Letter writers weigh in on Port, Lacey council candidates, plus offer hope for democracy
Vote Vasavada for Port District 1
Vote Jasmine Vasavada for Port of Olympia District 1 to bring leadership that will stand up for our local community and small business. Port commissions have historically been the old boys club where big industry gets a boost. Jasmine Vasavada is the kind of smart new leadership the Port of Olympia needs to support local economic growth that will benefit us all.
As former Director of Policy and Legislation for the Washington Department of Commerce, Jasmine Vasavada has a record of working with ports across the state to build critical infrastructure, and ensure growth benefits the local economy. Her resume includes public interest lawyer, legislative counsel, and energy policy specialist, which has gained her access to networks of regional leadership that will help bring her innovative ideas for the Port of Olympia to the table, and strengthen our local bargaining power in public/private partnerships.
The Port of Olympia manages extensive light industrial lands in Thurston County, and has the opportunity to be an engine for growing our local economy. Jasmine Vasavada has won the endorsement of Thurston County’s agricultural community by not only buying from local farms, but putting in the time to learn how to support our small farms.
As Yelm farm owners and small business advocates, we endorse Jasmine Vasavada for Port of Olympia District 1.
Warren Neth, Yelm
Vote for Lenny and Ed for Lacey
I strongly endorse Lenny Greenstein and Ed Kunkel for Lacey City Council. I have known Lenny for many years. I know him to be a strong, knowledgeable, and reasonable person. He is knowledgeable about the issues that Lacey has faced and will face in the future. His principles reflect those of the vast majority of citizens of Lacey. While I do not personally know Ed well, I am sure that he and Lenny make good partners on a council dominated by big government and “woke” activists.
Citizens of Lacey, this is a critical election. We have watched Olympia degrade from a decent city that one can visit in safety to a pest hole that is unsafe even during the day. Time and again, the council has implemented policies that not only do not improve the city or solve obvious problems but actually make things worse. They have implemented policies and projects that only enrich the grifters in the non-profit, homeless industry.
Not satisfied with ruining Olympia, the city council and administration have time and again foisted their self-made problems on Lacey. Only Lenny and Ed have opposed similar policies here in Lacey.
I am confident that most Lacey citizens are reasonable, principled individuals. If you do not want a council totally dominated by the same types that run Olympia, vote for the team of Lenny Greenstein and Ed Kunkel.
Edwin Pole II, Lacey
Gundersen is a beacon of hope for our community
Rose Chiu Gundersen is the ideal candidate for the Port of Olympia Commission. Beyond her remarkable work in fighting human trafficking for over 14 years, Rose’s dedication to caring for our neighbors and her commitment to economic recovery and revitalization efforts will ensure that local entrepreneurs have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
The COVID-19 pandemic had devastating effects on our local small businesses that are still felt today. Rose understands the need to support and uplift these businesses. She lives and breathes small businesses as a successful business and nonprofit entrepreneur, as L&I’s Small Business Liaison and now as the VP of Retail Services with the Washington Retail Association.
As a Thurston County resident and local small business owner, I have seen the importance of her work in our community.
Rose’s impressive track record in policy advocacy, co-founding Washington Trafficking Prevention (WTP) and expanding its board, demonstrates her organizational development skills to create positive change. Additionally, her efforts in mobilizing volunteers to coordinate 5K fundraising events highlights her capacity to bring people together for a common cause.
Our community deserves a compassionate and proactive leader like Rose Chiu Gundersen, who is not only willing to tackle human trafficking but is equally committed to addressing the pressing challenges our neighbors face daily. By electing Rose to the Port of Olympia Commission, we can be assured of having a dedicated advocate who will work tirelessly to create a more resilient, caring, and sustainable community.
Katie McMurray, Lacey
Democracy is alive and well
If anybody is worried about the health of our democracy, I have a suggestion. Read through the entire Local Voters’ Pamphlet. Read about the candidates for city and town councils, port commission, school boards, fire district commissions, cemetery district commissions, and parks & recreation district commissions.
It is heartening to see the good citizens in our county who are willing to step up and do their civic duty by making local government work.
You will see that grassroots democracy is alive and well.
Sam Reed, Olympia
Ceasefire now!
My name is Nomy. I’m a Jewish person who has spent most of my life in Olympia. I love my people, and I implore all of us to show up for this moment and stop the genocide of the Palestinian people, which is actively being called for by the Israeli government. Demand a ceasefire NOW. Allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. This is a historic moment. Let’s be on the right side of history.
Nomy Lamm, Olympia
