Dedicated to the citizens of Mason County, Washington since 1886
Vote local
Editor, the Journal,
Vote local, vote democracy, vote for affordable housing, vote public school funding, and of course, vote how you feel about woman’s right to choose. Look at your pamphlets; choose candidates who fall in line with what’s most important to you.
Just vote!
Andria Richardson, Lake Cushman
Time for change
Editor, the Journal,
My family has been operating our business in Mason County for over a century and we are deeply committed to its success. I support local candidates because running for office is hard and expensive. Voters have the loudest and most important voices. Donations only support a candidate’s case being made to the public through media and on the campaign trail.
More than 16 years ago a new political upstart from Belfair reached out to me to help fund his political aspirations. His message was to support his community and get something done. I supported Randy Neatherlin in his first campaigns because his personal story was compelling, and he was focused on results rather than just more political speech.
Over those 16 years, very little has gotten better. We aren’t safer or more prosperous than we were 16 years ago. The major advancements in North Mason, funding for widening state Route 3, debt reduction on the sewer, a transit station, a community center are all largely due to former state Sen. Tim Sheldon and our current delegation of Sen. MacEwen, Rep. Dan Griffey and Rep. Travis Couture. That’s why I am trusting the endorsement of our legislators, Realtors and former sherriff in supporting Will Harris.
Will Harris has impressed me by his record of public service to our country and personal commitment to the community. It is time to move past salesmanship and turn towards action. After 16 years in office with little to show, we need new leadership. Harris’ commitment to only serve eight years and to getting tangible results is a commitment I am supporting.
David Overton, Belfair
SSD still borrowing
Editor, the Journal,
This week, Mason County commissioners were briefed that the Shelton School District continues to borrow more and more from the county treasurer. This is a good arrangement for the county as the total interest earned rose from $9 thousand in 2022 to $55 thousand for the first nine months of 2024. Commissioners were informed that loaning money to the school district to pay teacher salaries and other expenses was “a good short-term investment vehicle for Mason County.” Good news for the county but not good news for the school district. This reflects poorly on the School Board and superintendent as they appear to be unable to manage the SSD budget effectively.
When asked about the McCleary decision on funding K-12 schools at the League of Women Voters meeting Oct. 18, state Rep. Dan Griffey stated that schools need to get back to “reading, writing and arithmetic.” Point well made, Representative Griffey.
Brenda Hirschi, Shelton
Heartfelt thanks
Editor, the Journal,
The family of Kenneth Howard, Sr. wishes to thank the nurses of Mason General Hospital for their kindness and concern for the family during his final days.
Also, thank you to the Matlock Community Church for holding the family up in prayer.
Special thanks to Manke Logging Co. for their help in cleaning up the debris from the fallen barn.
Thanks to all who sent cards and flowers, it meant a lot!
May the Lord bless and keep you.
Mildred Richart, Shelton-Matlock
Innocent violation or not
Editor, the Journal,
Recently, one of our candidates for Mason County commissioner has been disparaged based on the names and businesses of some of his campaign contributors. If you are focused on that, you are missing the bigger story. While William Harris was properly reporting his contributors to the State Public Disclosure Commission, so all could see his campaign finances in the required time frame, his opponent did not. Very large, maximum, contributions to Randy Neatherlin’s campaign were just reported yesterday (Oct 15th) when they had been received almost a month ago. During the lead-up to Election Day, the state requires weekly contribution reporting so candidates cannot hide contributions from voters as we get close to the election. One of our county commissioner candidates, William Harris, properly reported his contributions while one did not. As the treasurer of other races, I can tell you the PDC has communicated this reporting requirement to all campaigns, multiple times, providing campaigns with no defense for lack of timely reporting of contributions.
At a minimum, the question here is whether you trust a candidate who personally fails to follow clear rules for reporting contributions, especially since Neatherlin is his own campaign treasurer. As a warhorse candidate in four prior campaigns, you would think “Experience Matters.” Another question to consider, was this all an innocent mistake of not reporting large contributions, violating PDC rules and then recently pointing out contributions to his opponent which had been properly reported? Either way, I want a commissioner who will follow rules designed to keep our elections transparent, be honest and upfront with voters, and bring this same attitude to governing. The experience of both candidates matters, but so does honesty and integrity. The choice is clear: William Harris for Mason County commissioner, District 1.
Robert Gay (Bob) Rogers, Shelton
Vote Randall
Editor, the Journal,
Sixth Congressional District voters,
We have an historic opportunity to send an outstandingly qualified congresswoman to represent the 6th Congressional District. Vote for Emily Randall by Nov 5. State Sen. Randall has proven to be a leader who can rally people of all parties to support fair and important legislation for children, youth, schools, families, seniors, working people, folks who care about good paying jobs, affordable housing, our environment, and future. Emily is approachable and listens to the concerns of her constituents. We need her considerate, compassionate, and determined thoughtfulness in Washington, D.C. She gets things done right!
Michael Siptroth, Belfair
Congratulations
Editor, the Journal,
Congratulations to the Journal for cleaning up at the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association awards contest. In these times of demise for local papers, the citizens of Mason County should feel fortunate to have a committed publisher in John Lester, a conscientious editor in Justin Johnson, and a dedicated staff of responsible reporting. Kirk Ericson’s personal interest column provides peculiar entertainment and Theresa Murray Biggs’ healthy advertising department pays the bills and delivers an important service to local business. Keep the presses rolling for our weekly “rag.”
J. Anderson , Shelton
Something to think about
Editor, the Journal,
In 1949, a work of fiction was published. “1984” by George Orwell. The following three quotes from this book could be written in the history books of several countries around the world. These same quotes could/should be written in new American history books.
“Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing.”
“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.”
“Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.”
Just something to think about.
Donna Holliday, Shelton
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