Letters - Aug. 6, 2009

Parks applause

As 30-year residents of Colfax, who have just had the pleasure of hosting our seven grandchildren for much of July, we would like to express our appreciation for the condition of Colfax’s city parks. We live near Hamilton Park, and visited it and Schmuck Park many times during the month.

We have witnessed first hand the efforts of Steve Larkin, City of Colfax employee, who helps to maintain the city parks and recreation programs. In addition to his work during the week, we have often seen him in the evenings and on weekends helping at events such as Relay for Life, the Perkins House events, and the recent spate of class reunion events at Schmuck Park. The parks and playground equipment are in great shape, and as Colfax taxpayers we are thankful for the efforts of our city workers to stretch a thin budget to maintain all of the parks for Colfax residents as well as visitors.

A final comment to the person who submitted a “Pet Peeve‚” in last week’s Gazette about the conditions at the tennis court – did you by chance call the city and share your concerns before using the “Pet Peeve” option?

Bruce and Charli Hochsprung,

Colfax

Support Fagan

If your ballot is still sitting on your table at home because you don’t know who to vote for in the 9th District Legislative primary, let me offer some insight that might help you make your decision.

There is one candidate on your primary ballot who meets all of the criteria that I use to measure who I am going to vote for, and that is Susan Fagan.

Susan lived on and was actively involved in the daily operations of her family’s farm, and her sons continue to farm.

For 15 years she worked for three U.S. Senators and developed a deep understanding of how to effectively serve constituents.

Most recently, she worked for Schweitzer Engineering in Pullman as Director of Government Relations.

During those 10 years, Susan became a leader in advocating for businesses of all sizes as she fought hard against the oppressive taxes and burdensome regulations that negatively impact free enterprise.

She chaired a statewide healthcare committee and testified before the legislature as part of her firm stance against a federalized health care system.

In the middle of all that, she raised five children and is grandmother to eleven.

Susan’s widespread support is evidenced by the many signs you see on private property and the number of people who have pledged to vote for her because she took the time to knock on their door or shake their hands while walking in a parade. Susan possesses a commitment to service that is rarely matched. I urge you to continue the long tradition of strong legislative leadership in the 9th District and vote for Susan Fagan for State Legislator.

Shan Krom Kelly,

Colfax

Support Swannack

We would encourage support for Art Swannack for State Representative in the 9th District. We need more responsible representatives in our state legislature, and Art fits that role.

Mr. Swannack is a farmer who raises dry land wheat, alfalfa hay, sheep and Tennessee Walking horses. His wife, Jill, is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine and has been a very successful small and large animal veterinarian for over twenty years. Art has served as a representative for the sheep industry, and Jill has given many lectures on sheep health over the years.

Art has served as a volunteer fire fighter and was a commissioner for Lamont. He also is a board member for the Lamont Community Church. As for me I believe church and government co-exist, and when people don’t think they do, we end up in the current mess our government has gotten us into. He believes that marriage is a union between a man and a woman and so do we.

Art is also a 4H leader, a member of the Whitman County Farm Bureau and the Washington State Grange. He is also a past State FFA officer.

He believes that we must keep taxes low and limit the role of government in our lives because they cannot solve all our problems. He also believes that our state government needs to act responsibly to fund higher education so people can afford to send their children to college.

Please consider responsibility and good moral character when voting in this election by voting for Art Swannack.

Duane and Gayle Mickelsen,

Pullman

Support Hailey

On August 18th voters in the 9th District will be asked to cast their vote for State Representative. Pat Hailey is the candidate we are supporting for agriculture.

Agriculture is the number one industry in the 9th District and is the “stimulus” for the economic health of our district and our state.

Our state legislature continues to lose “real” ag people. It’s important to elect someone who understands farming and who is actively in farming today.

Pat Hailey understands how taxes and unnecessary regulations can affect a farmer’s ability to produce crops and raise livestock. Pat owns and operates her family’s farm. She knows personally the effect of poor legislation on her own farm and how it affects her farming neighbors.

Pat has old-fashion values, strong leadership skills, business acumen, the desire, commitment and ability to serve her constituents effectively.

She has the agricultural experience we need in Olympia.

Mac and Karen Mills,

St. John