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Newspaper Archive of
Shelton Mason County Journal
Shelton, Washington
November 1, 2012     Shelton Mason County Journal
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Letters Continued from page A-4 Vote for Hamilton Editor, the Journal I have known Denny Hamilton for five years. In that time, I have come to admire and respect him as a man of wisdom, knowledge and spirit of service to his community. Denny Ham- ilton is honest, and follows the rules carefully. Denny Hamilton loves Mason County and has a vision to move the county forward in areas such as housing, infra- structure, jobs and educa- tion. He has the experience of years of working in villag- es in other countries, lead- ing them in their endeavors to become self-sufficient. If you have not already voted, I encourage you to vote for Denny Hamilton. He has a "world of experience" that he is willing to bring to Mason County. He has the integrity, honesty, capabil- ity, vision, and willingness to work together with other county offices to make Ma- son County a vital, thriving, forward moving place to live, work and play. Denny Hamilton is the only choice for commissioner. Andrea Abruzzo Belfair frustration Editor, the Journal I listened to the debate between the candidates run-. ning in the 35th Legislative District. It was the usual stuff with the Democrats supporting increased taxes and increases in state spend- ing in opposition to the Re- publicans' positions. Nothing much new here, but I did find it enlightening when Kathy Haigh revealed that she supported the Growth M~magetrlent Act,~in part, to prevent her neighbor from cutting down the trees on his property. In other words she has no problem using her elected position to plun- der her neighbor's property rights for her own benefit. I think that all incumbents that would misuse their posi- tions in government to harm their neighbors, should not be returned to office. Thank you for allowing me to express my frustration. Duane Kinney Sr. Allyn Hamilton, Reed have what it Editor, the Journal Recently, I was honored to sit at a table at the first annual banquet of the Wash- ington ReEntry Club at the Washington Corrections Cen- ter in Shelton with Denny and Marcia Hamilton, Doug and Marilyn Sayan, retired judge James Sawyer, Joyce Lingle and a number of other citizens dedicated to easing the transition of men being released from incarceratien into our community and thereby relieving our com- munity of some of the costs and risks associated with having men with little or no support returning to their home town. WRC works to provide the mentoring and support needed to help those reentries be successful. Denny Hamilton has missed only one meeting of that group since its founding over a year ago long before he was running for office. Denny hasn't just talked about the needs of homeless veterans in Mason County, but has gone out into the woods to find and talk to them. He hasn't just talked to the sheriff about the needs of law enforcement in our county but ridden along with officers as they work in our neighborhoods. He's started his own small craft business and spent time with other vendors and members of the chamber talking about and observing firsthand the issues and needs around employment in our county. He and Marcia have been vital participants in many of the organizations and community service groups in Mason County since they moved here 15 years ago. They count numerous educators among their close friends here, including me. Much has been written al- ready about Denny's vast experience as a community problem solver and skills at bringing disparate groups to the negotiating table to find commonality of direction. He outshines every other candi- date running on those issues. Denny's concerns for our health and well-being extend far beyond the needs and concerns of real estate devel- opment and he is involved. Several months ago I erected candidate signs in my yard supporting, among others, Denny Hamilton and Roslyrme Reed. One morn- ing I got up to find them all either trashed or miss- ing. That same day I drove the length of State Route 106 to Belfair and counted the signs that remained. It doesn't seem too much of a stretch to identify the van- dals as 85 percent of those remaining signs supported the Independent candidate and Republicans. Are the perpetrators or those who condone vandalism the kind of people we want to serve in important public office in Mason County? Denny and Roz have integrity and the records to prove it. Andrea Love Union Vote for Hamilton, Gallagher Editor, the Journal Shelton politics is always interesting, but this year it is more interesting than usual! I really have enjoyed watching the former mem- bers of the Republican Party run away from their tainted brand while trying to make themselves over as Inde- pendent candidates. Randy Neatherlin and Terri Jeffreys immediately come to mind as two such candidates. On Oct. 17, while waving signs for Democratic candi- dates near the Log Cabin, we were sharing the intersection with a number of Republi- can political activists. They were waving signs only for the federal and state elec- tions because there are no Republican candidates run- nlng in the three commission races in Mason County. So imagine my surprise when candidate Ross Gallagher arrived to wave signs with us, and the Republican sign wavers went to their car and came back with two signs for ("Prefers Independent Par- ty") candidate Terri Jeffreys. You can take the Republi- can out of the candidate, but not out of her supporters. I find it disingenuous for these two candidates, Neat- herlin and Jeffreys, to sud- denly become "independent" because it worked for Jerry Lingle. Neither of these can- didates could fill the shoes of Jerry Lingle, and if elected they can be expected to bend to the will of business and industry and ignore citizens' concerns like Tim and Lynda have been doing for years. Do not be fooled Mason County voters. Our county is in serious trouble, and much of it is the doings of the cur- rent crop of commissioners. If we want to turn Mason Coun- ty around, we need serious candidates who will put the interests of the citizen first. We need new commission- ers who will give the job of