You may not be required to report child abuse and neglect. But you still should | Opinion

Permissive Reporting: Full reports help sex abuse probes

Washington state law defines two types of reporters of suspected abuse: Mandatory reporters and permissive reporters.

If you are a mandatory reporter, you are required by law to report any suspected abuse, neglect or abandonment of a child or vulnerable adult. Mandatory reporters can be from many different fields, such as, but not limited to, medical practitioners, social services workers, law enforcement officers or teachers.

If you are not a mandatory reporter, then you are a permissive reporter. Permissive reporters are not required by law but are greatly encouraged to make a report to if they have reason to suspect abuse or neglect.

When making a report, try to give as much information as you can. Sometimes you may have a lot of information and sometimes you may have hardly any, but remember, the more information you can give, the more you can assist the victim.

Washington state encourages permissive reporters to report even though they are not mandated by law because it could potentially get help to a person. If you would like further information with reporting, please call the Support, Advocacy and Resource Center at 509-374-5391.

Morgan Robinson, Richland

Lehrman’s skills will benefit Pasco

Kim Lehrman has the skills, experience, temperament and heart to represent the citizens of Pasco. As a former council member and a proud resident for over 40 years, I appreciate her public service.

Lehrman is a teacher in Pasco Schools and interacts directly with Pasco’s next generation and their families. Lehrman understands the community we build today is creating jobs and infrastructure for our children to succeed tomorrow. Lehrman interacts with many people in our community. Many of you see her on the soccer fields and at other sporting events

Lehrman works on the City of Pasco Planning Commission. She votes for plans that manage Pasco’s explosive growth in a method that is orderly, efficient, fair, strategic and ensures Pasco’s future economic vitality.

Lehrman’s children have multiple ethnicities; she understands the pride we each feel when sharing and celebrating our cultural heritage. She understands why Pasco’s policies must be fair and inclusive.

Being a Pasco council member is not glamorous. Lehrman has already proven she has the skills and the willingness to perform. If you want Pasco to be a city where people choose to live, work and play, then join me in voting for Lehrman.

Rebecca Francik, Pasco

Rasmussen Right for Port of Benton

We are writing this letter to encourage every vote eligible to vote in the Port of Benton races to vote for Christy Rasmussen for port commissioner for District #2. Our support for her is in response to the very positive impact she has had on Port of Benton operations since she began her term as a commissioner.

We especially admire her ability to move forward on projects like the repairs to the port of Benton railroad and the Atlas Argo enterprise, as well as making changes in how other Port assets are used in a manner that is more beneficial to the people in this region.

This success is not a surprise to us, as she has a long history of competent service to our community. This is also a reflection of her ability to work collaboratively with people as well as with government agencies.

She has also fostered an atmosphere within the Port of Benton of respect, honor and fairness that brings out the best in those who work under her. For these reasons, we urge you to vote for Rasmussen for Port of Benton commissioner in the upcoming election.

Eugene Pratt, retired Benton County judge, and Linda Pratt, West Richland