The Tri-Cities are about to get a theater far too small to meet the cities’ needs | Opinion

What does TCs want in a theater?

Blake Smith of the Arts Center Task Force recently stated that I am “inaccurate claiming the Arts Center Task Force is ignoring the needs of the community by focusing on an 800-seat theater.”

I disagree. Steve Wiley, the former chairman of the Arts Center Task Force, has stated the ACTF exists solely to serve the needs of the arts groups that are on its board of directors. Because they don’t see a need for a large theater to serve “their” needs, they are not advocates for a large theater that will serve the needs of the broader community that wants to see large national traveling shows.

Whether it’s the 800-seat facility, or something broader in scope, they both need outside funding such as state grants. Knowing that outside funding is needed, shouldn’t we strive to build a facility that really meets the needs of both the local arts community as well as providing for a large theater so our community can enjoy the large national touring shows?

As I said in my earlier article, if you agree with the Arts Center Task Force, vote ‘Yes;’ if not, and if you want to see a larger theater built, vote “No.”

Victor Epperly, Kennewick

Facing the reality of climate change

Focusing on the real problems and possible solutions in climate-accelerated natural disasters is purposely made harder by bent MAGA leadership promotions of conspiracy theories. They use disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes to blame leaders who are imperfect but dedicated human beings doing the best they can in difficult situations.

MAGA can’t admit the reality of climate change because they gain power from sabotage of policies meant to fix the problem, placing blame where the solutions aren’t living up to the desired outcomes, and taking in billions from fossil fuel companies.

Voters interested in the truth can quickly google weird claims to read the feeds from mainstream media sources. They still report the truth.

MAGA will be in control of the presidency and both houses of Congress soon, but they have a lot of subsurface cracks and their house majority is so thin that they have to vote unanimously to pass anything that Democrats don’t support.

That means Congressman Dan Newhouse has the power to stop nonsense if he has the courage to do so. Voters chose him over a MAGA candidate in the last election and have a right to expect him to earn their future votes.

Greg Carl, Richland

Inslee leaves us far in budget hole

Thank you Gov. Jay Inslee, you came into office inheriting a $1 billion shortfall and are now leaving us with $15 billion in the hole! Thank you Inslee, biggest tax and spend governor we have ever had.

Jim Reinhardt, Kennewick

Plymouth needs intersection fixed

I’m reaching out in hopes of raising awareness about a critical issue in Plymouth that I believe warrants media attention for the sake of public safety. There’s a particularly hazardous intersection in our town that has been the site of several serious accidents, including fatal crashes. Last year, my children’s school bus was involved in a collision caused by a semi truck running a stop sign at that very intersection.

While I understand that we live in a rural area, I’m truly shocked that no action has been taken to address this danger. Even a simple upgrade, such as replacing the stop sign with a flashing solar-powered one, could make a significant difference in preventing further accidents.

Every day, I’m reminded of the risks posed by this intersection, and I believe it’s time for change. I’m reaching out in the hopes that by bringing attention to this issue, we can encourage local authorities to take the necessary steps to improve safety before another tragedy occurs. Please help me ensure that this dangerous intersection gets the attention it desperately needs.

Briana Pratt, Plymouth