Letters to the Editor

To the editor,

Because of his dedication, integrity and honesty, I am voting to re-elect Chuck Amerein for Columbia County Commissioner District 3.

Commissioner Amerein has a deep local knowledge of Columbia County, a respect for rural life and business, a commitment to fiscal accountability and a record of accomplishments during his 3 ½ + years in office. We need Commissioner Amerein to continue to protect property rights, freedom, public safety and our wallets. He has stood strong during times of criticism and doesn't waiver in his beliefs.

His past accomplishments of serving 10 years in the Army Ranger and Special Forces, his 13 years in the American Legion and his 3 ½+ years as a current County Commissioner demonstrate his long-term dedication to serving his community. His commitment to this community is obvious in his attendance and visibility at community events. When the February 7, 2020 flood event occurred here in Columbia County, Commissioner Amerein and his wife, Patti Jo arrived at our home early in the morning to determine what they could do to help. We had not met them before. Two weeks later Commissioner Amerein came by to check on us and to see if there was anything else he could do to help. From previous letters to the [Dayton] Chronicle I have noticed we are not the exception to him lending a helping hand. Commissioner Amerein gets in the trenches to help his community.

I have read that there are leaders who don't do it for the fame, glory or power; they do it because they are, in their hearts, servant leaders. I see this quality in not only Commissioner Amerein, but also in our other two Commissioners, Commissioner Hall and Commissioner Rundell as evidenced in past County Commissioner meetings I have attended.

Join me in re-electing Chuck Amerein for Columbia County Commissioner. Your vote counts.

Darcy Beleny

Dayton

To the editor,

Why do I support Jeff Jenkins for Columbia County Sheriff? I base a lot of my opinion on my own experiences dealing with Jeff. When my wife and I had concerns about an issue, his quick response getting back to us the next day was exactly what I expected of Jeff as a professional.

I think unanswered responses to questions lead to doubt with community members. Your voice should be heard and not go unnoticed, or even worse, ignored. Jeff has always been responsive and professional. I like the fact he works for every citizen of Columbia County, not being involved with any one group, simply working for all!

He is a fiscal conservative with a good understanding of budget practices and goals. The bottom line is that I want a Sherriff that is focused on public safety and at the same time not wasting the citizen's money. Twenty-eight years of law enforcement experience counts! I also completely agree with Jeff's five focus points that he is committed to do while serving as Sheriff.

1. Implement 24-hour policing. (This is something one would assume was happening.)

2. Keep a balanced budget. (It is the citizen's money, and it needs to be spent wisely.)

3. Keep the department current on all certifications and training. (In my job if I'm not current, I have no job and my employer is liable for lawsuits.)

4. Increase presence in our school district. (If children know and respect law enforcement, they make better future citizens and they look at law enforcement in a positive light.)

5. Conduct regular community forums to build better communication with every citizen. (I believe this is paramount. If you don't connect with a large variety of the citizens on a regular basis, how can you know what their concerns are?)

If the five goals above are not met, then I would be looking for another candidate in the next election. That is the way it works in my mind. No excuses. I don't want to hear "I am a busy guy and it's hard to get back to everyone." It is the responsibility of the Sheriff to respond as needed and deal with the issues at hand.

Dan Aschenbrenner

Dayton

To the editor,

Natasha Hill wants to represent the 5th CD in Congress, but it takes a lot of money, not just good policies.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers has been entrenched as the 5th CD representative for 18 years, earning $174,000 a year and amassing a personal worth of $4,527,197. Cathy's loaded with money, unlike most of her constituents.

Cathy has learned the game of getting re-elected, not representing the needs of her constituents. In her 11 campaigns, she has raised over $19,847,993 for re-election. Interestingly, 51% of her campaign money comes from outside her district. Her top donors are: pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, lobbyists, real estate, utilities, PACS, securities/investments. (Follow the Money.org)

In 2022, her Campaign and PAC fundraising groups amassed $4,527,197 for her re-election. Cathy's voting record clearly shows us she dances to corporate desires. She has voted against all the top issues we face today. She voted Yes to tax cuts for the rich, but NO to helping vets with toxic exposure, no to women's rights, no to gun control, no to infrastructure, no to climate change actions, no to healthcare, no to lowering prescription drug costs, no to inflation reduction, etc. It's time to look at what Cathy does to us, not what she says to us (Opensecrets.org)

In November we have the perfect opportunity to protect ourselves from Cathy and corporate greed by voting Natasha Hill to represent us in the House of Representatives.

Pat Bates

Clarkston, Wash.