county commissioner their undivided attention (not a three-way split, like we get with Sheldon). We need commissioners who will be commissioner, but yes if you At the time this was pre- EDITOWSNOTE full-time commissioners, and have three people doing the sented to the Mason County who think that annual salary same job, as is the case here. Commissioners, only one, increases for the county com- Based on duty mandates and Tim Sheldon, was expressly • The Journal will no missioners, when no one else local conditions, salary plus for it. Lynda Ring Erickson longer accept endorsement at the county level is getting benefits of a Mason County was very "skeptical" and letters for political candi- raises, are obscene, and who Commissioner should not Ross Gallagher was non-dates. will vote to roll back those 3 exceed $68,000 per year. committal. percent annual raises. If an elected official moves At the earliest excuse, Mason County needs Den- away from the noble premise Lynda and Ross overrodefriends that were also in the ny Hamilton, Roslynne Reed of service over salary, then Tim Sheldon and shot down movie -- several of whom and Ross Gallagher to be our we should move away from the development completely are no longer with us. next county commissioners, them. while closing off appropria- I moved from Shelton in These three will bring the tions to improve our law en- 1961, but only to Olympia, kind of leadership Mason Tom Davisfercement capability in Ma- so I get bacl~ often, includ- County needs and deserves, Sheltonson County. ing once a year to visit the not more of the same. Do you really want to vote graves of all the relatives I I~11 II r~ 41 for people who do not care have in the cemetery there. Katherine A. Price rl.i iJ ] about your personal well- I enjoy visiting the museum, Shelton being, who do not want to which was the first job I needs new protect you and me from the had as a youngster when it criminal elements rampant was the public library. I also Jeffreys for approach graffiti all over the county in our world? Since then, the the Journal every week. Inenj°y receiving and reading has increased, meaning gang high school, I wrote a weekly district 3 Editor, theJournal activity has increased. They column in the Journal, spon- The Mason County PUD did nothing to help us and sored by Stun Parker's men's Editor, the Journal 1 Commission (District 3) now seek to "represent" us shop. Terri Jeffreys is a small is due for a fresh approach, again? They do not deserve business owner, experienced Never before at PUD i has to be "public sercants" be- Willard E. Kessel Jr. with working in public orga- there been a commissioner cause they do not care at all Olympia nizations, a tireless worker with any actual work experi- about us, the "public." and has the betterment of ence at a public utility agen- Mason County as one of her cy. Willie Pierce has that ex- Julie Moore Hamilton top priorities, perience. He worked his way Shelton I have watched Terri meet up within the utility, retiring #.,--~1 J----II with small business own-in 2004 as superintendent. [f~dl U dl ers, talk with the citizens of During his 30 years at PUD A reluctant Mason County, volunteer on 1, he acquired a vast and Editor, the Journal countless boards and com- thorough knowledge of the Denny Hamilton is the mittees, always with the workings of the utility. His vote "real deal." u~timate goal of moving our position also put him in di- Denny is an experienced county forward, rect contact with customers, Editor, the Journal and knowledgeable commu- She will bring new and where he was able to listen I'm going to hold my nose nity organizer, with world- creative ideas to government, to their needs and concerns, and vote for Lynda Ring Er- wide experience. an opportunity for a fresh Additionally, he had a good ickson. He is a man who will start in our community. She working rapport with staff, I refuse to vote for anyone help our community identify will provide a new beginning management and the board who, when scratched or cut, areas of concern, who will for our county. Her broad of commissioners serving at bleeds tea. assist in creating a work- base of contacts in business, that time. As superintendent, able plan for our county, industry and government Willie was conservative with Duane Junkin who will encourage an action will be invaluable as a Mason the way public funds were Shelton plan and who will support County commissioner. Her spent. He also understood the county management so that previous experience in devel- need to improve the function- set a sustainable process is set oping working budgets will ality of the utility to reduce Movie in place. be a significant asset to the costs that were passed on Denny is a good listener county budget process, to customers. Pierce knows in Shelton and a persuasive negotiator. Please join me in electing how to operate and maintain Although he has worked Terri Jeffreys to the position a system that will serve the h ] around the world, he has of Mason County Commis- consumers' needs for years m e m o ra.~. e always considered Mason sioner, position 3.. to come. Additionally, as su- County his real home. Now perintendent, he attended all Editor, the Journal Denny has come back to Ma- Jim Carycommissioner meetings, so he It was interesting to read son County for good. Denny Sheltonis well-versed in the process, the Living section's front is willing to work for us, his The current commissioner page story in (last week's) Mason County neighbors, to has been in this position for edition of the film "Ring of bring sanity and civility to 12 years, making his term Fire." I had graduated from the office of county commis- of service a total of 18 years high school in June and had sioner. salan, if he is returned to theposi- not yet left for college. My Denny Hamilton is our over II E ~f tion. PUD 1 needs a change, brother, Ken Kessel, was the best choice for Mason County and Willie Pierce is more editor of The Highclimber at commissioner. Editor, the Journal than qualified for the posi- the time, and he convinced What happened last week tion. He is ready and willing Mr. Hartough, the journal- John R. Price at the Mason County Board to serve and he deservesism teacher, and the prin- Shelton of Commissioners meeting