Letter writers weigh in on Port candidates, plus question a school electronics policy

Inaccuracies about Bill McGregor and the port

I write in response to Jim Lazar’s recent letter that contained inaccuracies regarding the upcoming Port of Olympia Commissioner election.

Bill McGregor, running for Position 1, stands as an exemplary candidate. His dedication to service, evident through his Coast Guard tenure and over 40 years of fostering children, speaks volumes about his character. With 42 years in the Port industry, 27 as a staffer and 15 as a former Port Commissioner, his depth of knowledge makes him the most qualified contender on the November ballot.

The assertion that Weyerhaeuser enjoys a multi-million dollar lease subsidy is false. Weyerhaeuser’s presence at the Port has translated into vital jobs for Thurston County citizens, fostering a thriving logging industry, supporting truck drivers, and creating marine terminal employment. These family-wage jobs are made possible by the Port’s initiatives.

Additionally, the stormwater system consistently meets benchmarks, debunking Mr. Lazar’s claims.

Furthermore, his statement about the tax levy misguides readers. Most of the 75 Washington state ports collect taxes. The Port of Olympia’s tax rate is modest, especially when compared to other Washington ports.

Contrary to Mr. Lazar’s assertions, real change comes from supporting candidates such as Bill McGregor for Position 1, Rose Chiu Gundersen for Position 4, and Troy Kirby for Position 5. Their vision for economic development, job creation, and sustainable progress will shape a thriving Thurston County.

Let’s base our choices on facts and merit, ensuring a prosperous future for us all.

Jim Amador, former executive for the NW Marine Terminal Association, Shelton

Gundersen is a proven leader

Rose Chiu Gundersen is a proven collaborative leader who knows our community. Her candidacy for the Port of Olympia is a great and important development for the citizens of this community.

She is the key for assisting the Port’s longstanding commitment to fostering economic growth. Having closely collaborated with Rose for several years in the realm of workforce development, I can confidently attest to her exceptional leadership qualities and her deep understanding of our community needs.

Rose has consistently demonstrated an unwavering dedication to enhancing the work readiness and overall development of our youth. Her remarkable networking prowess and her ability to drive initiatives forward through effective collaboration have been instrumental in advancing our community’s workforce readiness programs. Moreover, Rose’s role as an accomplished executive/manager at the Washington Retail Association further underscores her expertise in fostering collaboration. I have had the privilege of working alongside her exceptional team, which shares her passion for engaging with careers and technical educators on both local and statewide levels.

Rose Chiu Gundersen’s proven track record as a collaborative leader, her deep-rooted commitment to youth work readiness, and her managerial prowess make her an idea candidate for the Port of Olympia. Her leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our community.

Bill Moore, Olympia

Kindling a love for reading amidst restrictive school policies

I’m compelled to shed light on a perplexing Chinook Middle School policy that ironically inhibits the love of reading in students.

My daughter, an ardent reader, was restricted from using her Kindle Paperwhite — a device solely designed for reading — due to a sweeping “no electronics” rule. As a widowed, full-time working parent of children in three different schools, the Kindle was our lifeline to easily accessible, vast libraries without the necessity of frequent physical visits, which our constrained schedule cannot accommodate.

Upon discussing with Principal Sarah Shaw, I was informed that the policy, albeit rigid, was in place to prevent distractions and protect expensive items from being damaged or lost. Ironically, smartwatches, significantly pricier and more distracting than a Kindle, remain unbarred under the same policy. The blatant disparity in this rule’s logic and implementation undercuts its legitimacy and potentially hampers a student’s educational journey.

In an era where nurturing a love for reading is crucial amidst myriad digital distractions, policies should support, not impede, these endeavors. It’s imperative that educational policymakers reassess such rules, ensuring they are genuinely beneficial and do not inadvertently stymie a child’s love for reading and learning.

Bill Rich, Olympia