet the needs of our community, and her judicial philosophy is to respect the will of the people by following the law as written.

Sharon Brown is honest and fair, has real-world experience as small business owner and practicing attorney, and is 100% committed to seeking justice for all. As a lawmaker, she has been a loud voice for our most vulnerable, including those suffering mental illness, victims of human trafficking and those with developmental disabilities.

Please vote for Sharon Brown to be our next Benton-Franklin Superior Court judge and return your ballot prior to Aug. 4.

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Klicker’s his pick for District 16

Vote for Mark Klicker for the 16th District, Position 1. I have personally known Mark (for) 40+ years, Mark has always been a valued family friend. Mark was born and raised in the 16th District, where he is raising his family. Mark has a strong drive to reduce the regulation burden on businesses and agriculture. Mark is a Republican who we will not have to worry about once we put him in office. He will always look out for District 16 and the people within. On Aug. 4, please vote for Mark Klicker to represent us in the 16th District.

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Didier viewpoint appalling to her

I am appalled at the idea of Mr. (Clint) Didier encouraging business to go ahead and open and defy the ruling set by Gov. (Jay) Inslee. This isn’t a Republican vs. Democrat game, Mr. Didier, and if you are looking for votes this isn’t the way to get them. There were few law enforcement officers defying another of the governor’s’ orders. Since when were they allowed to choose which laws they will enforce and which they won’t?

Our governor is working hard to keep all of us safe, and I for one appreciate it. If you don’t like the stay-at-home ruling, be thankful you have a home to stay in!

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Learn mistakes of mask wearing

You can search the internet and find an article titled “15 Mistakes You’re Making with Face Masks.” I urge everyone to read it and learn it’s not as easy as just putting a cloth over your face.

And if anyone in Jay Inslee’s office is paying attention, please get our governor to read this also. I have not seen a video yet where Inslee did not demonstrate his ignorance of the potential for spreading contamination through mishandling. Bad enough having extreme measures in place, even worse when our governor does not demonstrate any knowledge of the proper use and disposal of respiratory protective equipment.

Please try to lead by example, Mr. Inslee.

This story was originally published July 24, 2020 at 12:01 AM with the headline "Letters: Fire District 4, elections, face masks and more | July 24."