Newhouse’s op-ed ignores his own constituents’ suffering | Opinion

Newhouse op-ed no surprise to him

Why am I not surprised by the op-ed submittal by Rep. Dan Newhouse to the Tri-City Herald on Oct. 26? I once thought he had a spine.

Newhouse and his Republican buddies have abdicated their power to set spending. Why won’t Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell do their bidding? Because y’all lie! Sure, let’s have a vote, maybe even pass it reinstating the subsidies, and then let your good buddy, Trump, change it at will.

Glad to hear you are for doubling people’s health care costs, tossing people off health care and closing rural health care facilities.

You have lost my vote, I will even vote for the nut-case MAGA person running against you.

Richard V. Stachowiak, Kennewick

Franklin best for KSD board spot

Robert Franklin will be a refreshing and excellent addition to the Kennewick School Board. We need a school board that concentrates on students not culture wars, on academics not constant whining about what the state is doing to the district.

Franklin is a professional educator — he understands the challenges and rewards of the teaching profession. Robert will focus his energy and expertise on student achievement and student success.

He will ensure that the Kennewick School District is a welcoming and safe place for all students and all families. KSD needs Franklin. Vote for Franklin.

Ed Frost, Kennewick

Keck best choice for Benton board

Although I don’t write letters to the editor, I feel compelled after what I saw last night. I was somewhat shocked and very disappointed at the disrespectful, mudslinging TV ad targeting Roy Keck who is running for Port of Benton Commissioner. It is a shame that is how politics are sometimes done now.

I know Keck through Richland Rotary. We met digging footings on the Richland Rotary gazebo in Howard Amon Park, reclaiming a piece of land formerly used to dump old concrete. It was hard work, but Roy certainly outworked me.

He has done many projects, including heading up and working on Rotary’s sand beach, also at the park. He counseled exchange students doing an exemplary job. I have always known Keck to volunteer and try to make our community a better place, often before he has asked.

The ad I saw told me nothing about why I should vote for Roy’s opponent. The Keck I know is selfless, has integrity and a heart to give. He has always been someone on whom I can count when it comes to serving. This is why I am voting to reelect Keck for Port of Benton Commissioner.

Greg Oberg, Richland

Brink his choice in West Richland

I am writing to express my strong support for Fred Brink as the next mayor of West Richland. As a fellow fire commissioner, I have known Brink for several years, and he is a proven leader who understands the unique needs of West Richland.

His vision balances responsible growth with the preservation of your small-town character. Further, his quarter-century as an FBI special agent will help ensure West Richland remains a safe, vibrant and family-friendly place to live.

Brink’s commitment to fiscal responsibility means taxpayer dollars will be managed wisely. With investments focused on infrastructure, public safety, and community amenities. Hew listens, values clarity and transparency, and works collaboratively to find solutions to municipal challenges.

West Richland will benefit from an experienced leader with the capability to handle the demands of public service. I encourage you to support and vote Brink for Mayor of West Richland.

Keith Farrens, Walla Walla

No art in the deal demand by GOP

As I write this, the U.S. government has been shut down for 25 days. Republicans, who control every branch of government, lay the blame for the shutdown on the Democrats. They say they’ll negotiate after Democrats capitulate on their demands.

“The art of the deal,” indeed!

The Senate is nearly evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats, which means any major legislation requires compromise to agree on a continuing resolution (CR). Democrats have made their position known. They will sign the CR when ACA health insurance premiums are continued, and when Medicaid and SNAP are not gutted, as they have been by Republicans.

But Republicans are not budging, frozen in place by fear of their President’s retribution if they violate his “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which gives massive tax breaks to his donors. In essence, one party is arguing that we must protect the health of our working-class fellow Americans, while the other is pushing to preserve a giant tax cut for the wealthiest Americans.

Under the Republican plan, health insurance costs might rise by hundreds or thousands of dollars a year; Medicaid may no longer cover the part-time parent, and SNAP benefits might shrink or vanish altogether.

No deal!

Richard Badalamente, Kennewick

Humor necessary for today’s world

The current situation needs humor:

The donkey and the elephant used to play, happily together many a day, very good friends for many years, ever strong through laughs and tears.

Then one day at a time unknown, their ties and love were all overthrown. All those who watched became so shocked at how these two just fought and mocked.

The knowing crowd was so upset. They booed and then they met.

The U.S. eagle had the floor. He said this fighting is a bore. He told the two: “You’ve got to change. What you are doing is much too strange. We are not here to watch you fight. You know your conduct is not right. You need to have some cooling off.

