Letters: June 29

Amazing

bike ride

As part of the Slippery Gulch Celebration, there was a bike ride that left Tekoa and traversed the John Wayne Trail east to the Idaho border. Thanks to a collaboration between the members of the Tekoa Trail and Trestle Association, the Friends of the John Wayne Trail and local farmers, the trail is being expanded past the Washington border to hopefully connect with the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes in Plummer. Our group ride was led by John Heaton, one of those farmers who has land next to the trail.

What an amazing experience to ride 12.5 miles out through wooded property, dirt, gravel, farm fields and water. We are certainly blessed to have the privilege to be able to partake in such an adventure, and we thank the farmers who are graciously allowing us to be able to use the trail that crosses their land.

Just think what the possibilities might be if the trail is connected all the way from Montana to the Washington coast! Great recreational opportunities for individuals along with potential economic gains to the businesses and farmers along the trail.

If you happen to see one of these farmers, please give them a "thank you" for all of us!

Shirley Cornelius, Colfax

Kabuki?

Is it window dressing, bait and switch, or kabuki theatre? Our Representative for the 5th District in Congress, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, is sponsoring legislation to provide three more years of funding teaching health centers to draw medical students to complete residencies in isolated or underserved rural and urban hospitals.

She has voted against Obamacare (ACA) more than 50 times and then voted for Trumpcare (AHCA) which will basically cut Medicaid to many rural residents so people will not be able to afford their medical services.

Yes they might have “access”, but can’t afford their care.

There may be doctors available, but patients can’t afford their visits.

How can anyone make sense out of her contradictory positions? We informed constituents can’t ask her, because she doesn’t hold town hall meetings, and her contact office number routes callers to a circular menu of options.

Try email or snail mail, and there is a form letter response for every issue.

We need a representative who is accessible and maintains consistent positions that promote the welfare of all.

Nancy Street,

Cheney

Supports Sorenson

It is my pleasure to endorse Al Sorensen for re-election to his Ward 1, Position 7, Pullman City Council position. Al is a life-long resident of Pullman who has made a career of supporting and advancing this city.

For the many years that I was on the City Council, it was always reassuring to work with Al on city issues. Al always studied, prepared and ready to make sound, thoughtful decisions on each agenda item. Often times the choices were difficult and the pressures heavy.

As a council person, you must always be mindful that you have been entrusted with the responsibility of representing all of the people in your ward – not just those in attendance at a council meeting who may be very vocal advocates for the results they personally desire. Strong character is required to stand firm against what political correctness or the politics of the day might otherwise dictate. Al Sorensen has demonstrated that he has such strength and such character.

C. B. “Barney” Waldrop,

Pullman