State Senate holds line on no new taxes | Sen. Roach
Citizens of Washington do not want their taxes raised. That message has been driven home time and again. Yet, the demand for new taxes by Democrat leaders in the Legislature forced us into a special session.
Protect 911 funding | GUEST OP
This past legislative session, the Senate 2013-15 operating budget proposed diverting more than $15 million in 911 revenue to fund non-911-related programs. This proposed fund sweep could not only result in the loss of federal funding, but also could delay the implementation of "Next Generation" 911 by several years.
Legislature must support proven dropout prevention program | GUEST OP
Under the Washington State constitution, providing an ample education for all students is identified as state government's "paramount duty."
Protestors? Demonstrators? Nuts to that! | Whale
For yet another year, people, their faces swathed in bandanas or concealed under gas masks, hurled rocks and obscenities at police who had asked them to clear the streets.
Are we creating more poor people? | Brunell
There's an ancient Chinese proverb that says, "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime." In other words, it is better to teach someone to take care of themselves than keep them dependent on others.
Spreading the gospel of good health | Klaas
The youth pastor and veteran NFL fullback raised the fitness magazine for all to see. Such cover images of chisled, ripped bodybuilders, Eddie Williams warned his young audience at Auburn High School, send the wrong message to growing, impressionable teens. And those quick, even drastic methods for reaching physical greatness are chock full of lies.
Father, daughter enchant the soul | Whale
I don’t like to trot out this word, preferring to let the poor thing catch its breath and regain whatever strength it may have left. Problem is, I really don’t know how else to describe what happened at the Auburn Avenue Theater one night last week.
Let it be Sun-down in Pacific | Klaas
Frustrated Pacific continues to vent. Concerned citizens gossip on sidewalks. Angry business owners explain the problems on Facebook. Folks frequently ring our office, calling for the mayor's head.
New federal regulations will boost the costs of gas — again | Brunell
Imagine that you see a swimmer floundering in the water. You call the rescue squad and then you toss the swimmer a concrete block. Does that make sense? Of course not, but that's what's happening in Washington, D.C.
Misrepresenting us over supermajority rule | GUEST OP
In the March 8 edition of the Reporter, 31st Legislative District State Reps. Christopher Hurst and Cathy Dahlquist criticized Washington State Supreme Court Justices for upholding our state's constitution.
Citizens' voices spoke loud and clear on tax questions | GUEST OP
One of the defining characteristics of Washington's state government is the opportunity for everyday voters to have their voices heard through the initiative process. It helps keep legislators accountable and reinforces our nation's history of active citizen participation in all levels of government.
