Richland district voting would be good. Stop scaring people | Opinion

Council ignores will of residents

After the Richland City Council saw the large number of signatures collected in support of district voting, they should have had the sense to get involved in implementing this popular change. Instead, they ignored the petitions and hardened their opposition to protect their council seats.

As a result, they needlessly made the switch to districting more expensive and complicated. The anti-districting organization aligned with the intractable council (Keep Richland One) is trying to scare voters into rejecting districting by misrepresenting it as a gerrymandered partisan scheme determined to tear apart Richland and destroy its values.

This is a weak, blatantly false, dog whistle argument. The truth is that a) districting is nonpartisan and has broad support among residents, b) the five proposed contiguous districts of approximately 12,000 voters each have been thoughtfully drawn using existing voter precincts and, c) it does not tear Richland apart; it brings all Richland voices together.

“At large” voting requires candidates to launch expensive city-wide campaigns. This has resulted in four of seven current council members all coming from a small economically advantaged area of south Richland. The rest of Richland’s neighborhoods deserve representation just as much. District voting is the answer.

Marie Noorani, Richland

Blasdel is choice for Pasco council

I’m proud to share my support for Melissa Blasdel as she seeks election to continue serving District 6 on the Pasco City Council. Since stepping into this role in 2023, Blasdel has shown that she’s not just a leader, but a true neighbor who cares about the well-being of our community.

Blasdel puts people first. She’s committed to keeping our families safe by supporting fully staffed police and fire departments. She understands the importance of helping small businesses grow and succeed. And she believes in smart, thoughtful revitalization of downtown Pasco so that our city can continue to thrive for generations to come.

What stands out most about Blasdel is her genuine heart for service. She listens, learns and leads with integrity. Pasco has incredible culture, talent and opportunity, and Blasdel is the kind of voice we need to make sure District 6 has a strong place in shaping our future.

That’s why I’m endorsing Blasdel. I believe she will continue to represent us with honesty, dedication and vision. I encourage you to join me in supporting her for Pasco City Council, District 6.

Monty Huber, Eltopia

No excuses for delaying cleanup

Less than one month before vitrification of Hanford’s radioactive waste is scheduled to begin, the Department of Energy announced it may stall or abandon the project. For Southeastern Washington, this last-minute change of plans feels like a betrayal.

Hanford holds 56 million gallons of toxic waste in 177 underground tanks, nearly one-third of which have already leaked. More than one million gallons of radioactive liquid has seeped into the soil creeping toward the Columbia River — our region’s lifeline. Each delay raises the risk of contamination that threatens our health, economy, and future.

The DOE cites “safety” concerns but that is just an excuse. There is no evidence of unresolved safety problems. Reviews show the facility is ready. The DOE has not offered a clear explanation for backing out now, after decades of work and billions of taxpayer dollars invested.

Hanford’s cleanup is not optional. The Tri-Party Agreement is a binding federal decree. Our congressional representatives, Dan Newhouse and Michael Baumgartner need to stand up for their constituents and demand that the DOE keeps its promises. Silence is complicity.

Dr. Linda Gunshefski, Walla Walla

Blasdel supports downtown safety

My wife, Julie, and I have had the privilege of knowing Melissa Blasdel both personally and professionally. Since her election to the Pasco City Council in 2023, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to public safety, particularly in the downtown area within her district.

With nearly 25 years of experience in law enforcement, including my current role as chief of police, I understand the vital importance of having elected leaders who prioritize and support public safety. Blasdel has consistently shown that she takes this responsibility seriously.

Blasdel is a humble and dedicated public servant. She is focused, driven, logical and unwavering in her commitment to serving the community. I am confident that she will continue to place public safety at the forefront of her work on the council.

For these reasons, Julie and I are honored to support Blasdel for re-election to the Pasco City Council, District 6.

Chris Lee, Pasco

Starving children not right for Israel

Tri-City parents and caregivers have a chance to collectively leverage their identities and stand up to say: “It’s not right for Israel to starve children and commit genocide in Gaza!”

A nationwide relay fast organized by Parents Fast 4 Gaza began on Aug. 10 and is headed for the Tri-Cities this weekend. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never attended an event for Gaza before; this is your official invitation to join.

On Sept. 28, Tri-Cities for Palestine hosted a rally in John Dam Plaza from 4-6 p.m. to kick off the Tri-Cities’ week-long leg of the relay fast.

Fasting can be whatever works for you — whether it’s not eating at all that day or simply giving up luxuries like coffee or sweets. The idea is that we have enough people involved that at least one person is fasting each day for a week.

The rally will also raise awareness that the Washington State Investment Board invests over $1 billion of our retirement funds, college savings accounts and insurance premiums in companies supporting Israel.

If you can’t make the rally, you can sign up to fast at bit.ly/fast-signup and choose week 8/Team Tri-Cities for Palestine!

Renee Lewis, West Richland

Corporate greed far too prevalent

When we were governed by a democratic government — under the Constitution and the rule of law — Congress was not replaced by corporations. Congress has become a mute organization that is satisfied with Trump’s autocracy. Greedy corporations have become the third part of government. Now, our government consists of the executive, judicial and corporate branches, all ruled by Trump.

Within Trump’s second term, the greed prevalent in corporations has become apparent. They accepted a partnership with Trump and willingly bend to his will. Some are starting to cede a percentage of their corporations to government to achieve whatever they desire. This allows them to benefit from autocratic politics so they can continue to absorb a huge — and unfair — percentage of our gross national product.

In addition, corporations are exempt from paying a fair share of income taxes. Ordinary citizens support the cost of government while corporations continue to increase profits. Citizens have lost out due to the corporations’ greed and privileged status under Trump’s autocratic government.

Trump reaps significant benefits from this arrangement and democracy is not visible on our horizon. The number of citizens who recognize these facts and are emigrating to more democratic countries is increasing.

Jim Tow, Richland

U.S. air strikes break world law

Recently, when the United States bombed Iran’s three nuclear facilities, President Donald Trump said its objective was a “stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.”

This attack was in violation of international law, which recognizes self defense only when attacked by another country:

• The UN Security Council authorizes force in exceptional circumstances to restore or maintain international peace and security under Chapter 7.

• The right of self defense when a state is attacked by another, is outlined in Article 51.

First, there was no UN Security Council authorization for either Israel or the US to launch an attack on Iran to maintain international peace and security. The right of self defense (occurs) when defending against an armed attack. There’s no evidence of any recent Iranian attacks on the U.S.

Israel, pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC, and some U.S. lawmakers are hell bent to start a war with Iran. This group previously promoted the U.S. war with Iraq that accomplished nothing, wasted lives and resources, and increased the instability of the Middle East. America does not need another war with a country that has not attacked it and is twice the size of Iraq.

Bill Petrie, Richland