your vote as PUD 1 commis- cipal, George Hermes, that was a rude reminder that sioner of District 3 the movie should be covered Let commissioners are deliber- in the high school paper as a WO rn e n ately misleading the public. Lawrence D. Taylor III human-interest story. So he Over the past four years, Shelton got the time off school, say what's there have been many ex- We were up near Camp amples of callousness toward Grisdale the first day at that citizen concerns, but pre- location and interviewed the tending to consider lowering assistant director; he asked commissioner pay and then, ca reaMII..lily if we would like to be in the Editor, thedournal in an llth-hour move, vet- movie and we, of course, said As I drove by a political ing to keep it at the current yes. He said to come back rally this evening, I saw exorbitant level, including Editor, the Journal early the next morning and signs touting the essentials automatic pay increases, was For those of you who to bring all the ti'iends we of women's rights and he- unforgivable, value your public and pri- could round up. cessities. As a woman, I am In no other position is a vate safety, please consider It was a memorable expe-concemed at the liberal voice public employee permitted carefully your vote for Lynda rience, and a lot of fun, even asserting what they believe to engage in an unlimited Ring Erickson, and addition- though our participationto be "my rights." I want to number of off-job activities ally for Ross Gallagher. only lasted about three days, be a woman who is account- and still claim full compensa- Many in Mason County dofor which we were paid $10 able for her actions, and ac- tion. When challenged, com- not know that Mason County a day. I received $25 tbr one cepts the responsibility for missioners claim they are Sportsman's Associationday that I had a line in the those actions. required to attend only one (MCSA) and Mason Countypicture. My brother had a I do not think it is correct board meeting a month, and Sheriffs Office (MCSO) line, too, but it ended up on to continue to live beyond then rattle off a list of ac- worked for three years to the cutting room floor, our means and pass a debt tivities in which they are en- plan and build a sheriffs As brief as it was, I have on to another generation. I gaged. But what they fail to training facility adjacent to several memories from the would not do that to my chil- mention is that few of those a public firearms facility on experience that will stay with dren, and I will not support activities are part of their job. land away from home de-me forever, in addition to sev- a government that does that Such shppery ethics are velopment yet accessible to eral pictures with the cast. On to all our children. I am re- unworthy of a public servant, all. Staffing the ranges with one of those days, we saw a sponsible for my actions, and as is feathering your own qualified personnel was part bear cross the highway right I will hold myself and my nest, currying favor with spe- of the package, in front of us near Matlock; government accountable. cial interests and paving the Two timber companies I had never seen that before. I don't believe it is my way for higher political office, were willing to trade their I sat with David Janssen at right to force medical profes- all on the public's dime. Corn- parcels to the county. The lunch time on one day when sionals, or anyone really, to missioner Tim Sheldon says sheriffs office had contact the main menu item was Cu- go against their faith for the that we need to pay commis- with other sheriffs offices ban sandwiches, a large sub sake of my life choices. I do sioners a "good" salary or we around the state that could that I hadn't seen or heard think it is the choice of con- won't attract talented people, rent the range, bringing of before. As we were eating, senting adults to have sexual But that's just a ruse to keep funds into our county and Janssen looked over at me and relations, and it is their re- his own salary and retirement improving public safety in said, "I don't think that we sponsibility to accept the benefits artificially high. Western Washington. Theshould be eating Cuban sand- results of that choice. They The question we should only large training facility in wiches." When I asked him should be responsible for be asking ourselves is do Washington state is over the why, he said, "We might get birth control for that choice, we really want an elected mountains in Yakima. Castro-ated!" I realize that the and not ask others to support official who seeks public of- Mason County hunters joke really dates me, but I still their decision. Taking the life rice because it pays well? have been forced for years share it once in a while with of another to avoid accepting I don't think so. We need to go into the forest to site my grandchildren, that responsibility is not It- people who come to serve, in their rifles. How many of I think it's great that the gitimate, and I should never not be served. Sure, they us have heard them while movie is shown once in abe forced to support it. should make a livable wage, sitting in our homes in the while. I have a copy and I re- If we desire the next gen- but this is the public sector, fall? The public range could member going to a showing eration to be accountable where service .and sacrifice have rectified that. Sports- by the Mason County Histor- and responsible citizens, we are the proper measure of men and women could have ical Society some years ago. I need to show them what that good governance, not high used the public firing range always enjoy watching it just looks like. I hope all women salaries, to safely site in their rifles to hear my line and, just be- desire to be responsible and Are salary and benefits for l~unting, and participate fore the posse takes over the let their votes show that con- too high compensation for a in various shooting events, hoodlums, there is a great viction. Mason County Commission- Many women specificallyclose-up of me hiding behind er? The answer is yes and have been interested in fire- a stump, rifle in hand. And I Lorilyn Rogers no. No, if there is only one arms training, have fond memories of many Shelton Shelton-Mason County Journal- Thursday, Nov. 1,2012 - Page A-5