Letters 8/11/11

Excellent choice

As the primary election draws nearer, I am writing to support Tom Kammerzell’s candidacy for Whitman County Port Commissioner, District 3. I would like people to take a close look at Tom and why he is an excellent choice for Whitman County and the Port of Whitman.

I have known and worked with Tom since 1982 when I started working as a WSU Whitman County Extension Agent. Tom has the interest and experience to enhance the program successes the Port of Whitman has developed in Whitman County for industrial and economic development. I think Tom’s civic track-record exemplifies the full-time commitment he would make to serve in a part-time, unsalaried, Port Commissioner position.

A lifelong Whitman County resident, Tom has over 23 years of combined civic volunteer service on the City of Colfax Planning Commission and Colfax City Council. In the agricultural arena, he is an active leader and currently serves as a Supervisor for the Whitman County Conservation District and is a past president of the Whitman County Cattlemen’s Association. At a national level, he has served on the Board of Directors for the American Highland Cattle Association.

I have always found Tom to be receptive to new ideas and trusted to be an advocate for his constituents. He has great people skills. I know he values creativity and the opportunity to work with people on many different kinds and sizes of projects; both public and private. Currently, he is a partner with Washington State University on a BioAG Learning Site program which integrates research, teaching and extension to help growers with renewable, non-polluting, and beneficial practices.

I also know Tom is genuinely committed to building local economies throughout Whitman County and doing whatever it takes to create a job environment that will retain the working families and young adults in the county.

These are just some of the reasons why I am supporting Tom Kammerzell in his campaign for Port Commissioner and I’d like to see others join in supporting him in the upcoming primary.

John Burns,

Colfax

No thanks

I would ask the city council to be wary of the government that is coming bearing “gifts.” Specifically, the CETC building; it is a gift of the worst kind.

The county admits that the “gift” is a money pit at the tune of $5,000 a year just sitting there.

Anyone who has done any remodeling can testify to the fact that it rarely comes in on budget. And added problems can be exposed.

Does the $150,000 “guestimate” include the foundation? Who wants a building with a bad roof and a defective foundation?

Has the city council done any canvassing of existing buildings that could be used as venues for a community center?

Has anyone on the city council talked to the Rimbeys about what their plans are for the Hickman building? They are using their own money and paying property taxes on their enterprise!

What about making use of the newly remodeled library basement?

The Hamilton building may also be a possible answer for community functions.

This horrible economy does not lend itself to unnecessary spending. I would respectfully say to the county commissioners, “thanks, but no thanks.”

Alva DuBois,

Colfax

Strong voice

I will be voting for Tom Kammerzell for Whitman County Port Commissioner in the upcoming elections.

Mr. Kammerzell will be a strong voice for developing local business oppertunities and promoting growth for our communities. He has demonstrated his leadership, knowledge, skills, innovation and abilities on both production associations and government boards, committees and commissions that he has served on during his time as a lifelong resident of Whitman County.

Ray Ledgerwood,

Pullman

Reynolds support

I have just read the article in the Gazette (July 21) on the front page about Joe Reynolds, in my opinion the greatest assessor in the State of Washington. Just ask your previous county commissioners and the current assessors around the state of Washington about Joe Reynolds. Joe trained Frosty Freeze, assessor in Lincoln County, and helped assessors in Garfield and Asotin, and other counties around the state.

I have known Joe since 1962 as a great friend and worked with him for 12 years in the courthouse.

Joe is a fun, outgoing friend who always kept us all chuckling with his great sense of humor.

Just ask the elected officials in the courthouse.

He works for every taxpayer in Whitman County concerning the value of their property and runs a great office.

Bob Repp, Joe Reynolds and several farmers and ranchers working with State Department of Revenue people from Olympia helped bring the open space law to the State of Washington.

It started here in the Whitman County Assessor’s office, and they worked hard to help it become state law in 1973.

The citizens of Whitman County and the state of Washington are thankful of this Open Space law.

Joe was working under Assessor Bob Repp for 17 years before he was elected as assessor in 1995.

As far as this issue at hand, I never heard one instance in the 12 years while I was there.

I have and always will support Joe Reynolds as a good friend and in my opinion the best assessor in the state.

I feel that all the farmers and ranchers and citizens in Whitman County should call Joe and stop by his office and thank him for his 34-plus years working for us and for what the assessor’s office does for all of the citizens of Whitman County. I will be in Colfax to support Joe Reynolds.

Les Wigen,

Coeur d’Alene