Richland School Board turmoil, natural gas and other Herald letters to the editor

Richland board turmoil not helpful

After reading the April 13, 2022, (Tri-City Herald) article, “Recall petitions filed to oust 3 Richland school officials who voted to defy WA mask law” as well as the previous articles, not to mention the actual school board meetings via zoom, I can’t help but feel frustrated. So much time has been wasted on this ridiculous attention grab, are you really helping anymore?

Is there not a more positive and productive way to better serve these students, parents and staff? One would hope that, after a quick internal self-audit, it would be clear how much friction is brought to the table by simply being at the table in the first place. I would think the blatant dissidence from the school board members in question, along with generating this much animosity from the community, is evidence enough, that there is no longer a productive force within the school board, but rather, a quite destructive one.

If they had good intentions, it no longer matters, as their selfish actions to remain on the board bring further destruction (financial and reputation) and (they are) no longer able to provide positive examples and support to the community this school district serves.

Dusty Howard, Richland

Add natural gas to building code plan

The Washington State Building Code Council should support natural gas innovations and jobs.

I am one of the thousands of union workers who rely on natural gas not only to cook and heat my home, but also for my livelihood. Current events have shown the national security asset natural gas is. By leveraging this nation’s greatest asset, its skilled workforce, the United States can advance new energy technology and help address climate change.

With greenhouse gas emission goals coming, the pivot away from fossil fuels as an energy source leaves our infrastructure vulnerable. An inability to meet energy demands at current growth levels have blackouts looming by 2026; and yet the Washington State Building Code Council still made ill-advised recommendations to ban natural gas installation in new construction, putting even more pressure on the electric grid.

The near term brings many challenges to the energy sector. With little modification, existing infrastructure can convert to renewable natural gas and hydrogen but that won’t happen if building codes disincentivize hookups. I urge the Washington State Building Code Council to consider a clean energy future that includes natural gas, and the new technologies that won’t deploy if buildings don’t have the infrastructure.

Andrew “AJ” Fouts, Pasco

Richlander irked at councilwoman

Councilwoman Jhoanna Jones’ remarks were quite disappointing at the recent (Richland) council meeting regarding the library. Some things are greater than dollars and cents and the library is a point of pride for many citizens in Richland and an amazing resource we all contribute to. I pay taxes in Richland and I want to pay for the library.

I appreciate that you had questions, but was rather offended at (your questions) … and then admitted that you don’t even use the library, but go to the Mid-Columbia library. Rather than expressing gratitude to the library board, you inferred they were “stacking the deck” with their survey results.

Your social media posts shame Richland residents for not attending council meetings in person without any regard to those of us watching online live, or viewing the recording. You criticized the library you don’t even use. I don’t know how long you have resided in Richland; one thing you should know about those of us who have lived here a significant amount of time; we are proud, we care about our community and we value our resources. As an elected representative of this community, I would expect you to feel the same.

Janet Peterson, Richland

Franklin auditor should pay

So, the Franklin County auditor thinks his elected position relieves him of accident liability. He left work, got into his private vehicle and damaged a parked county vehicle when leaving the parking area. This accident caused more than $5,000 (damage) to this county-owned vehicle. Instead of informing his insurance company of his accident, he feels the taxpayer should pay for the damage he caused. This man obviously needs a wake-up call. Man-up to your responsibility and pay for the damage you caused; you are not above the law!

Beverly Wardlow, Kennewick