Letters to the Editor

Election systems are critical

Editor, the Journal,

This is a reply to Scott Peterson’s letter of Aug. 1:

Dear Mr. Peterson,

In my view, election systems are more critical than the systems supporting the financial sector. I often say, “ballots are more valuable than cash” because the outcome of an election can shape the distribution of resources and power, and affect the future of our county, state and country. There is much at stake. Financial security experts don’t wait until something is compromised before addressing threats; they are proactive.

I approach the election system the same way. That’s my job.

My concern with wireless intrusion is based on publications from the federal government that are available in the public domain. Do I have evidence that Mason County voting system machines have been compromised? No. With that, I do what I can to protect against all threats (real and potential) to the system. We used Information Security funds from the Office of Secretary of State to purchase wireless detection equipment, and yes, I opted to purchase the equipment recommended by my OSOS teammates.

When you have time, please stop by the Elections Department. I would like to walk you through all the improvements made to your election system and share some of the

changes we would like to make in the future. You are also welcome to attend and observe the various audits we conduct prior to certifying an election as allowed by state law to verify that the “paper ballot = scanned ballot image = tabulated votes.” It would be good to see you.

Steve Duenkel, Mason County auditor

Fires affect all

Editor, the Journal,

Kudos for burn ban enthusiasts.

We all know that the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii, was destroyed by fire in a few hours. A hot wind came up and kindled the spark and before long embers were flying 100 feet ahead of the fire line. Firefighters had no way to keep up with it and first responders had no time to warn residents to evacuate.

People awakened by the sirens smelled the smoke, saw the flames, and barely had time to collect their children, their elders and their pets — and flee by car if possible or by foot, if the roads were blocked.

Climate scientists are telling us that such events are becoming more common due to global warming, and we know that towns have been destroyed in California and many residents have been burned out in Eastern Washington.

Shelton is blessed with many trees that keep us cool and make this town a haven when other places across the country are sweltering. For years, one of my neighbors has been working with Mason County Commissioner Randy Neatherlin to make green spaces available in Mason County for the use of future residents — beauty spots for parks and trails for everyone to enjoy, walk their dogs, etc.

Recently, commissioners gave Monte some road signs to help remind all of us to be careful with outdoor fires. Monte loves barbecues as much as anyone, and he loves his freedom from the government telling him what he can and can’t do, but the signs are meant to remind all of us what could happen here — a sudden hot wind from Eastern Washington, a single spark turning into a blaze with embers flying far ahead of the flames making it impossible for firefighters to keep up, leaving first responders no time to warn people to evacuate.

Let’s not be hard on each other for trying to prevent a disaster like this from happening here.

David Barclay, Shelton

For the bay

Editor, the Journal,

It’s a lot about natural. It’s a lot about recreation. Saving our beautiful state should not be all about commercialism. Please join us for a KAYAK OUT at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, in the middle of Oakland Bay.

Please support saving wildlife, recreation, the beauty of Puget Sound and blocking the Department of Natural Resources from renting out yet another beautiful, pristine Washington waterway for revenue. Make your voice heard to DNR to stop yet another state area being used that they want to bring in state revenue. Instagram and GoFundMe available for legal fees.

Susan Gonzales, Shelton

Change the policy

Editor, the Journal,

Monday, Aug. 5, we had a market sell-off. The DOW, S&P 500, and NASDAQ all had a value drop of over 3% each. Iran and Israel are making war noises. The U.S. may send combat aircraft to the Middle East. People are nervous because of national and international news. Prices are going up; so are crime statistics. Experts fear a recession; the housing market is in deep trouble; recent job report was very weak. The economy may temporarily improve, but economic weaknesses likely won’t go away. Candidate Kamala Harris promises change: raise taxes; force change from personal preferences.  

Editor Justin Johnson doesn’t view world or national economic or political news as affecting Shelton. Readers of the Journal don’t expect national or statewide news to be published in the Journal; local news is fine. We just want is an open letter policy. The Seattle P-I went out of business as did many national news magazines. The Olympian is almost gone. Young people get their news off the Internet. Still, Editor Johnson refuses to allow letters discussing national policy and opinions even though many of his shrinking readership wants to write and read letters discussing policy and opinions. Current letters have a limited audience because of a limited interest. These letters bring about a “who cares” response for many. The former policy gave a spicy flavor to a bland newspaper. While Journal policy is your decision, how I spend my money is mine. My current paid annual subscription ends soon. Remove your silly letters restrictions or color me gone. I’ll also remove my support for newspapers in the schools. Will you change the letter policy?

Ardean Anvik, Shelton

Port heights

Editor, the Journal,

In the Aug. 1 edition, it was reported Port of Shelton commissioners voted to raise building heights at the airport to 45 feet in order to attract heavy manufacturing, one commissioner displaying eagerness to see taller buildings.

Are tall buildings and heavy manufacturing what the commissioners want or what the taxpayers want? The taxpayers pay the port over $800,000 each year.

I found the port’s financial statement on their website but it is not self-explanatory.

As presented, it looks like the port makes enough money that it does not need taxpayer money. If so, it should not be collecting taxes just to have more money to spend on things the voters don’t want and weren’t asked about.

We can all go to Tacoma or Seattle to experience heavy manufacturing or a busy airport. I doubt very much that is what the taxpayers here want. So the question is, who benefits from this?

Bruce Finlay, Shelton