Weekly Columns and Op-Eds
Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate, the late Elie Wiesel, once said of that horrific state-sponsored genocide that, "to forget the victims means to kill them a second time. So I couldn't prevent the first death. I surely must be capable of saving them from a second death." The world-renowned author sought to prevent victims from being forgotten through writing many books on the persecution through his experience and by helping establish the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
‘And don't let the door hit you on your way out,' one might say to the old tax code that allocated more of American families' earnings to the federal government. Tuesday, April 17 is the final filing day under the outdated federal tax system, thanks to successful tax reform efforts that have been signed into law.
I recently traveled across Washington's Fourth Congressional District to speak with farmers from each county to hear their concerns about an upcoming Farm Bill. One of the largest concerns expressed by farmers had little to do with congressional action, however: Central Washington farmers expressed their anxiety about the impact of a potentially-escalating trade war with global trading partners.
One of the most urgent issues we face right now in Central Washington is the ongoing threat to dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Just this week, a 9th Circuit Court panel rejected arguments for an injunction to pause a forced spill order by an Oregon federal judge. The Oregon judge's order requires an increase in spill for the eight lower Columbia and Snake River dams and now goes into effect as of April 3rd. Increasing spill comes with a $40 million price tag for ratepayers this year alone.
Joining together to combat the crisis of drug and opioid abuse that is harming our communities is a major issue that should unite Americans in common cause. The impact of drug addiction and overdoses has touched too many lives in our country and in our state.
More than 36 years ago, three women in Central Washington pioneered their vision of serving their community through improving access to higher education opportunities for students who society may not have considered college-bound. Martha Yallup and Violet Lumely Rau of the Yakama Nation, and Sister Kathleen Ross of Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus, came together to found what would become Heritage University in the Yakima Valley. Their determined efforts continue to bear fruit in Central Washington communities and in the lives of graduates.
Something that has been lacking in the current national debate on firearms is trust and good faith.
Responsible gun owners mourn the innocent victims of mass shootings. Responsible gun owners want to keep our communities safe. Parents on both sides of this debate worry about our children's safety.
The Pacific Northwest, and especially Central Washington, is rightfully famous for our abundance of natural beauty. The Methow Valley in the northwestern corner of Okanogan County is a spectacular example of the pristine Washington landscape that we have the privilege to enjoy. The scenic valley serves as a gateway to the North Cascades National Park and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to fish, hunt, and hike. Recreation and tourism underpin the local economy.
*This Op-Ed appeared in the Tri-City Herald on March 3rd, 2018.
Conducted in 2014, the Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion (BiOp) was an unprecedented example of cooperation between President Barack Obama's administration, state governments, sovereign Northwest tribes, and public and private power groups.
Its conclusion: Dams and fish can coexist.
What would life in the Mid-Columbia be like if dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers were removed? What would then be used to control flooding that devastated communities before the dams were put in place? How would we provide clean, reliable hydropower for hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses? How would our region's farmers and agriculture industry replace lost access to water that is currently stored behind the dams? This worst-case scenario is not as far-fetched as we would hope, unfortunately.