“Grow up, get wise, and do not scoff. Whatever it takes, make it work. Use your brains, don’t act like a ....

“You two do have a lot to learn. Respect is what you have to earn. Please think things through to get along. That’s how you’ll show that you belong.

“Then we can hear your trumpet and your bray, leading to a hoped-for brighter day. You are a winning pair. Just show us that you care.”

Marc Henderson, Richland

Newhouse needs to get back in touch

Rep. Dan Newhouse’s Oct. 23 column reveals a wealthy man out of touch with his congressional district. Blaming Dem colleagues for the government shutdown is weak. Trump now holds the record for the two longest shutdowns: 35 days in 2018 and the one we sit in now. If you can’t govern, take your ball and go home?

Dan’s suggestion that people trust insurers and Congress to fix things after a congressional resolution becomes law is so laughable it hurts. House Speaker Mike Johnson blocked a Democrat stand-alone bill to pay the troops. Newhouse won’t acknowledge that.

Dan also won’t acknowledge the proposed Trump bailout of Argentinian beef over U.S. farmers, nor Johnson’s refusal to seat an elected Democrat, nor GOP leaders calling Dan’s protesting constituents terrorists, nor the chaotic use of ICE instead of immigration reform.

The things Newhouse won’t acknowledge exceed 200 word limits, but try this: Place Trump’s recent AI video of himself flying a warplane dumping excrement on Americans who oppose his policies next to photos of Trump’s destruction of an entire wing of the White House. It’s a near perfect metaphor for this moment. No, Dan, you will not pay us Tuesday for a hamburger today. Try some self-reflection.

Rochelle Riling, Okanogan

Would Hobbes be better 1st leader?

Taking a page from Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Trump has allegedly, among other things, attempted to adjudicate his way to dictator for life, possibly bringing to mind this from the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbs.”

During meetings, they spontaneously switch positions to suit the club’s needs. Calvin is the founder and leader of the club and, periodic demotions forgone, is “Dictator-For-Life,” while Hobbes is the club president and First Tiger (again, temporary demotions forgone).

And now to Thomas Jefferson, and a few excerpts of his “Rough draught” of the Declaration:

“. . . He has refused his assent to laws the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.”

“He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners. . .”

“He has erected a multitude of new offices by a self-assumed power, & sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people ....”

“He has affected to render the military, independent of & superior to the civil power.”

Any of this sound familiar good citizens?

This man fans the embers of the smoldering angst that burns amongst us, perhaps we should have chosen First Tiger instead.

David P. Sisk, Richland

GOP pillaging our U.S. government

Dear Rep. Newhouse,

Thank you for sending out your most recent Weekly Wrap Up. You called it correctly. Your weekly mailing was indeed Shutdown Showmanship! It shows, once again, how completely tone-deaf and out of touch you have become. In the event you are unaware, the GOP has the majority, in the House, the Senate, the White House and the Supreme Court.

The shutdown is a GOP shutdown because Congress has abdicated its responsibility to check the presidential power, instead capitulating to Donald Trump. This shutdown is the “Epstein, We Botched the Big Beautiful Bill Shutdown”.

Please don’t feign astonishment that President Trump is undermining the American farmers by buying favors from Argentina. We the people will suffer for the failings of Congress!

There’s money for Kristi Noem to buy fancy new airplanes but not to help the American people pay for healthcare. An insane amount of money is going to fund ICE, but the GOP refused to adopt the immigration reform that our communities desperately needed. It is convenient that you and the congressional delegation still get paid, while federal workers will go without.

The GOP is allowing an authoritarian to pillage the government.

Shame on your showmanship!

Carrie Hallquist, West Richland

Franklin puts our KSD students 1st

As both parents and educators in the Kennewick School District, we care deeply about the direction of our schools and the well-being of our students. That’s why we’re supporting Robert Franklin for Kennewick School Board.

Franklin brings the kind of balanced, student-centered leadership our community needs. He listens to teachers and families, values collaboration over conflict, and focuses on real solutions that help all students learn and thrive. He understands the challenges our educators face and the importance of supporting those who work directly with kids every day.

Franklin’s thoughtful approach and commitment to transparency make him a leader who will put students first in every decision. He represents the kind of integrity and stability that will strengthen our schools for years to come.

On Election Day, we urge voters to join us in supporting Franklin for Kennewick School Board. Our students, teachers, and community will be better for it.

Ryan and Jamie Downing

Parents and Educators, Kennewick School District