Letters

Place of residence

In his October 19th article, Spokesman-Review writer Jim Camden put to rest the rumor that Cathy McMorris Rodgers does not actually live in Spokane. Like others, I have raised the question and so am glad to stand corrected; she lives in Spokane and rents out her house in San Diego.

It is no wonder, though, that this myth grew. Cathy has seldom had public forums in the communities of the 5th. Even with record numbers of days for recess, vacation, campaigning and a three-day workweek, she is more likely to be traveling for political events or meetings than in checking the pulse of the District. This campaign season she has not attended candidate forums, which gather a large crowd, but has held “chats” with small groups which are on short notice and during the workday. She will be coming to Pullman on Halloween for a “chat”, but earlier turned down an invitation from the Foley Institute at WSU which would have given the WSU community time to hear her speak.

Our Representative has not been available to hear about or see the problems of the District. This is reflected in her votes which have resulted in cuts to poverty programs (119,000 poor in the 5th), cuts to health programs including research money for the CDC, and cuts to student aid. She didn’t use her vote to cut breaks for the wealthy and for corporations, however.

As a member of the leadership team in the House, she has shown no courage in facing those who would suppress voter rights, deny women’s right to choose their healthcare, or would not legislate common sense gun-safety laws, but at least now I am assured that, although others may be homeless in Spokane because of cuts to social programs, Cathy does have a home there.

Carolyn Cress

Spokane

Not a poser

Please check your mail and note the race for the 5th District U. S. Congressional House of Representatives is officially on. We registered voters have the opportunity to support and vote for Joseph (Joe) Pakootas. Joe is an Eastern Washington business owner and has the environmental and political experience to be our Representative!

Pakootas is the CEO who is credited with a $10 million dollar economic turn around for the Colville Confederated Tribes.

In 2013 the University of Washington awarded Pakootas with the Bradford Award as the top minority business in our Evergreen State.

Joe Pakootas will do more than pose as does our current “non-representative.”

Joe will strengthen our regional employment as he has so aptly demonstrated for the Colvilles. He understands the problems of those of you in the agri-businesses and will strive to help all farming interests.

Pakootas will fight to keep Head Start and will advocate for children of all ages. Further, he knows the importance of the business sector.

Joe is a person of action and not simply a poser. Vote for Joe Pakootas for our Congressional seat!

Donald C. Orlich,

Pullman