Weekly Columns and Op-Eds

Like many residents of Central Washington, I grew up responsibly exercising my constitutional right to own a firearm. This includes knowing proper storage protocols, safety measures, and when it is appropriate to discharge a weapon. With this knowledge in mind, I can practice my right to own a firearm safely. Unfortunately, we have seen attacks from opponents of the Second Amendment who try to legislate gun ownership out of existence.

It has been nearly a year since the horrific October 7th attacks by the terrorist organization, Hamas, and it is crucial to reflect on what has happened since.

In Central Washington, we understand better than most that our farmers and ranchers are the stewards of our lands. They know responsible land management includes a balance between species conservation and economic development in our rural communities. However, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has long been misused to halt development due to confusion by some between conservation and preservation, impacting our region.

For too long, the federal government has been blind to the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) purchases of American farmland. According to findings by the USDA’s Economic Research Service, CCP investment in U.S. agricultural land has grown tenfold in the last decade, signaling a dangerous trend that shows no signs of slowing.

Labor Day is a time-honored tradition where we as Americans recognize the hardworking men and women who are the backbone of our great nation. From the productive apple orchards of Central Washington and the constantly innovating Hanford Site, to the manufacturing plants and businesses large and small across the country, it is their skill and dedication that drives our economy and strengthens our communities.

The new school year is beginning for many, but before the bell rings, I want to address the increasing dangers we see from opioids in our schools. Fentanyl is sadly the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, and it only takes a 2-milligram dose—the size of a grain of rice—to cause an overdose. As it becomes increasingly available, it is crucial for parents to understand the risks that their children are facing.